Effect of castration on chemical, phisico-chemical and sensorial parameters of the "mestiço" goat meat

The effect of castration on moisture, ashes, fat, protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, pH value, water activity, appearance, "goaty" aroma, roasted meat aroma, flavour, juiciness, tenderness, texture and overall palatability of goat meat from "mestiços" animals were studied. Among the parameters analysed, the castration of animals had a significant effect only on calcium content, whose content increased in 33%.

goat meat; castration; nutritive value; sensorial qualities