Breed effect on carcase and meat quality of suckling lambs.

The influence of breed on carcase and meat quality traits was studied in 48 suckling lambs (approximately 1 month old) from the Churra, Castellana and Manchega Spanish breeds and Awassi crosses. Carcase quality traits were determined by visual assessment and objective measurements. Meat quality was assessed by instrumental and sensory analysis. Breed effect was significant for fatness, carcase conformation and fat colour (visual indicators); dressing %, carcase weight, carcase length, buttock and chest measurements, and lean and fat proportions in the left half of the carcase. A significant breed effect was observed for some instrumental measurements of meat quality (meat colour and cooking losses), and for some sensorial attributes (tenderness and juiciness). These results suggest that there is a measurable effect of breed on both carcase and meat quality traits in this type of young suckling lamb, owing to differences in precocity and inherent productive capabilities.