Flavour- and tenderness-related quality characteristics of goat and sheep meat

The quality characteristics of 27 Angora goats, Boer goats and sheep carcases were compared. Significant differences exist between the quality characteristics of sheep meat and Angora or Boer goat meat. Sheep meat has a more intense aroma, it is more tender, contains less fibrous tissue residue and the species flavour is more pronounced (typical) than that of Angora and Boer goat meat. In general, goat meat was found to be significantly different to sheep meat, the Angora to a lesser extent, however, than the Boer goat. This study confirms the fact that the meat of younger animals is more tender, contains less fibrous tissue residue and the species flavour is less typical than that of older animals. This was irrespective of whether it was obtained from sheep, Angora or Boer goat. With increasing fatness of carcases, the tenderness and species flavour of the cooked cuts increased significantly.     

Meat from Sudan desert sheep and goats: Part 2-Composition of the muscular and fatty tissues

Muscle fibre diameter and proximate chemical compositions were investigated in forty Sudan desert sheep and goats on two treatments—control and fattened. The fatty acid composition of fat depots from the fattened animals was also determined. Sheep had thinner fibres, more intramuscular fat and less muscle protein than goats. Sheep responded to the nutritional treatment by depositing more fat and goats responded by laying down more muscle protein. The fatty acids composition of subcutaneous, kidney and intermuscular fat depots was reasonably similar in both species but goats tended to have more oleic acid in their fat depots than sheep. The results suggest that goat meat is not inferior to mutton from a nutritional viewpoint. Consumption of goat meat should be encouraged in the Sudan, especially within the low-income groups, to meet their needs for protein.     

Cooking- and juiciness-related quality characteristics of goat and sheep meat

Significant differences exist between the quality characteristics of meat obtained from 27 sheep, Angora and Boer goat carcases, when compared. Sheep meat showed greater drip loss than goat meat and was more juicy than that of Angora and Boer goat meat. In general, Angora goat meat was found to be more juicy than Boer goat meat. Drip loss increased significantly with increased animal age. Meat of younger animals (no permanent incisors) was more juicy (initial and sustained) than that of older animals (7–8 permanent incisors). This was irrespective of whether it was obtained from sheep, Angora or Boer goats and was confirmed by the expressible moisture measurements. Higher drip, evaporation and total cooking loss were reported when carcases had increased fat content. With increasing fatness of carcases, the juiciness of the cooked cuts decreased and the expressible moisture content of the meat increased.     

Composition and Stability of Goat Meat Patties as Affected by Breed Type and Feeding Regimen

Ground meat patties were made using knife-separable lean (frozen-thawed) composites from meat-type (Spanish, Spanish Boer) goats assigned to two feeding regimens (feedlot or range) and fiber-type (Angora, Spanish Angora) goats assigned to the feedlot regimen. Weight losses from pan-frying (mainly moisture loss) were 17.7 to 21.6%. Range meat-type goat samples had a higher proportion of total saturated fatty acids than the feedlot counterparts. After refrigerated storage, raw or cooked patties (aerobically packaged) from the range goats had lower TBA values than those from the feedlot goats. At – 20°C, all samples, raw or cooked, exhibited low TBA values throughout 120 days of storage.     

Immunoglobulin G content and colostrum composition of different goat and sheep breeds in Switzerland and Germany

