A note on the effect of breed-type and sex on the distribution of intermuscular fat in carcasses of sheep

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe distribution of intermuscular fat (IF) was studied in 24 lambs, of balanced sexes, from each of the Dorset Horn, Hampshire and Clun breeds, which were slaughtered at 42 kg live weight. The Clun lambs yielded the least total IF, the Dorset Horn most and the Hampshire an intermediate amount. The Clun lambs had significantly (P<005) less IF in the thoracic limb than the other two breeds; and the IF content of the neck+thorax region in the Hampshire was lower than that in the remaining breeds. Females had more IF than males in all sites examined. At an equally adjusted total IF weight, sex differences disappeared. The Hampshire yielded more IF in the thoracic limb, pelvic limb and back+abdomen, but, exceptionally, less IF in the neck + thorax than in the other two breeds.