Carcass Traits and Meat Quality Characteristics of Malabari Male Kids Reared under Different Production System

Abstract

Background: The intensive rearing systems of goats needs dietary formulations that will meet animal requirements, mainly the protein and energy to allow optimum growth rate. Alternative systems to attain 15-20 kg body weight by three months of age with better meat quality is need of the hour. Broiler goat production system is most suitable system of rearing for meat goat production. The current study was conducted to examine the impact of broiler goat production system on the carcass traits and meat quality characteristics of Malabari male kids. Methods: Fourteen pre-weaned kids were randomly allotted to two treatments. Treatment-I (T1) kids were allowed to suckle thrice a day during four weeks and twice in a day during consequent weeks. Whereas in Treatment-II (T2), kids were reared intensively by providing finely ground concentrate feed mixed with equal quantity of rice gruel from a feeding bottle after 7 days of colostrum feeding from the mother. The animals were slaughtered at an age of three months and the final body weight, carcass traits like dressing percentage, weight of different body parts and meat quality parameters like pH, color, cooking loss and shear force were analysed. The proximate composition and sensory evaluation was performed. Result: Broiler goat production system could produce significantly (P less than 0.01) higher final average body weight compared to natural system. All the carcass traits were significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in T2. The broiler goat production system could double the net live weight during the same period compared to natural suckling system with higher dressing % and the chevon produced was tender with less cooking loss. Hence, this system can be recommended for chevon production in shorter period with higher dressing % and lesser cooking loss in Malabari male kids.