Growth performance, carcass quality, and noncarcass components of indigenous Caribbean goats under varying nutritional densities.

Studies were conducted to determine the effects of feeding regimens on growth and carcass quality of the Creole goat, a genotype indigenous to the Caribbean. Forty kids weighing 9.0 +/- 1.2 kg of BW were reared indoors after weaning. Four supplement amounts were compared (10 kids per treatment): the G0 group received the basal diet (tropical forage, 8.8 MJ of ME and 108 g of CP/kg of DM) without concentrate, whereas the G100, G200, and G300 groups were offered 130, 230, and 310 g/d of concentrate (13.6 MJ of ME and 209 g of CP/kg of DM), respectively, in addition to the basal diet. The kids were slaughtered according to the standard procedure at 22 to 24 kg of BW for assessment of carcass traits and meat quality. Total DMI increased significantly, from 51 to 78 g/kg of BW(0.75), for G0 to G300 kids, whereas their ADG doubled from 42 to 84 g/d (P < 0.01; P < 0.01, respectively). The G:F values reached 125 to 130 for the G200 and G300 diets and were satisfactory compared with literature values. The carcass weight and dressing percentage (P < 0.01) increased from group G0 to G300, from 9 to 13 kg and from 42 to 51%, respectively. The proportions of the different cuts (related to the carcass weight) did not vary by diet. The conformation score increased significantly (P < 0.05) among the 4 groups from an average score of 3.2 to 4.0 (score/5). There was a significant effect (P < 0.01) of supplement amount on the accumulation of internal fat tissues: the kidney fat weight increased from 113 to 253 g from the G0 to the G300 group. Regardless of the feeding level and amount of internal fat, the carcasses had an acceptable fat cover score, which remained less than 2.6 (score/5). A significant effect was not observed for the ultimate pH and the main color variables of the meat. The cooking loss and the shoulder DM content varied (P < 0.05) with the supplement amount. By increasing the nutritional density of the diet, it was possible to obtain well-conformed and heavy carcasses, with no excessive fattening. Indigenous Creole goats have potential as meat animals when fed to gain more than 80 g/d. The optimal supplement supply with good-quality grass would be approximately 3.69 MJ of ME/d in our conditions. Further studies are required on meat sensory parameters and fatty acid profiles.

Growth and carcass traits of Creole goats under different pre-weaning, fattening and slaughter conditions.

Data of 198 male Creole kids were analysed to assess the main non-genetic sources of variation of their meat abilities. Basal diet was composed of tropical pasture (28 days): in FD (forage diet), kids received no supplement; in group MD (mixed diet) they were offered 360 g/day pellet, while in group PD (pasture diet) kids were reared at pasture without supplementation. Given a regular four-month interval of weaning within the flock, fixed ages at slaughter (AS) were 7, 11 and 15 months. Three slaughter weights (SW) were compared 17-18, 21-22 and 25-26 kg. The growth levels before weaning and the season of birth effects were added in the statistical analysis. The use of MD has a significant (P < 0.05) effect on almost all the body and carcass traits: 85% more ADG and carcass weight. The weights of fat tissues increased but represented only 4% of empty body weight. As expected, there were significant (P < 0.05) differences within the SW and AS classes that are discussed. Range of variations allow for suggesting further experiments or practical recommendations. The initial results: carcass yield (55%), conformation score (more than 3), fat cover score (less than 3), proportion of primal cuts (63%) or muscle/bone ratio (3-4 points) are a good incentive for the local sector.