Carcass characteristics of Neuquén Criollo kids in Patagonia region, Argentina

Carcass characteristics of 336 kids from the Neuquén Criollo breed were evaluated. Two categories were taken into account: three months and 5 to 7 months kids. Live weight, carcass weights, measurement and indexes of 304 kids were calculated in a study done in a commercial slaughterhouse located in Chos Malal town. Thirty two carcass left sides were dissected into the major components: muscle, bone, fat and remaining tissues. Three months kids were compared with 5 to 7 months kids. The slaughter live weight of the former was 16.3 kg and the latter was 22.4 kg. Cold carcass weight and dressing percentage differed significantly (p < 0.001) between age categories. Three months kids had a higher percentage of bones (26.8 vs. 21.7%; p < 0.001) and a lower percentage of fat (10.8 vs. 15%; p < 0.01) than those at 5–7 months, but both had similar percentages of muscle (56.4 vs. 57%; p = NS). There were significant differences in the percentages of primal carcass cuts: hind leg (32 vs. 34%; p < 0.001), shoulder (22 vs. 20%; p < 0.001) and neck, (10 vs. 8%; p < 0.01) for three months vs. 5–7 months old kids, respectively.