Carcass traits and meat quality in Balkan goats: A multivariate evaluation of crossbreeding and slaughter weight effects

This study investigated the effects ofslaughter weight and breed oncarcass characteristics, meat quality, and technological properties inpurebred Balkan and F1 crossbred (Balkan× Saanen) male goats. Atotal of48animals, divided into four slaughter weight groups (10, 15, 18, and 22kg), were analysed for carcass composition, muscle traits, and fat distribution. ANOVA and multivariate analyses (PCA and HCA) revealed significant effects ofweight and breed onkey carcass and meat quality parameters. Heavier animals exhibited higher intramuscular fat and primal cut yields with superior water-holding capacity (WHC), while lighter goats had leaner carcasses with less muscle pigment. Crossbred F1goats demonstrated amore balanced muscle-to-fat ratio, whereas pure Balkan goats tended toaccumulate fat more rapidly athigher weights. These findings indicate that optimal slaughter weight selection should align with market demands, such asproducing leaner meat inlighter Balkan goats, orachieving increased marbling and better economic returns inheavier crossbred animals. Future research should explore genetic effects onmuscle and fat deposition and assess consumer preferences torefine breeding and production strategies.