The objective of this research was to know the centesimal composition of the Longissimus lumborum muscle and the sensorial quality of the Longissimus thoracis muscle, proceeding from Santa Inês discard ewes slaughtered in distinct physiological stages. 21 ewes were used, arranged into the following groups: EL = ewes which remained in lactation for 60 days with their respective lambs and slaughtered one day after weaning; EWL = ewes which remained in lactation for 60 days with their respective lambs for one more period of approximately 30 days without the lambs and slaughtered afterwards; and ENC = ewes which did not give birth during the year. Protein and ashes contents of the sheep meat were close to each other among experimental groups; however, moisture and fat values of the meat were different among them. Significant difference was not found in the sensorial evaluation of the meat proceeding from the distinct groups. It is concluded that the slaughter of discard ewes in different physiological stages promotes alteration in the centesimal composition of the meat concerning its fat and moisture content and there is no difference in the sensorial quality of the meat in the distinct experimental groups.
sheep; consumer; meat quality
