Evaluation of Black Bengal goats and their cross with the Jamunapari breed for carcass characteristics

Carcass quality of Jamunapari x Black Bengal (JBB), Black Bengal selected for growth (SBB) and random-bred (RBB) wethers of 1 year of age was studied. There was no significant difference between JBB and SBB in pre-slaughter traits and carcass characteristics, except height at wither and dressing percentage which were significantly higher in JBB than in SBB, and muscle fiber diameter which was significantly smaller in JBB than in SBB. Performance of RBB was significantly lower than JBB and SBB. When hot carcass, non-carcass, variety meat, prime cuts, fat deposition and total saleable portion were expressed as % of empty live weight and compared among genetic groups, JBB ranked first. Selection for rapid growth rate within Black Bengal goat increased its live weight and improved meat production. Increased live weight showed a positive relationship with increased fat deposition. Relationships between 'eye muscle' area and hot carcass yield, empty live weight and gut fat and perinephric fat and gut fat were positive and significant. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.