Elaboración de un estándar de calidad para la clasificación objetiva de corderos en pie

Abstract

A quality standard has been defined for the selection of live lambs, applying the Standards analysis method (MAST). In the first step for standard definition, the compilation of information about classification variables related with lamb meat quality was made. In the second step, most relevant meat quality attributes for slaughter industry were selected trough interviews with experts. These variables were: living weight at the time of slaughter (Kg.), body condition score at the time of slaughter, estimate age (months) and sex gender. In the third step the defined variables were measured in 655 lambs from the breeds Suffolk down, Corriedale and crossing breeds, taken from three different farms. In the fourth step the MAST method was applied over the data collected by defining first the theoretical method and then plotting the data in spread sheets (Excel®) resulting in graphics and counters with bidimensional, uni-dimensional, and multi-dimensional data in accordance with the standard accomplishment. With the results obtained a discussion work meeting was organized with a panel of experts which represented the supply and demand forces. Three tests were made modifying standards value for every variable. With these results the panel decided to set the standard for every parameter in: 32 Kg for Live Weight; 2.5 points in body condition score; and 6 months as the maximum estimated age for both sexes of lamb to be accepted. Of all the lambs sampled 41.2% met all the parameters from the standard.