Colostrum represents the sole source to acquire humoral immunity and is an important energy source for newborn lambs and goat kids. However, colostrum composition (i.e., the contents of IgG, fat, protein, and lactose) is affected by various factors such as parity and litter size and, potentially, by breed. In the present study, we examined the colostrum composition of different goat and sheep breeds raised for milk and meat production in Switzerland and Germany. Ten goat breeds (Anglo-Nubian, Appenzell, Boer, Bunte Deutsche Edelziege, Chamois-colored, Grisons Striped, Peacock, Saanen, Toggenburg, and Valais Blackneck) and 10 sheep breeds (Brown-Headed Meat, East Friesian Milk, German Blackheaded Mutton, Gray Horned Heath, Lacaune Dairy, Merino Land, Swiss Black-Brown Mountain, Swiss Charollais, Swiss White Alpine, and Valais Blacknose) were involved in this study. First colostrum samples were obtained from ewes (n = 100) and goats (n = 116) between 10 and 390 min after parturition and analyzed for total IgG, fat, protein, and lactose contents. Colostral IgG concentrations varied between 4.8 and 75.0 mg/mL in goats, and between 6.2 and 65.4 mg/mL in ewes, and the time interval between milking and parturition did not affect colostral IgG concentrations. In goats, the highest IgG concentrations were found in Boer (meat-type; 61.0 ± 10.3 mg/mL; mean ± SD) and the lowest concentrations were observed in Bunte Deutsche Edelziege (milk-type; 26.5 ± 12.5 mg/mL). In sheep, East Friesian Milk and Lacaune Dairy showed the lowest colostral IgG concentrations (17.9 ± 7.3 and 20.2 ± 8.0 mg/mL, respectively), and the highest values were observed in the Merino Land breed (44.2 ± 15.7 mg/mL). The lowest fat and protein concentrations and concomitantly highest lactose concentrations were observed in colostrum of East Friesian Milk and Lacaune Dairy sheep. Parity number did not affect colostrum composition in sheep or goats. In contrast, colostral fat content was higher in ewes bearing twins and triplets than in those carrying singletons. Increasing litter size tended to be associated with higher protein and lower lactose concentrations in ovine (i.e., singletons vs. twins vs. triplets) and caprine colostrum (i.e., singletons vs. twins), whereas colostral IgG concentrations were not affected by litter size. In conclusion, IgG and concentrations of other colostrum constituents showed a wide range in goats and ewes and were mainly affected by the type of breed.     

Meat from Sudan desert sheep and goats: Part 1-Carcass yield, offals and distribution of carcass tissues

Twenty yearling, male Sudan desert sheep and a similar number of desert goats were used in the study. Within each species the animals were equally divided into two groups. Each group was randomly assigned to control or fattened treatment. The control group was slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment and the fattened group slaughtered after 60 days in feedlot. Feedlot performance, slaughter and carcass data were collected. Sheep made faster gains and utilized food more efficiently than goats. The difference between sheep and goats (d) in overall body gain per head was 4·9 ± 0·67 kg. Sheep had heavier carcasses (d = 0·70 ± 0·19 kg) and side fat (d = 0·19 ± 0·06 kg) than goats at an equally adjusted empty body or side weight, respectively. Goats tended to have 0·02 ± 0·04 kg more muscle and 0·06 ± 0·05 kg more bone than sheep in carcass side. The subcutaneous fat was poorly developed in both species. The intermuscular fat was more developed, and cavity fat (kidney + thoracic and pelvic cavity fat) less developed, in sheep than in goats. It is possible that the unfavourable fat distribution in goats may affect cookability and eating quality of their meat.     

Carcass yield, composition and meat quality attributes of sheep and goat under semiarid conditions

Carcass composition and meat quality attributes were compared in yearling sheep and goats. After weaning at 3 months of age, the animals were maintained under stall fed condition up to 1 year of age. Throughout the study, the animals were maintained on ad libitum complete feed (50:50 roughage and concentrate). The yearling sheep had higher (P<0.05) pre slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and dressing % than the goats. The muscular development as indicated by loin eye area was significantly (P<0.01) greater in sheep than goats. In general, total non-carcass fat contents were more in sheep than goats. Similarly, the dissected total fat of half carcass was also more (P<0.01) in sheep than the goats. Neck and shoulder portion was heavier (P<0.01) in goats than the sheep. Shear force value was greater (P<0.01) in goats (7.42 kg/cm²) than sheep (3. 74 kg/cm²). Goat meat had more (P<0.01) moisture and less fat than mutton. In sensory evaluation both the species were rated almost equal in overall palatability scores. The current study showed that dressing yield was higher in sheep than goats. But goat yielded leaner carcass which is desirable for the calorie concern consumers. It was also revealed that meat from goat carcasses was tougher than mutton.     

