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Carcass traits and meat quality in Balkan goats: A multivariate evaluation of crossbreeding and slaughter weight effects

Author

Listed:
  • Nikola Stanišić

    (Department of Biomedicine, Technology and Food Safety Research and Development, Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Bogdan Cekić

    (Department of Sheep and Goat Breeding Research and Development, Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Nevena Maksimović

    (Department of Sheep and Goat Breeding Research and Development, Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Maja Petričević

    (Department of Biomedicine, Technology and Food Safety Research and Development, Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Nikola Delić

    (Department of Biomedicine, Technology and Food Safety Research and Development, Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Slaviša Stajić

    (Department of Animal Source Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Tanja Keškić

    (Department of Biomedicine, Technology and Food Safety Research and Development, Institute for Animal Husbandry, Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of slaughter weight and breed on carcass characteristics, meat quality, and technological properties in purebred Balkan and F1 crossbred (Balkan × Saanen) male goats. A total of 48 animals, divided into four slaughter weight groups (10, 15, 18, and 22 kg), were analysed for carcass composition, muscle traits, and fat distribution. ANOVA and multivariate analyses (PCA and HCA) revealed significant effects of weight and breed on key carcass and meat quality parameters. Heavier animals exhibited higher intramuscular fat and primal cut yields with superior water-holding capacity (WHC), while lighter goats had leaner carcasses with less muscle pigment. Crossbred F1 goats demonstrated a more balanced muscle-to-fat ratio, whereas pure Balkan goats tended to accumulate fat more rapidly at higher weights. These findings indicate that optimal slaughter weight selection should align with market demands, such as producing leaner meat in lighter Balkan goats, or achieving increased marbling and better economic returns in heavier crossbred animals. Future research should explore genetic effects on muscle and fat deposition and assess consumer preferences to refine breeding and production strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikola Stanišić & Bogdan Cekić & Nevena Maksimović & Maja Petričević & Nikola Delić & Slaviša Stajić & Tanja Keškić, 2025. "Carcass traits and meat quality in Balkan goats: A multivariate evaluation of crossbreeding and slaughter weight effects," Czech Journal of Animal Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 70(10), pages 438-449.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:70:y:2025:i:10:id:53-2025-cjas
    DOI: 10.17221/53/2025-CJAS
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tomáš Janoš & Jan Kuchtík & Eliška Dračková & Martin Hošek & Tomáš Kopec & Radek Filipčík, 2023. "Growth, carcass and meat quality in Zwartbles lambs slaughtered at different live weights," Czech Journal of Animal Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 68(10), pages 414-422.
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