The age at which final nutria weight is achieved varies in literature between six and 14months. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth, carcass composition and meat quality of male and female nutrias between the ages of six and eight months in intensive production system. Sexual dimorphism in growth was observed from three months of age, and in females, growth considerably decreased after six months of age. The dressing-out percentage and the meat color were not affected by the age or sex of nutrias. Dry matter, ether extract and energetic values were significantly higher in females and in older nutrias. The decreasing frequency of type IIA fibers in older nutrias was presumably associated with a conversion of type IIA fibers to type IIB fibers. Nutrias under intensive production system can be slaughtered at six months of age when they reach a high carcass yield and meat quality.
Keywords: Carcass composition; Muscle fiber characteristics; Nutria; Sex.
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