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CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF PEN VS. PASTURE-FED GOATS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Applied Research

Susan Schoenian
Sheep & Goat Specialist
KEEDYSVILLE

Abstract

\r\n Eighteen bucklings were used in a preliminary study to compare the carcass characteristics of pasture  vs. pen-fed goats. Consigners to the 2011 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test provided goats of similar genetics for comparison. [TEST] goats (n=9) consumed a pasture-only diet and were rotationally-grazed among six 2-acre paddocks.  [PEN] goats (n=9) were housed in a zero-grazing pen (4.9m2), given unlimited access to grass hay, and hand-fed grain (ADM Goat Power™) once daily. After 112 days of consuming their respective diets, the goats were weighed and transported (60 km) to a custom-exempt abattoir for same day slaughter. Six days later, the carcasses were deboned and measured. Live  weights did not differ between the two groups, but PEN goats had heavier (P<0.045) cold carcass weights (12.3±1.3 vs. 9.4±0.5 kg) and tended (P<0.065) to have heavier hot carcass weights. Dressing percentage was higher (P<0.02) for PEN goats than TEST goats (44.4±1.6 vs. 39.4±1.2 %).  The carcasses of PEN goats were fatter, as evidenced by greater (P<0.04) body wall thickness (0.62±0.09 vs. 0.41±0.04 cm), a higher (P<0.0005) percentage of kidney and heart fat (2.64±0.03 vs. 1.45±0.01 %), and a higher (P<0.008) percentage of overall carcass fat (4.34±0.26 vs. 2.14±0.08 %).  The differences in percent lean and rib eye area were not significant, but PEN goats yielded a higher (P<0.017) percentage of boneless meat than TEST goats (24.49±1.5 vs. 19.78±0.01 %). Percent protein and intramuscular fat in the longissimus dorsi did not differ between the two groups of goats.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: S.G.* Schoenian, J.W. Semler, D.W. Gordon, M.B. Bennett, D.J. O'Brien
  1. Schoenian, S. Sheep & Goat Specialist, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21756
  2. Semler, J. Extension Educator, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21713
  3. Gordon, D. Faculty Extension Assistant, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 20855
  4. Bennett, M. Extension Agent, West Virginia University Extension, West Virginia, 25401
  5. O'Brien, D. Small Ruminant Specialist, Delaware State University, Delaware, 19901