Growth and carcass traits of Creole goats under different pre-weaning, fattening and slaughter conditions.

Data of 198 male Creole kids were analysed to assess the main non-genetic sources of variation of their meat abilities. Basal diet was composed of tropical pasture (28 days): in FD (forage diet), kids received no supplement; in group MD (mixed diet) they were offered 360 g/day pellet, while in group PD (pasture diet) kids were reared at pasture without supplementation. Given a regular four-month interval of weaning within the flock, fixed ages at slaughter (AS) were 7, 11 and 15 months. Three slaughter weights (SW) were compared 17-18, 21-22 and 25-26 kg. The growth levels before weaning and the season of birth effects were added in the statistical analysis. The use of MD has a significant (P < 0.05) effect on almost all the body and carcass traits: 85% more ADG and carcass weight. The weights of fat tissues increased but represented only 4% of empty body weight. As expected, there were significant (P < 0.05) differences within the SW and AS classes that are discussed. Range of variations allow for suggesting further experiments or practical recommendations. The initial results: carcass yield (55%), conformation score (more than 3), fat cover score (less than 3), proportion of primal cuts (63%) or muscle/bone ratio (3-4 points) are a good incentive for the local sector.