Age-related changes in the carcass yield and meat quality of male and female nutrias (Myocastor coypus) under intensive production system. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tůmová, Eva; Chodová, Darina; Vlčková, Jana; Němeček, Tomáš; Uhlířová, Linda; Skřivanová, Věra
• Is Part Of: Meat science. Volume 133(2017)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 55
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Nutria -- Sex -- Carcass composition -- Muscle fiber characteristics; Meat -- Periodicals; Meat industry and trade -- Periodicals; Viande -- Périodiques; Viande -- Industrie -- Périodiques; Meat; Meat industry and trade; Periodicals; 641.36
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.06.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-1740

Abstract

Abstract: The age at which final nutria weight is achieved varies in literature between six and 14 months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth, carcass composition and meat quality of male and female nutrias between the ages of six and eight months in intensive production system. Sexual dimorphism in growth was observed from three months of age, and in females, growth considerably decreased after six months of age. The dressing-out percentage and the meat color were not affected by the age or sex of nutrias. Dry matter, ether extract and energetic values were significantly higher in females and in older nutrias. The decreasing frequency of type IIA fibers in older nutrias was presumably associated with a conversion of type IIA fibers to type IIB fibers. Nutrias under intensive production system can be slaughtered at six months of age when they reach a high carcass yield and meat quality. Highlights: Evaluation of male and female nutrias from six to eight months of age under intensive conditions Growth sex differences from 3 months of age with considerable decreasing from six months in nutria females Hind part and loin percentage decreased with age and were higher in males. Minor effect of age and sex on carcass yield, physical and muscle fiber measurements Nutrias slaughtered at 6 months of age have good carcass composition and meat quality.