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Comparison of Systems of Lamb Carcass Evaluation

University of California, Davis¹

Abstract

Data on two groups of 30 and 26 lambs, respectively, were used to compare six different systems of carcass evaluation. On the basis of positive correlation with percent major trimmed cuts and negative correlation with percent carcass fat, the Kentucky, Purdue and U.S.D.A. Indices were superior to the Reciprocal Meats Conference, the Wyoming, and the University of California systems.

A number of system component measures were examined for relationship to percent trimmed cuts and percent fat. Loin-eye area adjusted for carcass weight was not related significantly to percent cuts, but was related negatively and significantly to percent fat.

The correlation between specific gravity and chemically determined fat percent was investigated. Percent fat predicted from specific gravity of the left half carcass had a correlation of 0.90 with percent fat from chemical analysis of the same half carcass.

Loin-eye area and leg cross-sectional area or weight of trimmed leg were positively correlated, but in general the correlations were reduced to low and nonsignificant values when the effect of carcass weight was removed. Leg cross-sectional area gave higher correlations with loin-eye area than did trimmed leg weight, when the effect of carcass weight was partly or completely removed.

Various combinations of carcass measures were used to predict yield of percent trimmed cuts in these carcasses. Measures of kidney fat and fat depth accurately measured percent trimmed cuts among lambs varying in degree of fatness. Inclusion of loin-eye area with these fat measures increased prediction accuracy in more uniform lambs.

¹ Department of Animal Husbandry.