# Influence of Genotype on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality: A Comparative Study in Male Alpine and Saanen Kids

## TL;DR

This study compares the growth, carcass traits, and meat quality of Alpine and Saanen goat kids under identical conditions, finding breed-specific differences in fat composition and feed efficiency.

## Contribution

The study identifies breed-specific differences in fat composition and feed efficiency in Alpine and Saanen goats under controlled conditions.

## Key findings

- Saanen kids showed better feed conversion efficiency compared to Alpine kids.
- Alpine meat had higher saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, while Saanen meat contained more calcium and sodium.
- Both breeds produced meat of acceptable quality with similar pH, color, and texture.

## Abstract

This study evaluated growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of Alpine and Saanen goat kids raised under identical feeding and management conditions. Although no statistically significant differences were detected between breeds, Alpine kids tended to show higher average daily gain and better feed conversion efficiency than Saanen kids, suggesting a potential breed-related advantage in growth performance under the experimental conditions. Carcass characteristics were mainly influenced by slaughter weight, and only minor differences were observed between breeds. Meat quality parameters, including pH, color, tenderness, and chemical composition, were largely similar, indicating comparable meat quality. However, differences were detected in the fatty acid profile, with Alpine kids having higher levels of some saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Overall, both breeds produced meat of acceptable quality, while Saanen kids showed advantages in growth efficiency.

This study evaluated the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of male Alpine and Saanen goat kids raised under standardized fattening conditions to inform breed-specific strategies for meat production. The study included 36 single-born male kids (18 Alpine and 18 Saanen purebreds) of similar age and live weight. The animals were allocated by breed and randomly assigned to three replicates per breed, with six animals in each replicate. After a two-week adaptation period, the kids were fattened for 12 weeks on an 80:20 concentrate–roughage diet. At the end of the fattening period, all animals were slaughtered, and physical, sensory, and chemical analyses of the meat were performed on the Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle. Final live weights did not differ significantly between Alpine and Saanen kids, nor did average daily gains. However, the feed conversion ratio favored the Saanen breed, indicating superior feed efficiency. Alpine kids had significantly higher internal fat content, while Saanen kids had a higher proportion of full intestines. Meat pH, color, and texture were similar between breeds. Fatty acid analysis showed that Alpine meat had higher palmitic and palmitoleic acid content, whereas Saanen meat contained more calcium and sodium. These results suggest that both breeds are suitable for high-quality meat production under controlled feeding conditions, but breed-specific differences in fat composition and mineral content may affect nutritional value and market positioning. These findings are valuable for optimizing selection and marketing strategies in goat meat production systems targeting diverse consumer demands.