<div style="text-align: justify;">Ghungroo is the first registered pig breed of indigenous origin in India. The work was designed to develop a reference dissection method for carcasses by establishing bi-lateral symmetry and to determine whether or not differences exist between right and left sides of pig carcasses for some precisely measured physical and chemical traits. Carcass evaluation procedures could be simplified if selected measurements from one side accurately reflect the composition or meat quality of the entire carcass. Forty pigs of Ghungroo breed were selected to represent equally two sexes and two market weight groups. The pigs were slaughtered and after the carcasses were chilled they were carefully split into left and right sides. Least correlation coefficient (0.961) was observed for carcass length. The weights of all the five muscles evaluated differed slightly, but the left and right averages were not significantly different. Similarly, the mean difference for total intramuscular fat between left and right units of a muscle pair was not significant for any of the five muscles studied. Thus, the data obtained from left side of a Ghungroo pig carcass apparently was sufficiently accurate for most experimental purposes.</div>

Establishment of bilateral symmetryand accuracy of carcass data estimates in Ghungroo pig carcass

<div>Background: Hassan sheep is the third most populous breed of the five registered sheep breeds from Karnataka with limited studies on its morphological and carcass characteristics. Hence, the study was undertaken to know the present status of morphological and carcass characteristics of this breed. 
 
Methods: A total of 34 randomly selected flocks were surveyed and the data on various parameters were collected. The morphometrical data was collected on 344 sheep belonging to eight flocks from the breeding tract. The carcass characteristics were documented by slaughtering six male lambs (between nine to twelve months of age). 
 
Result: These sheep had varied coat colours viz. complete white (23.3%), white with light brown patches (58.1%) and white with black patches (18.6%) on head and neck region. It was observed that 40.4 per cent of males and only 1.4 per cent of females were horned. Atrophied ears were noticed in 2.3 per cent of these sheep. The average adult body length (cm), height at wither (cm), chest girth (cm), paunch (cm), ear length (cm), tail length (cm) and average adult body weight (kg) were 66.4&plusmn;0.62, 65.03&plusmn;1.45, 75.2&plusmn;1.02, 76.5&plusmn;1.38, 15.2&plusmn;0.07, 11.5&plusmn;0.07 and 32.7&plusmn;2.03 in males and 63.8&plusmn;0.85, 61.7&plusmn;1.38, 71.8&plusmn;2.32, 74.5&plusmn;2.60, 15.0&plusmn;0.34, 11.3&plusmn;0.08 and 27.8&plusmn;1.21 in females, respectively. The difference in body weight between males and females increased significantly over the age. The pre-slaughter weight (PSW), hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing percentage recorded were 20.3&plusmn;1.42 Kg, 9.5&plusmn;0.23 kg and 46.80 per cent, respectively.</div>

Phenotypic and Carcass Characterization of Hassan Sheep

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present study was aimed at characterizing carcass and meat quality traits in Bandur/ Mandya ram lambs. Eighteen ram lambs were slaughtered at the age of six months by Halal method. The pre-slaughter weight (PSW), hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing percentage based on PSW recorded were 13.49 &plusmn; 0.26 kg, 6.44 &plusmn; 0.14 kg and 47.77 &plusmn; 0.70 per cent, respectively. The mean loin eye area was 15.43 &plusmn; 0.64 cm2. The mean primal cut weights for leg, loin, rack, chuck, and breast and fore shank were 2.090 &plusmn; 43.35, 0.675 &plusmn; 29.40, 0.646 &plusmn; 28.82, 2.036 &plusmn; 47.35 and 0.601 &plusmn; 23.97 kg, respectively. The highest proportion of meat was recorded in leg (25.06%) and chuck (23.23%). The meat quality traits viz., pH, water holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler Shear Force value, cooking loss and back fat thickness were 6.35 &plusmn; 0.05, 49.74 &plusmn; 3.33 per cent, 3.75 &plusmn; 0.14, 26.01 &plusmn; 2.19 per cent and 0.26 &plusmn; 0.02 cm, respectively. The mean percentage values for proximate principles viz., moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, and total ash were 72.10 &plusmn; 0.38, 19.76 &plusmn; 0.34, 0.24 &plusmn; 0.03, 7.23 &plusmn; 0.47 and 1.01 &plusmn; 0.04 per cent, respectively. Compared to earlier reports higher loin eye area measurement was observed in the present study indicating higher muscular development in Bandur ram lambs.&nbsp;</div>

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of Bandur ram lambs

<div>Background: The geese have several advantages over chickens. These birds are highly valued for its meat, also used to get rid of weeds as it was released in the fields, which the cost of raising it was low. In recent years, despite of interest in geese production, it is important to take cognisance of the fact that there is a dearth of information on carcass traits, and the different effects of age, gender and their interactions on carcass characteristics of geese. Therefore, the objective of the current study aimed to investigate effect of age, gender and their interactions on the carcass traits of geese (Anser anser). 
 
