Slaughter Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Relation to Body Condition Score in Nellore Brown Rams of Different Ages

D.V.Satyanarayana Sana

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i6.171664

Authors

D.V.Satyanarayana Sana Department of animal husbandry and dairying, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i6.171664

Keywords:

Body condition score, Carcass yield, Dressing percentage, Nellore Brown rams, Slaughter traits

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of body condition score (BCS) on slaughter performance and carcass characteristics in Nellore Brown rams (Ovis aries) across two age groups: 1-year-old and 2-3-year-old. A total of 60 rams were selected, with BCS ranging from 2.0 to 4.0 assessed using a 5-point scale. Live body weight, drained blood, skin, gastrointestinal tract contents, viscera, head and legs, and hot carcass weight were measured post-slaughter. Results indicated that higher BCS was associated with increased live body weight and hot carcass weight in both age groups, with dressing percentage averaging 48.5% in 2-3-year-old rams at BCS 4.0 compared to 42.3% at BCS 2.0. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in offal yields between age groups, with older rams exhibiting higher skin and viscera weights. The findings suggest that maintaining optimal BCS (3.0-4.0) enhances carcass yield, particularly in mature rams, providing insights for improved meat production in tropical sheep breeds.

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