Factors affecting goat meat production and quality

Comparison of production performance and meat quality characteristics between Guizhou Black goats and F4 generation hybrids of South African Kalahari Goats

This study spanned 6 years and 4 generations, involving the progressive crossbreeding of South African Kalahari Goat (SK) and Guizhou Black Goat (GB) over three generations, followed by cross fixation F3 with F1 in the fourth generation, accompanied by the use of molecular markers technology to select a high fertility population, resulting in the creation of a hybrid goat, BKF4 (11/16 SK lineage and 5/16 GB lineage). A comparative evaluation of the BKF4 hybrid breed and its parental breeds was conducted. Reproductive and production parameters of GB, SK, and BKF4 goat groups were monitored, including lambing rate (LR), survival rate (SR), daily weight gain at 3 months of age (DWG), and adult body weight (ABW) (n = 110, 106, 112 per group). In addition, dressing percentage (DP) (n = 12 per group) and analyses of amino acids (n = 8, 6, 10 per group) and fatty acids (n = 6 per group) were conducted to evaluate meat quality indicators. Results: (1) Reproductive and production performance: The index of LR reached 199%, significantly higher than GB and SK (p ≤ 0.001), with a SR of 95.0%, markedly higher than SK (p ≤ 0.001); DWG was 276.5 g, ABW reached 56.6 kg and with a dressing percentage (DP) of 54.5%, they are significantly surpassing GB (p ≤ 0.001). (2) Regarding meat quality: pH45-value and crude protein content (CP) increased, while intramuscular fat content increased compared to GB and ash content decreased. The amino acid composition was similar to GB, but the taste was more similar to SK. However, there were some negative impacts on fatty acid composition and functionality. (3) PCA analysis revealed that: BKF4 exhibited superior meat quality compared to GB and SK, influenced by two key factors contributing 83.49% and 16.51% to the explained variance, respectively. The key factors affecting meat quality include intramuscular fat (IMF), nutrient index (NI), PUFAs/MUFAs, n-6FAs, and drip loss (DL).

Assessment of water resources for livestock in the Wilaya of Naama, Southwest Algeria: a GIS-based approach

This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and spatial data to evaluate water resource availability for livestock watering in Algeria's southwestern Wilaya of Naama. The research adopts a two-stage approach, starting with the creation of seven thematic maps encompassing livestock water needs, proximity to water sources, water quantities from boreholes, hillside reservoirs, wells, and springs, precipitation, and land use/land cover (LULC). Subsequently, an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is utilized to identify suitable areas within the Wilaya for livestock watering. Beyond its primary objective of establishing a benchmark for water resources to facilitate optimal and sustainable livestock management, this study also aims to assess suitable sites for livestock and provide a comprehensive evaluation of water resources for grazing. The findings reveal that the majority of the area is unsuitable for grazing due to limited water resources, with approximately 2.43% being "highly suitable" (S1), 13.42% "moderately suitable" (S2), and the remaining 84.15% categorized as "marginally suitable" (S3), "temporarily unsuitable" (N1), or "permanently unsuitable" (N2). These results underscore the significance of GIS and spatial analysis in natural resource management and emphasize the need for further research to refine the methodology. The data generated in this study will be invaluable to researchers and water stakeholders for informed decision-making in this sensitive zone.

A Comparative Study on Microbiological and Chemical Characteristics of Small Ruminant Carcasses from Abattoirs in Greece