Methods: A number of geese parents at the end of the third season and their gosling hatched reared until 10 weeks of age and each stock contain equal number of sexes for assessing carcass traits. All geese were reared under equal managerial, environmental and hygienic conditions. 
 
Result: Parent stock was significantly (p&ge;0.0001) higher body weight, dressing percentage and edible meat parts compared to the young geese. Males&rsquo; geese had approximately a 17% significantly higher live weight, a 4.6% higher dressed carcass percentage and 5.2% higher edible meat parts percentage than females. The intestine and neck percentages were significantly affected only by age, whereas blood and feather percentages were significantly affected only by gender. Moreover, abdominal fat and gizzard fat percentages were affected by all observed factors. The young geese had approximately a 24.7% higher non-edible meat percentage than the parent&rsquo;s geese. Females&rsquo; geese had approximately 8.7% higher non-edible meat percentage than males. Abdominal and gizzard fat (%) were significantly affected by interaction between age and gender. A significant positive correlation coefficient was detected between live body weight and all edible parts of carcass characteristics weights for goose males. In conclusion, the increase of age had a positive effect on the carcass traits of geese (Anser anser). Males&rsquo; geese had a better carcass characteristics compared to females; in addition, the females were significantly higher than males for the abdominal fat and gizzard fat percentages.</div>

Carcass Traits of Geese (Anser anser) as Affected by Age, Gender and Their Interactions

Objective of this paper was to evaluate phenotypic variability of carcass side and pork quality traits of fatteners (male castrated and female heads). Investigation included 12 pigs per group of Mangalitsa (Genotype 1), Moravka (Genotype 2), cross-breed Mangalitsa with Moravka (Genotype 3) and cross-breed Moravka with Duroc boar (Genotype 4). Results show that Mangalitsa had lower daily gain (268 g) than other genotypes (p&lt;0.001). The greatest difference for fat thickness was determined between Genotype 1 and Genotype 4. As expected, the thinnest fat and maximum value for gain and depth of Musculus longissimus (ML) had the Genotype 4. The highest value for the ML surface was found in Genotype 4(47.52 cm2) whereas for the same trait in Mangalitsa the lowest value was observed (24.16 cm2). Mangalitsa had significantly lower L*, a* and b* values of ML compared with all other groups (p&lt;0.001). Considering the low production performance of indigenous pig breeds, crossbreeding with the Duroc breed will contribute a improvement of growth and carcass traits.

Carcass and pork quality traits of indigenous pure breeds (Mangalitsa, Moravka) and their crossbreads

The present study was performed to determine the carcass and meat quality characteristics of male and female Ovambo and Potchefstroom koekoek (PK) indigenous chickens. A total of 320 male and female day old Ovambo and PK were randomly assigned to a 2 (breed) &times; 2 (sex) factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. The chickens were raised from day-old and fed on a commercial grower diet containing 11.5 MJ/ME kg DM and 20 % crude protein until 18 weeks of age. Carcass traits of the Ovambo and PK were similar; however, male chickens had higher carcass traits than their female counterparts. Breed, sex and time interactions influenced colour parameters of thigh and drumstick meat except redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values of chicken breast meat. The pH varied significantly amongst the breeds, sex and time period. The sensory evaluations of the chicken breeds were observed to be similar. However, tenderness of the breast meat as measured by shear force was higher for PK than Ovambo chickens. Fatty acid profiles of the chickens were not affected by breed or sex. The ratios of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids were significantly lower in both breeds which are desirable in reducing the risk of many diseases. Ovambo and PK chickens showed good meat quality traits. This information can assist in promoting production of indigenous chicken lines in South Africa.&nbsp;

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of South African indigenous chickens

<div>Background: Large variation for body size and weight exist among indigenous goat breeds. Many livestock development agencies recommending crossbreeding of large size goats with small and medium sizes to increase the body size, growth rate, dressing weight and dressing percentage of progeny without being systemic data and combining ability among breeds used. In view of above crossbreeding experiment was conducted by crossing Jamunapari male with Barbari female.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Ten Barbari females were crossed with medium size two Jamunapari male. The crossbred males (07) were kept under stall feeding on high input diet along with Barbari and Jamunapari pure-bred males at weaning. The growth (body weight and average daily weight gains) were studied up to 9 months of age. The animals were slaughtered at 9 months and carcass traits (dressing weight and percentage) were studied. 
 
