Comparison of production performance and meat quality characteristics between Guizhou Black goats and F4 generation hybrids of South African Kalaha Goats

Abstract

Results (1) Reproductive and production performance: The lambing percentage (LP) reached 196%, significantly higher than GB and SK (p < 0.01), with a survival rate of 95.5%; 3-month-old daily weight gain (DWG) was 275.5 g, significantly surpassing GB (p < 0.01); adult body weight (ABW) reached 55.6 kg, with a slaughter rate (DP) of 53.5%, markedly higher than GB (p < 0.05). (2) In terms of meat quality: BKF4's overall meat quality falls between GB and SK, with two main influencing factors.The key factors affecting meat quality include pH₄₅, intramuscular fat (IMF), nutrient index (NI), PUFAs / MUFAs, n-6 FAs, and drip loss (DL). pH₄₅, water retention, and crude protein increased, while intramuscular fat content incresed compared to GB and ash content decreased. Amino acid composition is similar to GB, while taste is closer to SK. Nevertheless, the fatty acid composition and functionality had negative impacts. Continued improvement will be made through selective breeding and livestock management practices like feeding.