Meat quality dictates consumer preferences with hygiene forming a key component, especially in meat types with declining popularity, such as sheep and goat meat. Aiming to increase the marketability of sheep and goat meat, we examined 370 sheep and goat carcasses from two abattoirs in Greece. Tests included enumeration of the total mesophilic viable count, total psychrophilic viable count and coliform count, and detection of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and presumptive ESBL Escherichia coli. Moreover, designated samples of meat were used to measure pH, moisture, total fat and protein content. Goat carcasses had significantly higher microbial counts compared to sheep carcasses. Lamb and kid carcasses had larger TMVC, TPVC and coliform counts compared to carcasses from adult animals. One strain of L. monocytogenes (0.8%), typed as serovar 1/2a (3a), was isolated from one adult sheep carcass. Twelve strains of ESBL Escherichia coli (25%) were isolated; there were not any strains of Salmonella spp. The average values of pH, moisture, total fat and total protein were 5.83%, 67.76%, 7.21% and 21.31%, respectively, for sheep carcasses and 5.70%, 68.2%, 5.69% and 24.10%, respectively, for goat carcasses. The results showed a small deviation in assessed parameters, implying the uniformity of the conditions concerning rearing and slaughtering.

Chevon production and quality of Kalahari Red goats fed increasing levels of hempseed cake substituted for soybean meal

A 42-d study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with increasing levels of hempseed cake (HSC) in goat finishing diets on growth performance, carcass and chevon quality attributes. Thirty-five, 3-month-old Kalahari Red wethers (25 ± 1.5 kg initial body weight) were randomly allocated to one of five dietary treatments with seven animals per treatment. Wethers were fed maize-lucerne based finishing diets with inclusions of 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/kg DM of HSC replacing soybean meal as the main protein source. Diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on daily feed intake, average daily gain, final body weight and income-over-feed costs. Carcass and meat quality attributes were not influenced (P > 0.05) by HSC, except intramuscular fat, which increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with HSC inclusion levels. It was concluded that HSC could completely replace soybean meal in goat finishing diets without affecting chevon production and quality.

Economic Analysis of an Image-Based Beef Carcass Yield Estimation System in Korea

Simple Summary

Carcass grading is a vital process in the slaughterhouse and is used for the quantification of the overall value of carcasses. Since carcass grading is often performed manually by a team of grading experts, it is subject to human limitations which result in inconsistency and limited operation speed. Considering this, an automatic beef carcass yield estimation system capable of predicting 23 key yield parameters was developed. However, just like any freshly introduced system, analysis of the economic impact of the grading system is vital before deployment in any slaughterhouse business. In this study, a thorough economic analysis to justify deploying the developed beef carcass grading system in a standard slaughterhouse in South Korea was performed through a cost-benefit analysis. The analysis found that the benefits derived from using the developed system outweigh the costs of purchasing and operating the system making the endeavor economically viable.

Abstract

To minimize production costs, reduce mistakes, and improve consistency, modern-day slaughterhouses have turned to automated technologies for operations such as cutting, deboning, etc. One of the most vital operations in the slaughterhouse is carcass grading, usually performed manually by grading staff, which creates a bottleneck in terms of production speed and consistency. To speed up the carcass grading process, we developed an online system that uses image analysis and statistical tools to estimate up to 23 key yield parameters. A thorough economic analysis is required to aid slaughterhouses in making informed decisions about the risks and benefits of investing in the system. We therefore conducted an economic analysis of the system using a cost-benefit analysis (the methods considered were net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and benefit/cost ratio (BCR)) and sensitivity analysis. The benefits considered for analysis include labor cost reduction and gross margin improvement arising from optimizing breeding practices with the use of the data obtained from the system. The cost-benefit analysis of the system resulted in an NPV of approximately 310.9 million Korean Won (KRW), a BCR of 1.72, and an IRR of 22.28%, which means the benefits outweigh the costs in the long term.

Meat tenderness: advances in biology, biochemistry, molecular mechanisms and new technologies

Meat tenderness is an important quality trait critical to consumer acceptance, and determines satisfaction, repeat purchase and willingness-to-pay premium prices. Recent advances in tenderness research from a variety of perspectives are presented. Our understanding of molecular factors influencing tenderization are discussed in relation to glycolysis, calcium release, protease activation, apoptosis and heat shock proteins, the use of proteomic analysis for monitoring changes, proteomic biomarkers and oxidative/nitrosative stress. Each of these structural, metabolic and molecular determinants of meat tenderness are then discussed in greater detail in relation to animal variation, postmortem influences, and changes during cooking, with a focus on recent advances. Innovations in postmortem technologies and enzymes for meat tenderization are discussed including their potential commercial application. Continued success of the meat industry relies on ongoing advances in our understanding, and in industry innovation. The recent advances in fundamental and applied research on meat tenderness in relation to the various sectors of the supply chain will enable such innovation.

Impact of Diet Supplementation and Age at Slaughter on Carcass Characteristics of Creole Goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet and age on finishing performances and carcass characteristics of male Creole goats. A total of 91 weaned male Creole kids [84 days old ± 7 days, 9.2 kg live weight (LW) ± 0.5 kg] were randomly allocated in a 2 × 3 experimental design. The animals were fed individually with two diets: C0: a 28-day-old Digitaria decubens grass alone, or C50: the same grass plus a commercial concentrate (50% of the total diet) and then slaughtered at 7, 11, or 15 months of age. Significant feeding regimen and age at slaughter effects were observed on the goat carcass characteristics. The addition of concentrate improved the average daily gain (ADG), the dressing percentage, and the conformation score (1-5 scale) from 46 to 88 g/day, 52.8 to 62.4%, and 2.2 to 4.9, respectively. Moreover, carcasses of the C0 group appeared lean with less developed fat than the C50 group and lighter than visceral fat. The meat color was significantly more affected by diet than age. Our data suggested that the production of heavy carcasses with low proportions of fat in the meat is possible in this local breed. The valorization of such a forage feeding system until 11 months of age or with the addition of concentrate from 7 to 11 months of age should be evaluated economically.

Effect of hay with or without concentrate or pellets on growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs on the Inner Mongolian Plateau

This study aimed to evaluate growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs fed native grass hay without or with concentrate (HC) or pellets. Ninety non-castrated 6-month-old male lambs of good health and similar body weight (26.83 ± 0.26 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (five lambs per cage). The average daily gain and intake of the pellets and HC groups were significantly greater (p < .05) than those in the hay group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin eye area, and backfat thickness were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC groups. The intramuscular fat was significantly greater (p < .05) in the pellets and HC groups, while the shear force was significantly decreased (p < .05) in pellets and HC groups. The C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c, and C18:2n6 contents were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC and pellet groups, while the C18:3n3 content was significantly greater (p < .05) in the hay group. Collectively, the present study suggested that feeding native grass hay with concentrate or pellets improved the growth in lambs.

Prediction of dressing percentage, carcass characteristics and meat yield of goats, and implications for live assessment and carcass-grading systems

Abstract Context Dressing percentage (DP) and meat yield (MY) predictions using live assessments and carcass measurements enable objective valuation of animals and their carcasses. We hypothesised that distribution of goat carcass tissues affects predictive value of live body condition scoring (CS) methods and carcass measurements for these traits. Aims The present paper aimed to assess the value of CS methods for prediction of DP and MY and of carcass measurements for prediction of MY. Methods Correlation and regression analyses from a dataset (n = 1014 goats) highly heterogeneous for factors influencing DP and MY were used to assess (1) the value of live-goat assessments and classifications, including five CS methods, age (dentition), liveweight (LW), sex, fleece characteristics and breed or genotype to predict DP and MY, and (2) the value of hot standard carcass weight (HSCW) and carcass GR (soft tissue over the 12th rib) tissue depth, eye-muscle depth and eye-muscle area to predict MY. Key results Among kids, LW accounted for 1% (residual standard deviation of 2.6%) of variation in DP, 22% (2.3%) in MY (% LW) and 34% (2.5%) in MY (% HSCW). LW plus the best CS method accounted for 24% (2.3%) of variation in DP, 58% (1.7%) in MY (% LW) and 61% (2.0%) in MY (% HSCW). Among all goats, LW plus CS accounted for up to 21% (3.2%), 39% (2.1%) and 45% (2.2%) of variation in these traits. Regression models that included age, sex, fleece type, breed or genotype, LW and CS accounted for 67% (2.5%), 72% (1.9%) and 72% (2.1%) of variation in DP, MY (% LW) and MY (% HSCW). Among carcass measurements, HSCW plus eye-muscle depth had best predictive value, accounting for 61% (2.3%) of variation in MY (% HSCW) for kids and 40% (2.9%) for all goats. Conclusions The body condition-score methods that best relate to DP and MY (% LW or % HSCW) assessed the shape of M. longissimus lumborum (eye muscle) in the lumbar region, which relates to muscularity of goats, rather than subcutaneous fat depth such as assessed at the GR-site. Implications The results guide potential targets for future developments in live-goat assessment, carcass classification and grading, and trading languages underpinned by value-based marketing.

Effect of Breed Types and Castration on Carcass Characteristics of Boer and Large Frame Indigenous Veld Goats of Southern Africa

Simple Summary

The purpose of this paper is to describe and compare the carcass characteristics of same-aged young wethers and bucks of Boer Goat (BG) and Indigenous Veld Goats (IVG: Cape Speckled and the Cape Lob Ear)—a collective name for the eco-types conserved by the Indigenous Veld Goat Society of South Africa. Results of this study showed that, under the same production conditions, IVG could have a similar potential for meat production. Carcass characteristics differed more between wethers and bucks than between breed types. Large frame Indigenous Veld Goat (IVG) bucks seemed particularly suited for meat production, due to higher meat yield that is leaner with lower subcutaneous and intramuscular fat, compared to the BG bucks and, in particular, to the wethers of both breed types. The wethers meat with increased subcutaneous and intramuscular fat could satisfy another consumer market segment that prefer a somewhat juicier and flavorsome meat—these aspects warrant further research. Development of the formal commercial market for goat meat would offer more diversity of species for red meat producers and especially benefit smallholder farmers who typically produce most of the goats in the world.

Abstract

Weaner male Boer Goats (BG; n = 36; 21 bucks and 15 wethers) and large frame Indigenous Veld Goats (IVG; n = 41; 21 bucks and 20 wethers) were raised on hay and natural grass ad libitum and the recommended amount of commercial pelleted diet to a live weight between 30 and 35 kg. Carcass quality characteristics (live weight, carcass weights, dressing %, chilling loss and eye muscle area) were measured. The right sides of the carcasses were divided into wholesale cuts and dissected into subcutaneous fat, meat and bone. Large frame Indigenous Veld Goat (IVG) wethers were slightly lighter than the IVG bucks with no significant difference observed between BG. Wethers compared to bucks had higher dressing %, subcutaneous fat % in all primal cuts, intramuscular fat %, kidney fat % and, overall, slightly less bone %. Some breed–wether interactions were noticed: IVG wethers were slightly lighter than the IVG bucks, but the IVG bucks tended to produce higher % meat compared to other test groups. Judged on the intramuscular fat % characteristics, it seems as if wethers should produce juicier and more flavorsome meat compared to bucks.

Sustainable Rearing for Kid Meat Production in Southern Italy Marginal Areas: A Comparison among Three Genotypes

Sustainable goat breeding plays an important role in the economy of marginal areas. The present study aimed to compare performances and meat quality traits in kids of a native Apulian genotype (Garganica) in comparison with two Mediterranean breeds (Maltese and Derivata di Siria). Kids suckled dam milk until they were 21 (±2) days old, hence three groups of 12 male kids per each genotype were made. The kids received a pelleted feed ad libitum in addition to dam milk and were slaughtered at 60 days of age. The Maltese kids showed the lowest net cold-dressing percentage, with statistical differences compared to Garganica and Derivata di Siria. Meat obtained from Garganica kids showed a rosy color due to a significantly lower a* index and were also more tender since a lower WBS was recorded in comparison with the other two genotypes. As for the nutritional value of meat, the best n-6/n-3 ratio was found for the Derivata di Siria breed. In conclusion, Garganica kid meat showed the lowest content of SFA and atherogenic index, with potential beneficial effects for human health.

