Fattening performance and carcass characteristics of yearling Damascus male goat

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the fattening performance and carcass characteristics of Damascus goat. The animal material was 7 heads of Damascus (Shami) male yearlings obtained from H.M.K.Ü. Research and Training Farm of Agriculture Faculty. They were kept in individual wood boxes during the fattening period. The feed was given to the goats daily and recorded. At the end of the trial, the average daily gain and feed conversation rate were calculated as 197.8 ± 8.10 g and 7.6 ± 0.32. The initial live weight and final live weight were found to be 20.74 ± 0.540 kg and 38.714 ± 0.699 kg, respectively. Slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, hot carcass rates were determined as 35.7 ± 0.90 kg, 18.8 ± 0.70 kg, 52.7 ± 1.69 %. Bone rate was calculated as 18.2 ± 0.62 %, muscle rate as 55.6 ± 2.70 %, subcutaneous fat as 9.9 ± 1.93 %, and intermuscular fat as 15.2 ± 1.05 %. Due to the daily live weight gains and the high carcass yield, Damascus goats can be used as a meat production material. Considering the fattening period into consideration in line with the market demands will increase the economy and carcass quality.