Comparative Study of Carcasses Characteristics and Fatty Acid Composition of Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Fat of Awassi and Najdi Sheep

摘要

The objective of this study was to carry a comparative study of carcasses characteristics and fatty acid composition of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat of Awassi and Najdi sheep. The experiment utilized four Awassi lambs and four Najdi lambs fed with 50% alfalfa hay and 50% concentrate feed for a period of15 days prior to slaughtering. The muscles of the carcasses were analyzed for moisture, protein, fat and ash contents by following the standard methods. The live body weight, carcass diameter andlength, protein and fat percentages were significantly lower for Awassi than Najdi breed. The SFA and MUFA were significantly higher for Najdi and Awassi breeds, respectively. Awassi breed showed a higher percentage of C15:0 in intramuscular fat and C15