Quality of the Saanen goat carcass feeding with different levels of roughage and concentrated
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different levels of roughage (v) and concentrate (c) on the quality of Saanen goat carcasses. Thirty-two animals were used: 15 whole males and 17 females with initial average weight of 11kg. The treatments consisted of three rations: 20v:80c, 35v:65c and 50v:50c. The animals were slaughtered with 22kg of live weight, approximately. Although no differences in daily weight gain were seen, there was a tendency of greater gains in treatments with higher levels of concentrate. Such treatments led to shorter rearing periods and, consequently, the animals were younger at slaughter. Profits from cold carcasses were less than 44.0% in average. Higher concentrate levels led to an increase in the consumption of ration, a higher profitability of the carcass and a higher tenderness rating. However, no difference in meat color was observed. Considering the reduction in feeding costs, rations containing 50% roughage and 50% concentrate should be recommended for raising Saanen goats when slaughter is performed around 22kg of live weight.