Abstract：To explore the superiority of Bamei mutton sheep in terms of growth and development, carcass grade and meat yield, Bamei sheep, Small Tail Han sheep and Sunit sheep of the same age (4, 6 and 8 months, 10 sheep in each age group) were compared for differences in body size indicators (body length, standing height and chest measurement), body measurement indexes (body mass index, chest index and body hindquarter index) and the weight of different mutton cuts (grades):grade 1 (hind leg and loin), grade 2 (rib and shoulder&neck) and grade 3 (flank). Bamei sheep were found to have significantly larger chest measurement, chest index and body hindquarter index than Small Tail Han sheep and Sunit sheep of the same age (P<0.05), and these parameters increased faster with increasing age when compared to control group. The weight of three mutton grades from Bamei sheep at each age was significantly higher than that of control group of the same age (P<0.05), and the weight of quality mutton cuts increased faster than other mutton cuts with increasing age. Hence, Bamei mutton sheep is superior to Small Tail Han sheep and Sunit sheep in terms of body development and meat quality.
2013, Vol. 27 