苏尼特羊、巴美肉羊和乌拉特山羊的肉品质和挥发性风味物质比较

为了探究品种对羊肉品质和风味的影响,选取12月龄苏尼特羊、巴美肉羊和二狼山白绒山羊(乌拉特山羊)各12只,测定其屠宰性能,再分别取股二头肌测定肉品质和挥发性风味物质并进行比较。结果表明:巴美肉羊的胴体质量、背膘厚、a*值均显著高于苏尼特羊和乌拉特山羊(P<0.05),说明其屠宰性能较好,肉色较红;苏尼特羊的pH显著高于乌拉特山羊(P<0.05),而巴美肉羊与二者之间无明显差别(P>0.05)。品种对挥发性成分的相对含量和构成影响很大,电子鼻测定结果表明苏尼特羊、巴美肉羊和乌拉特山羊的气味存在差异,进一步对比挥发性风味物质发现,苏尼特羊肉中醛、醇及酮类化合物的总相对含量较高。气相色谱-质谱联用检测出乌拉特山羊肉中风味物质较其他两种丰富,通过相对气味活度值(ROAV)筛选出庚醛、辛醛、壬醛、反-2-壬烯醛、1-辛烯-3-醇、反-2-癸烯醛和十二醛可作为三种羊肉共有的关键风味物质,其中壬醛对苏尼特羊肉风味贡献最大,而巴美肉羊和乌拉特山羊肉中贡献最大的风味物质为1-辛烯-3-醇。总体上,巴美肉羊的屠宰性能较优良且肉色略红,在风味方面,不同品种的羊肉其关键风味物质存在差异。     

Prediction of carcass composition in the rabbit

Carcass composition of two synthetic rabbit breeds was predicted from retail cuts and external measurements by using regression equations. Breed R has a higher adult weight and reaches slaughter weight 1 week before breed V. Sixty rabbits of each breed were slaughtered when they (approximately) reached the Spanish commercial liveweight of 2kg. The carcasses were measured and retailed according to the norms of the World Rabbit Scientific Association. Rabbit carcass composition is well defined by meat percentage of the commercial carcass and ratio meat bone . External measurements on the carcass, retail cuts and meat of retail cuts or muscular masses are all bad predictors of carcass meat percentage or ratio meat bone (R(2) < 0.53). The ratio meat bone of the hind leg can give reasonable predictions for carcass meat percentage and meat bone ratio (R(2) = 0.60 and 0.69). Dissectible carcass fat weight and dissectible carcass fat percentage can be predicted by the perirenal fat weight (R(2) = 0.77 and 0.69). Fat depots had a low predictive power for fat percentage of the dissected meat in the half carcass.     

Effects of breed, diet and muscle on fat deposition and eating quality in pigs

A study in 192 entire male pigs examined the effects of breed, diet and muscle on growth, fatness, sensory traits and fatty acid composition. There were four breeds: two modern breeds, Duroc and Large White and two traditional breeds, Berkshire and Tamworth. The diets differed in energy:protein ratio, being conventional (C) and low protein (LP) diets, respectively. Muscles investigated were the ‘white' longissimus dorsi (LD) and the ‘red' psoas major (PS). Breed influenced growth rate and fatness, the modern breeds being faster-growing with leaner carcasses. However, the concentrations of neutral lipid fatty acids and marbling fat (neutral lipid + phosopholipid fatty acids) were higher in Berkshire and Duroc, in both LD and PS. Relationships between marbling fat and P2 fat thickness showed clear breed effects, with Duroc having high marbling fat at low P2 and Tamworth low marbling fat at high P2. Breed effects on sensory scores given by the trained taste panel to griddled LD and PS steaks were relatively small. Breed affected the fatty acid composition of intramuscular neutral lipid, with high % values for the saturated fatty acids, 14:0 and 16:0 in Berkshire and Tamworth (fat carcasses) and high values for polyunsaturated fatty acids in Duroc and Large White (lean carcasses). Duroc had particularly high concentrations of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, 20:5n−3 and 22:6n−3 in phospholipid of both muscles. Diet influenced growth rate and fatness, the LP diet slowing growth and producing fatter meat, more so in the two modern breeds, and particularly in intramuscular rather than subcutaneous fat. This diet produced more tender and juicy meat, although pork flavour and flavour liking were reduced. The PS muscle had higher tenderness, juiciness, pork flavour, flavour liking and overall liking scores than LD. The concentration of phospholipid fatty acids was higher in PS than LD but neutral lipid fatty acid content and marbling fat were higher in LD.     

The contribution of chevon from Africa to global meat production

Africa's goat population increased by 75% between 1980 and 2005 and constitutes 30% of the world goat population. Although Africa produces about 20% of the world's chevon, its share of world chevon market has been declining. Exports from Africa represent less than 5% of the total world trade. Most goats are raised by smallholder farmers for subsistence and trading in informal markets. The world renowned Boer, Kalahari Red and Savanna goats are meat breeds that were developed in South Africa. Information on most African goat breeds is scanty, but there seems to be large variations in the breed characteristics, which suggests a potential for selective breeding for more and meat breeds. Recommendations for enhancing goat production in Africa include, prioritizing research and technology transfer on meat goat production, development of more chevon breeds, devising methods to enhance the quality of African chevon through pre- and post-harvest interventions, and improved support from government institutions and policy.     

