ABSTRACT
The objectives of the study
were to examine the effects of draught work on carcass characteristics, meat yield potential, and distribution along
primal cuts in Hararghe highland bulls fed on net energy requirement basis.
Twelve bulls were sorted into three groups of four animals each and assigned to three
treatment hours: control (0), 4, or 6, using a complete randomized design
(CRD). The results of the study show that there are no significant differences (p
> 0.05) in slaughter weight, hot carcass weight (HCW), chilling loss, total
edible and non-edible offal, fat thickness (FT), deboned meat yield
(kg), meat to bone ratio, muscle distribution, and proportion of kidney,
pelvic, and heart fat (KPH%) among the treatment groups. However, the hot
carcass-based dressing percentage was significantly lowered (p < 0.05) in
bulls that work 4 or 6 hours a day.
Meat yield was strongly correlated with HCW (r = 0.74) and FT (r = 0.73). Therefore, the number of hours the bull
spent on draught work did not negatively impact meat yield or quality.
Consequently, the research suggests that utilizing Hararghe highland bulls for
draught service, four or
six hours a day is viable for dual
advantages: crop cultivation and marketable carcass.
Share and Cite:
Ye’i, Y. , Mummed, Y. , Kurtu, M. , Leta, M. , O’Quinn, T. and Kefenie, K. (2023) Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Hararghe Highland Bull after Draught Work Service.
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
13, 458-477. doi:
10.4236/ojas.2023.134033.