Carcass and meat characteristics of Soviet Chinchilla rabbits as influenced by age

Abstract

Carcass and meat characteristics of Soviet Chinchilla rabbits at an average age of 12(G1), 16 (G2), 20 (G3) and 24(G4) weeks was evaluated in the slaughter study. The pre-slaughter weight (kg) was 1.71 in G1 whereas it was higher in G2, G3 and G4. The dressing yield% ranged from 52.8 to 57.1 and was higher in G3 and G4 than G1 and G2. The standard cuts, viz. hind quarter, loin and forequarter expressed as percentage of carcass weight ranged from 38.6 to 41.0, 19.3 to 20.6 and 39.7 to 41.0%, respectively, and were similar in the 4 groups. The abdominal fat content was similar in G1 and G2 and higher in G3 and more so in G4. Percentage of meat in forequarter, loin and hind quarter, meat to bone ratio and total meat yield of the carcass were more in high (G3 and G4) than low (G1 and G2) age group animals. The shear force value increased with increase in slaughter age of the rabbits. It is concluded from the study that dressing yield was more in 20 weeks old rabbits than other age groups. Further, lean content of the carcass increased while its bone content decreased with the advancement of age.