Meat quality characteristics in Kivircik lambs

Esme District in Usak Province has a special role in western Anatolia sheep husbandry due to its number of animals and large pastures. A genotype with the characteristics of the Kivircik breed has emerged and became common in the region in the last 20-30 years. This study aimed to determine the meat quality characteristics of Kivricik lambs reared in the locality, which has a large market share. The study determined parameters about water and cooking loss and shear force in M. longissimus dorsi, M. longissimus thoracis, and M. semitendinosus muscles taken from the left half of lamb carcasses. Furthermore, meat quality characteristics such as pH, color, and fatty acid composition characteristics in the M. longissimus dorsi muscle were determined. In conclusion, the low shear force values (mean 2.27) obtained from Kivircik meat showed that it was tender. This result is consistent with the high demand from consumers for the meat of this breed.