Meat quality of suckling goat raised in differents feeding systems

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of three breeding systems on the organoleptic quality and the physico-chemical composition of kids goat meat. Were used thirty newborn baby goats of 3.35 kg ± 0.65 kg crossed Parda Alpina x Undefined Race (SPRD) submitted to three breeding systems: Traditional system-TS; Intensive Feeding System without Concentrate- IS and Intensive Feeding System with Concentrate- IS+C. When the goats reached 12 kg, the animals were slaughtered and chemical and physical analyzes were performed in the evaluation of the meat and sensorial. The experimental design was completely randomized, submitted to analysis of variance and compared by the Tukey test and Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsh at 5%. All analyzed variables were also submitted to Pearson correlation. The meat of the goats submitted to IS+C and IS presented higher intramuscular fat content and better flavor and aroma scores. A of Goats that used concentrated ration (TS and IS+C) showed a more intense red color in the meat than the animals that did not receive concentrate in their diets, besides presenting higher lipid contents in their composition, better scores for these two organoleptic characteristics. The chemical composition of goat meat in both breeding systems indicates that it is low in fat and high in moisture and therefore classified as very tender and juicy. The meat obtained from the IS+C, in general, presented better attributes than the others, believing it in the markets of meat of high quality.  

Whole genome analysis of Black Bengal goat from Savar Goat Farm, Bangladesh

OBJECTIVES

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play critical roles in genetic diversity and disease. Many traits and diseases are linked with exonic SNPs that are significant for gene function, regulation or translation. This study focuses on SNPs that potentially act as the genetic basis for desirable traits in the Black Bengal Goat. This variety of goat is native to South Asia, and is identified as one of the most commercially important meat producing animals in the world. The aim of this study was to sequence the genome of Black Bengal Goats and identify SNPs that might play a significant role in determining meat quality in the organism. The study focuses on exonic SNPs for their greater likelihood of affecting the final translated protein product.

RESULTS

Approximately 76,000 exonic variants were identified in the study. After filtration using a Wilcoxon test based score, the number came down to 49, 965 which were found to be distributed in 11,568 genes. The functional pathways affected by these variations included fatty acid metabolism and degradation, which are important processes that influence meat quality.

Fatty acid, chemical, and tissue composition of meat comparing Santa Inês breed sheep and Boer crossbreed goats submitted to different supplementation strategies

To compare the fatty acid (FA) composition, and chemical and tissue composition of meat, 24 uncastrated males, 12 sheep of the Santa Inês breed, and 12 crossbred goats (F1 Boer × undefined breed) with the weight of 24.3 ± 2.38 kg. The animals were distributed in a randomized block design and treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design, two small ruminant species/breed (Boer crossbreed goat × Santa Inês breed sheep), and two supplementation strategies (energy × protein energy). There was not an interaction between the small ruminant species and the supplementation on average daily gain, tissue composition, chemical composition, or FA profile of the longissimus lumborum muscle. Sheep presented greater weight and yield of fat in the subcutaneous, intermuscular, and total depots than goats, which results in better finishing of the sheep for slaughter. Goat meat presented a lower lipid concentration than sheep meat. The protein-energy supplementation increased oleic acid, ΣUFA, ΣMUFA, hypocholesterolemic/ Hypercholesterolemic index, and enzymatic activity Δ9-desaturase C18 and decreased SFA capric acid in the muscle when compared with energetic supplementation. In Caatinga biome conditions, Boer crossbreed goats meat has a lower concentration of lipids and a healthier FA composition compared with Santa Inês breed sheep because it has a lower SFA and greater PUFA content, which are sources of n-3 and n-6, which may contribute to the reduction of blood cholesterol (LDL). In addition, protein-energy supplementation also improved the quality of animal fat compared with supplementation only with the energetic concentrate, regardless of species.

