Effect of Sex on Quality Characteristics of Holba Sheep

To investigate the effect of sex on the slaughter performance and meat quality of Holba sheep, three healthy and well-developed 3-year-old Holba sheep of both sexes were selected to determine their slaughter performance and meat quality. The results of the slaughter test showed that the pre-slaughter live weight of ewes was significantly higher than that of rams (P<0.05), and the carcass weight and net meat weight of ewes were extremely significantly higher than those of rams (P<0.01). The results of meat quality traits showed that the brightness and cooking loss rate of the forelegs of Holba rams were significantly higher than those of ewes (P<0.05), and the cohesiveness of the hind legs of rams was significantly higher than that of ewes (P<0.05). The results of muscle conventional nutritional components showed that the selenium content of the forelegs and hind legs of rams was significantly higher than that of ewes (P<0.05), and the zinc content of the forelegs of ewes was significantly higher than that of rams (P<0.05). No significant difference existed in the content of amino acids and fatty acids between Holba rams and ewes (P>0.05). In conclusion, sex affects the slaughter performance and meat quality of Holba sheep at 3 years of age. The overall body size and muscle mass of the ewes were greater and the eating quality of the rams was better. However, sex did not have a significant effect on the nutritional value or flavor of the Holba sheep meat.