Effect of pre‐slaughter fasting on liveweight, carcass weight, and carcass composition of Southdown ram lambs

Abstract

Abstract Two groups, each of 50 Southdown ram lambs, were used to compare a period of three days' fasting immediately prior to slaughter with the normal commercial practice of an overnight fast. Three days' fast reduced liveweight by 5.3 lb and carcass weight by 2.4 lb relative to the lambs fasted overnight. All joints (leg, loin, ribs, breast and shank, shoulder and flap) were reduced in weight by the three days' fasting, with the exception of the neck. Chemical analyses of the carcass showed that the weight of the fat, protein, and water had been reduced and that carcass dehydration had taken place. Various linear carcass measurements and the results of carcass grading support the results of the chemical analyses.