Effect of posttransportation grazing on the physiological condition and meat quality traits of Black Bengal goats

This study was designed to reveal the role of posttransportation grazing on the physiological condition and meat quality traits of Black Bengal goats. Twenty-four castrated male Black Bengal goats were divided into a control (untransported) group and three treated groups: Walking and Transportation with Human Interference group (WTHI) (30 min walking before 6 hr transport and then 30 min walking with human interference), posttransportation grazing for 48 hr (PTG1), and posttransportation grazing for 72 hr (PTG2). The WTHI and PTG1 groups had a significant reduction in their blood concentrations of tri-iodothyronine (T₃ ) and thyroxine (T₄ ), and a significantly higher neutrophil and lymphocyte (N:L) ratio compared with those of the control group. Blood concentrations of T₃ and T₄ and the N:L ratio of PTG2 returned to the control level after 72 hr of grazing. The final pH and water-holding capacity values of meat were significantly higher in the WTHI group than in the control group, but those in the PTG2 group returned to the control level after 72 hr of grazing. These results demonstrate that posttransportation grazing for 72 hr is effective for recovering from damage induced by transportation stress.

Enhancement of growth performance in pre-weaning suckling Boer kids supplemented with creep feed containing alfalfa

Aim:

This study examined the effects of creep feed (CF) supplementation (with or without Alfalfa) on the pre-weaning growth performance of nursing goat kids.

Materials and Methods:

A total of forty eight (48), 7 days old, single born kids (live weight 4.4±0.09 kg) were divided into three treatment groups, each containing eight males and eight females. All three groups had access to their dams’ milk (DM). The kids from the first treatment group had free access to CF containing alfalfa (CFA) while those from the second group had free access to CF without alfalfa. The third treatment group (control) had access to their DM only. All three groups were kept isolated from the dams from 800 to 1200 h and from 1400 to 1800 h while having access to CF.

Results:

Total weight gain and average daily gain of kids from CFA group (11.2±0.36 kg, 145.2±4.64 g) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than kids from CF (7.9±0.49 kg, 102.9±6.43 g) and DM (5.5±0.43 kg, 71.1±5.56 g) groups. The weaning weight of kids from CFA group (15.6±0.39 kg) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those from CF (12.1±0.56 kg) and DM (9.9±0.59 kg) groups.

Conclusion:

This result shows that supplementation of CF combined with alfalfa from birth to weaning enhances growth performance of cross-bred Boer goat kids.

Growth and carcass characteristics of three Ethiopian indigenous goats fed concentrate at different supplementation levels

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of genotypes and concentrate levels on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Bati, Hararghe highland (HH) and Short eared Somali (SS) goat types found in Ethiopia. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (3 genotype × 2 concentrate levels) was used to randomly allocate 36 goats (15.2 ± 0.30 kg initial weight); 12 goats from each genotype with age about 1 year were divided randomly into two groups for a feeding trial of 90 days. The two concentrate levels were L1 and L2, where L1 and L2 are levels fed to animals at the rate of 1 and 1.5 % BW, respectively. Hay was fed ad libitum with 20 % refusal rate. The mean daily dry matter intake of the goats was 520.5 g/day. The intake was about 67 g/day higher for L2 than L1 goats. Consequently, L2 goats had significantly (p < 0.05) higher average daily gain, dressing percentage, primal carcass cuts and total non-carcass fat than those fed L1. Among genotypes, HH goats were found to have higher (p < 0.05) carcass weight, heart girth, neck girth, and carcass cuts (legs and shoulders) than SS goats. However, they were not better in dressing percentage than SS goats. Compared to Bati goats, HH goats had significantly (p < 0.05) wider rib-eye area, heavier ribs/racks weights, and better dressing percentage. Despite smaller body size, the performance of SS goats was comparable to Bati goats. In conclusion, the study indicates the potential of Ethiopian indigenous goats to produce optimum amount of meat when supplemented with concentrate at the rate of 1.5 % body weight.

Genotype, production system and sex effects on fatty acid composition of meat from goat kids

Two trials were performed to assess the meat fatty acid profile of goat kids from different genotypes, production systems and sex. In the first trial, genotype effect was determined in 24 suckling male kids from Turkish Saanen, Maltese and Gokceada breeds. In the second trial, male and female Gokceada Goat kids were used to compare the effect of extensive and semi-intensive production systems on fatty acid composition of meat. Significant genotype effect was observed in the percentages of myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), oleic acid (C18:1 n-9), linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3), arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3), despite no differences on the ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (PUFA/SFA) and n-6/n-3 (P > 0.05). The effect of production system had also significant effects on fatty acids, but sex only influenced significantly stearic acid (C18:0), C18:1 n-9 and C18:3 n-3 fatty acids and total PUFA level and PUFA/SFA ratio. This study confirms that dairy breeds are prone to produce higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids in their muscle. Meanwhile, meat from Gokceada goat kids, which is one of the indigenous breeds in Turkey, had similar PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios to Turkish Saanen and Maltase.

Effects of nutrition level of concentrate-based diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Hainan black goats

This study assessed the effects of different nutrition levels of diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Hainan black goat. Twenty-four goats were divided into six diet treatments, which consisted of two levels of crude protein (CP; 15 and 17 %) and three levels of digestive energy (DE; 11.72, 12.55, and 13.39 MJ/kg). The results revealed that 17 % CP significantly (P < 0.05) increased ADG and improved FCR compared with 15 % CP. Therefore, the CP levels of diet affected growth performance. CP and DE levels in the diet had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on carcass characteristics of the goats. The mRNA expression levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 in muscle tissues increased with increasing CP and DE levels (P < 0.05).

Effects of level of concentrate supplementation on growth performance of Arsi-Bale and Boer × Arsi-Bale male goats consuming low-quality grass hay

Eighteen Arsi-Bale (local) and 18 Boer × Arsi-Bale (crossbred) male goats, initially approximately 10 months of age, were used in a 12-week experiment to investigate potential interactions between genotype and nutritional plane in growth performance, carcass and skin characteristics, and mass of non-carcass components. Grass hay (6.7% crude protein and 71.9% neutral detergent fiber) was consumed ad libitum supplemented with 150, 300, or 450 g/day (dry matter; low, moderate, and high, respectively) of a concentrate mixture (50% wheat bran, 49% noug seed cake, and 1% salt). Initial body weight was 20.7 and 14.0 kg for crossbred and local goats, respectively (SE = 0.36). Hay dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) for crossbred vs. local goats (461 and 429 g/day) and similar among concentrate levels (438, 444, and 451 g/day for high, moderate, and low, respectively; SE = 4.7). Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.05) for crossbred than for local goats (36.6 and 20.8 g) and differed (P < 0.05) among each level of concentrate (43.7, 29.6, and 12.8 g for high, moderate, and low, respectively). Dressing percentage was similar between genotypes (41.1% and 41.1% live body weight for crossbred and local goats, respectively; SE = 0.59) and greater (P < 0.05) for high vs. low (43.5% vs. 38.7% live body weight). Carcass weight differed (P < 0.05) between genotypes (9.23 and 6.23 kg for crossbred and local goats, respectively) and high and low (8.80 and 6.66 kg, respectively). Carcass concentrations of physically dissectible lean and fat were similar between genotypes and high and low concentrate levels. There were few differences between genotypes or concentrate levels in other carcass characteristics such as color and skin properties. Relative to empty body weight, the mass of most non-carcass tissues and organs did not differ between genotypes. However, the low concentrate-level mass of omental-mesenteric fat was greater (P < 0.05) for local vs. crossbred goats (1.06% vs. 0.54% empty body weight, respectively). In conclusion, growth performance and carcass weight advantages from crossing Boer and Arsi-Bale goats were similar with a low-quality basal grass hay diet regardless of level of supplemental concentrate.