The effect of slaughter age on proximate composition and mineral, pH, Aw and sensory analysis were studied in goat meat from Paraiba State flock. Goats were slaughtered at 175, 220, 265 and 310 days old. After slaughter the carcasses were chilled, and total lean was subjected to physic-chemical analysis (pH, Aw, Ca, Fe, P), proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein and fat). In addition sensorial analysis, in which attributes of appearance, goaty aroma, roasted meat aroma, flavour, juiciness, tenderness, texture and overall palatability were also evaluated. Slaughter age had a significant effect on moisture, protein, iron, calcium and pH. Fat, protein and iron contents increased with advancing slaughter age, while moisture content decreased. Results from sensorial analyses showed that slaughter age had a significant effect on organoleptic qualities from goat meat, significant variation on the attributes of appearance, goaty aroma, roasted meat aroma, juiciness, tenderness and overall palatability. Data from chemical composition and sensorial analysis indicated slaughtering "mestiços" goats at 310 days exerted favourable effects on the chemical parameters (proximate composition and mineral), although goat meat from animals slaughtered at 175 days was preferred by the panellists.
goat meat; slaughter age; nutritive value; sensory qualities; proximate composition
