Consumers’ preferences for meat of Cabrito Transmontano. Effects of sex and carcass weight

Abstract

The main purpose of this work is the study of consumers’ preferences of « Cabrito Transmontano», a meat product with POD (Protected Origin Designation) label. The effects of sex and carcass weight were studied. Variables of taste, texture, juiciness and overall acceptability were evaluated on 60 animals grouped by sex and carcass weight in 6 different groups. A trained taste panel established some sensory characteristics of the meat. Sensory preference of meat was evaluated by a consumers’ panel. Consumers’ panel preferred lighter carcasses, in all sensory variables studied, and showed no marked preference by any sex. The results indicate that the Breed Association should sell young animals to produce light carcasses according to consumer preferences. This can be a good way to reduce production costs, because these animals have to be fed just for a short period with their mothers’ milk, and do not compete long time with the milk production, fundamental to produce cheese also another product with protected origin label, they also tend to reach a higher market price.