Effects of goat milk or milk replacer diet on meat quality and fat composition of suckling goat kids

The effects of a diet with goat milk "GM" or milk replacer "MR" on the meat quality and fat composition of suckling Murciano-Granadina kids were studied. MR consisted of powdered skimmed milk, coconut oil and fat, and cereal products and by-products. Raw meat quality (moisture, protein, lipids, ash, collagen, cholesterol, haem pigments, CIELab colour, pH and water retention capacity), fatty acid "FA" composition and eating quality of cooked meat (odour, flavour and texture) were determined. Diet had only a slight effect on raw meat quality but had a pronounced effect on fatty acid composition and eating quality of cooked meat. MR diet increased the water/protein proportion in the muscle. The saturated/unsaturated FA ratio in GM and MR fat was 0.94 and 2.27, respectively. The major FA in GM and MR fat were C16:0 and C18:1, respectively. Short-chain C4-C12 hardly accumulated in the adipose tissue of suckling kid, increasing the relative percentages of C14-C20. This effect was more pronounced in MR fat, due to the fact that MR contained more short-chain fatty acids than GM. MR diet gave cooked meat a more intense characteristic goat meat odour and flavour, more tenderness and more juiciness than the natural suckling diet. This fact could be related to differences in meat and fat composition.     

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FATS ON THE QUALITY OF GOAT MEAT PATTIES INCORPORATED WITH FULL-FAT SOY PASTE

Effect of different fats such as goat fat, chicken fat, combination of goat and chicken fat and refined mustard oil (RMO) were evaluated in goat meat patties (GMPs). Patties with 10% RMO contributed significantly ( P <  0.05) better emulsion stability compared with others. There were no significant effects of different fats on physicochemical and textural attributes of patties. Patties with RMO had significantly ( P <  0.05) lower cholesterol content than other groups. GMPs with RMO, chicken fat and chicken and goat fat combination rated higher for all sensory attributes than patties with goat fat, which had significantly ( P <  0.05) higher mouth coating and lower overall acceptability. Flavor and overall acceptability were higher in patties with chicken fat. Histological study showed improper dispersion of goat fat in continuous phase of meat protein matrix (emulsion) compared with others .

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Utilization of hard fats from goat, sheep and buffalo in emulsion-based meat products decreases emulsion stability because of its poor dispersibility, and consequently its cooking yield. Goat fat also contributes to a smeary and greasy mouth-coating problem and reduces the palatability of meat products. Alternatively, chicken fat disperses well in meat emulsion because of its high unsaturation and enhances the flavor of the products. However, the efficient utilization of goat fat is essential to support an economical goat meat production system and for developing meat products. The present study showed successful utilization of goat fat when combined with chicken fat, and the products had similar sensory attributes and acceptability as in meat products with chicken fat and refined mustard oil. This study would also help in better use of excess fat from spent hens in other meat products.     

The influence of goat genotype on the production of Capretto and Chevon carcasses. 3. Dissected carcass composition

The dissected composition from left sides of the carcasses obtained from 50 buck kids from five goat genotypes (10 kids/genotype), Boer x Angora (BA), Boer x Saanen (BS), Feral x Feral (FF), Saanen x Angora (SA) and Saanen x Feral (SF), was compared at two age groups. The muscle content of various primal cuts varied between 53 and 73% for Capretto and Chevon groups, with minor differences between genotypes. SA kids had significantly higher separable carcass fat compared to BS and SF for the Capretto group, while Chevon carcasses from BA and SF deposited more carcass fat than FF. The bone content (19–21%) of the carcass side did not differ significantly between genotypes for the Chevon group. The dissected carcass components (muscle, fat and bone) were significantly correlated with those components of most of the individual cuts. The percentage carcass muscle and fat increased and bone content decreased significantly with age.     

