Effects of live weight at slaughter (6, 10 and 25 kg) on kid carcass and meat quality

Abstract In Mediterranean countries live weight at slaughter (LWS) for kid goats is lower than in Arabian or African countries. Logically, increasing LWS could increase a farmer’s profit margin. Forty-five twin male kids from the Canary Caprine Group breed were used to compare carcass and meat quality at 6, 10 and 25 kg LWS. Dressing percentage based on full weight was lower for 25 kg LWS compared with LWS of 6 and 10 kg, although based on empty body weight dressing percentage for 25 kg LWS was similar to that with 6 and 10 kg LWS. Dressing percentage based on empty body weight was, however, lower for 6 vs. 10 kg LWS. There were no significant differences among LWS in percentage contributions to the whole carcass of primal cuts excluding the neck (lower proportion in 25 kg LWS kids). LWS did not affect tissue distribution in the carcass except for intermuscular fat (higher for 25 vs. 6 kg LWS). Few differences between LWS were observed in relation to meat quality parameters. Results suggest that increasing LWT from 6 to 10 and 25 kg for kids artificially reared does not have negative effects on carcass or meat quality yet would result in more edible meat (pounds) to be marketed.