Result: Pre-weaning growth (0-3m) was statistically similar (P&gt;0.05) in all the group of goats. However different trend was obtained in post weaning growth stage, ADG being significantly (P&lt;0.05) more in Jamunapari breed (94.10g) as compared to Barbari (73.43g) and crossbred goats (74.24g). The dressing (%) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in Jamunapari goats (47.28) as compared to Barbari (40.47) and crossbred (40.44). The carcass results revealed that growth and carcass performance was highest in Jamunapari kids and significantly different from pure bred Barbari and crossbred kids. However, Carcass traits (Carcass weight and Dressing percent) performances were not significantly different in between Barbari and Jamunapari x Barbari crossbred kids. Thus, crossing of Jamunapari with Barbari breed is not being suggested to increase body weight and carcass attributes of crossbreed progeny.</div>

​Comparative Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Jamunapari, Barbari and their Crossbred under Stall Fed Condition

A study was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of indigenous Venda chickens fed a grower&rsquo;s diet supplemented with varying levels of garlic meal. The study was based on four diets containing similar energy but different garlic meal supplementation levels of 0, 10, 15 and 25 g/kg DM. At 50 to 91 days, all the growth and carcass parameters measured were improved (P&lt;0.05) by garlic meal supplementation. Feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, live weight, carcass weight, dressing percent, breast meat, thigh, drumstick, gizzard and fat pad weights of Venda chickens were optimized at different garlic meal supplementation levels of 14.7, 15.8, 8.0, 16.4, 14.2, 12.7, 11.2, 12.7, 8.2, 10.5 and 15.1, respectively. These findings have implications on ration formulation for indigenous Venda chickens. Thus, it was concluded that garlic meal supplementation improved feed intake, growth rate, live weight and carcass weight of Venda chickens.

Effect of garlic meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of indigenous Venda chickens

<div>Background: Rural poultry farming with improved dual purpose chicken varieties is fast growing in the country. The meat quality of cocks and its acceptance by the consumer is important for its propagation as dual purpose variety. The two way cross produced by PD-1 xPD-4 (improved Aseel) was evaluated for growth, carcass and meat quality. 
 
Metohds: The growth, carcass and meat quality traits were evaluated in a two way cross developed and propagated for rural poultry farming at ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The data collected on 232 birds for growth, 40 birds for carcass and 20 birds for meat quality were utilized for the study.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The body weight and shank length significantly (P&le;0.05) differed between the sexes from six weeks onwards with higher (P&le;0.05) body weights and longer shanks in males. The six week body weight and shank length were 578.23&plusmn;8.22g and 78.93&plusmn;6.22 mm in males and 548.28&plusmn;7.20 g and 76.15&plusmn;5.28 mm in females, respectively. The Least squares means for body weight at 12 weeks of age in males and females were 1652.61&plusmn;21.49 and 1367.86 &plusmn;14.99 g, respectively. Males had strong legs with significantly (P&le;0.05) high proportion of thigh meat. The effect of sex was non-significant on Dressing percentage (DP), neck, back and breast meat proportions. The DP was 71.12&plusmn;0.22% in males and 72.51&plusmn;0.43 % in females, respectively. The bone proportion was higher (P&le;0.05) in males. Abdominal fat proportion was significantly (P&le;0.05) higher in pullets. Feather proportion was higher (P&le;0.05) in males. Sex did not show any significant variation on the pH, Shear force value (SFV) and Hydroxy Proline (HP) values. The yellowness (b*) differed (P&pound;0.05) between the sexes and it was lower in males. The fat and moisture content differed significantly (P&le;0.05) between the sexes. Fat proportion was higher (P&le;0.05) in females (3.57&plusmn;0.05) than in males (2.97&plusmn;0.01). Protein and ash proportions were similar in both the sexes. The sensory attributes ranged from 6.55 to 7.15 &nbsp;on an eight point scale in two-way cross meat indicating better consumer acceptability. The study concluded that, two-way cross with ideal growth, carcass and optimum meat quality and reasonable consumer acceptability may be a suitable variety for propagating in rural and tribal areas under free range backyard conditions.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Evaluation of Growth, Carcass and Meat Quality of a Two-way Cross Developed for Rural Poultry Farming</div>

The present study was carried out to compare the growth performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens reared in semi-intensive and conventional systems (Ross 308, n=120). Chickens were raised in a pen on wooden shavings for 21 days. On day 21 of age, chicks were assigned to 2 treatments (indoor treatment and semi-intensive treatment). The experiment was conducted at until 6 weeks of age. Production system has a significant effect on wing (P&lt;0.05) and heart weight (P&lt;0.01), but has no any effect on final body weight, hot or cold carcass weight, thigh, breast, back and neck, gizzard, liver and abdominal fat weights (P&gt;0.05). &nbsp;The final body weight, hot and cold carcass weight, thigh, wings and heart weights were affected by sex of birds (p&lt;0.05) while breast, back, liver, gizzard and abdominal fat were not affected by sex (P&gt;0.05). The nutrient level of carcass parts was not influenced by production system or sex (P&gt;0.05). In our study, breast of birds reared under semi-intensive system had significantly lower &lsquo;L&rsquo; (P&lt;0.05), higher &lsquo;a&rsquo; statistically different (P&lt;0.01); while &lsquo;b&rsquo; value was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in skin of semi-intensive reared birds.