Characteristics of sheep carcass and meat: a review of methodology and factors of influence

Abstract

In recent years the meat and carcass characteristics, especially from sheep, have received attentions from the scientific society and consumers, as much in relation to the quantitative and qualitative aspects. In studies of meat and carcass evaluation, the knowledge of the methodological variables and the factors of influences are basic, since the complexity in the comprehension limits the accomplishment of research. The parameters, when well defined, they characterize the meat and carcass composition, which in turn, are responsible for the sizing of the productive chain. Thus, in the current days, it is launched to the industry and the scientific society the challenge to the understanding of these parameters, in order to place in the market carcasses prepared and meat of superior quality. Keywords: Performance, sheep production, system of production