Studies on the Criollo goat of Northern Mexico: Part 1 - The effects of body weight on body components and carcass development

Male Criollo castrate goats were reared on natural rangeland and also given some concentrate supplementation. They were slaughtered in groups of ten at 8, 12, 16 and 24 kg live weight. At slaughter the weights of body components were recorded and also carcass measurements and joint weights on the chilled left half of each carcass, which was then completely dissected into lean, fat and bone tissues. With increasing slaughter weight the proportion of internal body components minus gut contents, increased relative to the external components. In some of the goats from the higher slaughter weight groups the gut contents formed up to 26% of the total live weight. The dressing percentage based on empty body weight did not show an appreciable increase with increasing slaughter weight. The lean proportion in the carcass rose from 56% of the carcass weight in the 8 kg group to about 68% in the 24 kg group. The proportion of fat in the carcasses did not show any increase with increasing slaughter weight. The results indicate that, in terms of yield of lean meat and also edible offal, it is better not to slaughter castrate male Criollo goats before 24 kg live weight.     

Quality characteristics of low fat ostrich meat patties formulated with either pork lard or modified corn starch, soya isolate and water

A trained taste panel could not distinguish (P>0.05) between ostrich meat patties containing either 10% pork lard or 10% of a modified starch/protein isolate (fat replacer) mixture. The panel could distinguish between the types of ostrich muscle/meat cuts used with a significant (P<0.05) number preferring ostrich patties made from meat containing a higher collagen content (±3% vs <1%). The chemical analysis of the patties showed that within the meat classes (Class fillet-de-membraned, Class A-very lean off-cuts and Class B-off-cuts containing visual connective tissue and some fat), the patties containing the pork fat had a +6% higher total fat content than those containing the fat replacer. The fatty acid profiles of the various products were in accordance with the meat type and fat or fat replacer used. The mineral profile was as expected for lean ostrich meat that had spices added. It is concluded that fat replacers can be used successfully for the production of low fat ostrich patties without any negative quality attributes being perceived.     

Estimation of lamb carcass composition from measurements of the speed of ultrasound in the soft tissues of live animals and carcasses

The application of the velocity of sound (VOS) technique to lamb carcasses in a previous study (Fisher & Page, 1986) measured composition at a hind limb and neck site but was not as precise as fat scores in predicting lean proportion. This study examines VOS measurements made at sites in the hind limbs and along the vertebral column in live sheep and carcasses. A group (A) comprising five breeds of males and females (n = 61) and a sub-group (B) of Scottish Blackface castrated males (n = 34) were studied, and the reciprocal velocity of ultrasound (RV) was measured on the live sheep immediately behind the shoulder and over the last rib using a fixed-distance transducer assembly operating at 5 MHz, and in the hind limbs at 2·25 MHz using the apparatus described by Miles et al. (1984). Corresponding measurements were made on the carcasses which were classified by a Meat and Livestock Commission fatstock officer and then dissected. Standard deviations of lean proportion were 4·48% (A) and 3·39% (B). The residual standard deviations (rsds) for groups A and B respectively were obtained using the following predictors: live mass (LM) 4·27% and 2·96%; LM + breed (B) 3·08% (group A only); LM + mean RV 2·36% and 2·07%; LM + B + mean RV 1·99% (group A only). Using carcass measurements: carcass mass (CM) 4·25% and 2·90%; CM + MLC fat score 2·99% and 2·12%; CM + RV last rib 2·89% and 2·02%. These data show that VOS measurements through dorsal sites of live sheep provide encouragingly precise estimates of carcass lean proportion. For carcasses, dorsal sites provide a less precise estimate of carcass lean but when carcass mass is included in multiple regression the precision of the correlation is comparable with that of multiple regression of fat score with carcass mass.     

Studies on the meat production characteristics of Botswana goats and sheep -part III: Carcase tissue composition and distribution

In this paper data concerning the tissue composition and distribution in the carcases of Botswana smallstock (goats and sheep) of different age and sex groupings are discussed. These data were collected for use in the Botswana Smallstock Improvement Programme, which is designed to improve meat production from the indigenous goats and sheep of Botswana. This programme, together with the data on live measurement, general body composition and carcase joint composition, has been described in the previous papers in this series. The data presented showed that, generally, indigenous Botswana sheep were fatter and earlier maturing than goats at similar ages. The sheep were still found to be significantly fatter when the data were statistically analysed and corrected for differences in empty body weight. In the case of the milk tooth male goats, castration increased the rate of maturity and the level of fat in the carcase. Similar data obtained on male Boer goats (which are to be used as a meat improver breed) showed that these animals produced both bigger and leaner carcases than indigenous goats of similar age. These differences were significant when the two groups were compared statistically after corrections for body weight differences.