CARCASS COMPOSITION AND QUALITY OF SHEEP WITH DIFFERENT SLAUGHTER BODY WEIGHTS

The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify commercial sheep meat cuts and their tissues in relation to different ranges of slaughter body weight of lambs. One hundred and fifty lambs were divided according to the following slaughter weight ranges: 16 to 20 kg, 21 to 25 kg, 26 to 30 kg, 31 to 35 kg, 36 to 40 kg, and 41 to 45 kg. The commercial meat cuts evaluated were the neck, shoulder, leg, ribs, fixed ribs, floating ribs, loin with void, low. Based on these data, the cut yields in relation to cold carcass weight, fat yield (subcutaneous and intermuscular), muscle yield, and muscle/fat tissue ratio were obtained. Animals slaughtered with 21 to 25 kg exhibited higher shoulder yield than heavier animals slaughtered with 41 to 45 kg. Similar results were obtained for the leg. In general, the commercial cuts of animals slaughtered with lighter weight provided higher muscle yields and lower fat yields. Body weights classified as light and medium exhibited a better tissue ratio, providing a better edible portion to consumers.