Characterization of sheep carcasses produced in Mexico

One thousand (1,000) sheep carcasses produced in Mexico were characterized. Data were processed through descriptive statistics and using a totally random design. From total carcasses, 82.2 % were males and 17.8 % females. Fifty three (53) genotypes (11 pure breeds and 42 different crosses) were identified. Slaughter weight averaged 43.2 +/- 7.2 kg (20.4 to 85.7), cold carcass weight averaged 22.0 +/- 4.1 kg (11.3 to 50.0) carcass yield was 50.0 +/- 5.1 % (34.7 to 73.5), rib eye area averaged 14.8 +/- 3.8 cm(2) (2.7 to 29.7), subcutaneous fat thickness had a mean of 3.1 +/- 1.6 mm (1.0 to 10.0) and pH averaged 5.5 +/- 0.2 (5.0 to 6.5). The intensive production system showed higher values in slaughter weight, cold carcass weight and rib eye area (44.4 +/- 5.9 kg, 22.8 +/- 3.3 kg and 15.5 +/- 3.6 cm2, respectively) than the semi-intensive system (43.6 +/- 5.3 kg, 19.9 +/- 3.1 kg and 13.8 +/- 2.5 cm2) and extensive system (36.4 +/- 9.7, 19.6 +/- 2.6 kg and 9.6 +/- 2.6 cm2). Males had higher values than females in slaughter weight (44.3 +/- 6.7 vs 40.1 +/- 6.1 kg), cold carcass weight (22.2 +/- 3.8 vs 21.2 +/- 4.4 kg) and rib eye area (15.2 +/- 3.7 vs 12.7 +/- 3.7 cm2). The great diversity in phenotypes and different lamb conditions caused considerable variability in carcass traits, which limits the formal lamb market, so sheep domestic production should be reordered towards a more uniform quality condition.