Abstract

LEMES, J.S. et al. Carcass and meat characteristics from Corriedale lambs grazing two weights of pearl millet. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2014, vol.63, n.241, pp.161-170. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922014000100016.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass characteristics and meat quality of Corriedale lambs subjected to two grazing height on millet. The lamb's termination was done in summer annual pasture on a common cultivar of millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke). The treatments consisted of two grazing heights, 20 and 40 cm. The slaughter was based on body condition between 2 and 3 (1 to 5 scale). Quantitative and qualitative evaluations were carried out on carcass and meat. The conformation demonstrated great relation with fattening status. There was no difference between subjective characteristics of color and texture. However marbling index values were higher (p<0.01), when lambs grazed on 20 cm height millet. In conclusion, there is neither difference between carcass characteristics and instrumental meat evaluations, nor difference in tissue components of the shoulder in Corriedale lambs subjected to different grazing heights on millet. However, the height of grazing affects the marbling score.

Keywords : Pennisetum americanum; Tissue composition.

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