Effect of slaughter weight and sex on carcass composition and mutton quality of Nellore sheep

The effect of slaughter weight and sex on carcass traits and certain meat qualities of Nellore sheep were studied. The higher slaughter weight group (15-25 kg) had significantly higher dressing percentage. However, no significant difference was observed in carcass traits between sexes. The slaughter weight and sex had no effect on muscle pH. The water holding capacity (WHC) was more in higher slaughter weight group whereas, higher cooking loss was found in lower slaughter weight group (10-15 kg). Higher weight and sex had significant influence on moisture, however, no significant differences were observed in protein, fat and ash contents. This study showed that sex had no influence on meat quality in Nellore sheep. However, higher weight group sheep had superior meat characteristics, viz better WHC, more redness and lesser cooking loss compared to lower weight group animals.