Meat production of domestic Balkan goat kids

Abstract

The paper presents the investigation of slaughter results, i.e. meat production and correlation between slaughter traits of kids of Balkan goat breed. Results of the study of slaughter properties are presented in this paper, also correlation between certain measures on carcass established in 96 kids of Domestic Balkan breed (gender ratio 50:50), slaughtered at the age of 90 days. Average dressing percentage of warm carcass with head and offal of investigated kid population was 58.19%, whereas the value of the dressing percentage of cold carcass with head and offal was 45.19%. Male kids had statistically significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) higher values of carcass mass compared to female kids. Data on established correlation coefficients between slaughter traits of Domestic Balkan kids reflect presence of highly positive and statistically significant (P<0.001) correlative dependence. Linear regression coefficients of pre-slaughter body mass of kids (0.41 to 0.99) indicate that this trait has very significant effect on all dressing percentages and carcass. Considering the expression of slaughter traits in kids of Balkan breed, obtained results should be used for formulating of future programs designed to improve the production of meat from autochthonous goat breeds.