The effect of slaughtering weight on slaughtering performance in Merino sheep

Abstract

In this experiment the authors examined the characteristics of the slaughter parameters relating to the Hungarian Merino breed, and how the ratio of the cut meat parts changes in the course of growth. The investigations involved trial slaughter of 306 rams. Each animal was allotted to one of four weight categories, from 25 kg to 45 kg. The ratio of the cut meat parts related to body weight prior to slaughter was compared between the weight categories. It was observed that the ratio of the pelt, the head, the hocks, the neck and the haunch decreased, while the ratio of the long loin muscle, the short loin muscle, the shoulder and the rib increased in relation to body weight prior to slaughter. The most striking difference was observed in the degree of fat deposition, in which above 35 kg live weight there is a substantial increase in the ratio of fat deposited. In the weight categories examined no significant change (P>5%) was ascertained in dressing percentage in relation to body weight prior to slaughter.