title: Growth and carcass traits of Creole goats under different pre-weaning, fattening and slaughter conditions.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: INRA UR 143 Unité de Recherches Zootechniques, Centre INRA-Antilles-Guyane, Domaine Duclos, 97170, Petit Bourg, Guadeloupe.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liméa
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gobardham
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gravillon
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nepos
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Alexandre
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000592:standards*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D006041:Goats / Q000254:growth & development*; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat / Q000592:standards*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012621:Seasons; D014886:Weaning; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology