CARCASS AND MEAT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF COMMERCIAL GOATS IN NEW-ZEALAND

A total of 36 Saanen X Angora goats, 18 female and 18 castrate male, ranging from less than 1 year to approx. 5 years, and with a mean hot carcass weight of 15.8 +/- 3.69 kg, were evaluated as representing a 'commercial' goat carcass. Castrate males contained 66.7% lean, compared with 64.4% for females, while females were fatter (14.4% dissectable carcass fat, compared with 11.2% for castrates). There were only small differences in lean tissue distribution. Fat distribution between joints varied between sexes, with females having 5.8% more of their total fat in the mid part of the carcass, while castrates had 2.6% more of their lower total fat in the leg. Fat distribution of castrates appeared more favourable. Castrates contained 1.2% units more bone in the shank, and 2.2% units less in the loin. While females produced meat which was more tender than castrates, by 1.5 kg force score units, following electrical stimulation and ageing, an additional 24 h ageing resulted in a further improvement in tenderness by 1 kg force score unit for both sexes. These 'commercial' goats produced carcasses which had high levels of low-fat, tender meat.