Journal of animal production advances, 2012; 2(12): 510-520
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of age on slaughter and carcass traits of castrates of Tanzanian long fat-tailed sheep (TLS) purchased from the auction markets in Dodoma region, Tanzania. A total of 40 castrates aged 9, 12, 15 and 18 months old were slaughtered at Dodoma abattoir within one week of purchase. Slaughter body weight (SBW) was significantly different (P<0.01) among the slaughter age groups ranged from 15.1 to 22.9 kg live weight in 9 to 18 months, respectively. Cold carcass weight (as %SBW) did not differ (P>0.05) with increasing slaughter age while the proportional of gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) (as %SBW) increased with increasing slaughter age. Dressing percentage on empty body weight basis ranged from 50 to 54 and did not differ with slaughter age. Older animals (18 months old) had higher lean and low fat content and had significantly tough meat with 69.7 Ncm-2 shear forces. Gross margin ranged from USD 17.8 to 32.8 with realization of small net profit between 0.64 and 1.17 USD when animals are slaughtered direct from extensive