Comparison of Slaughter Yield and Carcass Quality Indices in R1 German Blackheaded Mutton x Turcana and Purebreed Turcana

Abstract

Aim of the research was to evaluate the effects that backcrossing of the German Blackheaded Mutton (GBM) breed with indigenous Turcana (TUR) breed have on the growth rates, slaughter yields and carcass quality, compared with animals from purebreed Turcana. Researches were carried out in the Sheep and Goats Research and Development Station from Caransebes, during a period of 3 years. The flock of pure breed Turcana ewes, managed by the Research Station was crossed with rams imported from Germany. F1 German Blackheaded Mutton ewes were back-crossed with rams from the german specialized breed, the R1 crossbreed that had 75% genes from the German Blackheaded Mutton was examined starting lambing until slaughter. Results shown that average daily gain of R1 GBM x TUR was 221.50 grams, compared to 177.60 grams in Turcana lambs. Slaughter yield was 48.85% in R1 GBM and 42.17% in Turcana, differneces registered of 6.68% were very singnificant statistically (p<0.001). Meat percentage from total dead-weight was on average of 78.33% in R1 GBM, compared with 74.38% in pure breed Turcana (p<0.001). Results suggest that R1 German Blackheaded Mutton could be used as a terminal sire in order to improve slaughter yield and carcass quality.

Keywords

• carcass quality
• german blackheaded mutton
• slaughter yield
• turcana