Determination of slaughter and flaying defects in sheep and goat skins obtained from Van province slaughterhouses

The aim of this study was to determine slaughter and flaying defects affecting the quality of skin in the raw skin of sheep and goats obtained from the Van province slaughterhouses. For this purpose, 300 sheep and 300 goat skins were examined. The average raw skin weight was determined as 4.53 kg and 3.89 kg in sheep and goat skin, respectively. In the study, it was determined that there were generally mild scores in sheep and goat skins. No cut defects were detected in 59.0 % of the sheepskins and 70.99 % of the goat skins. On the other hand, no hole defects were found in 46.67% of the sheepskins and 53.67 % of the goat skins. The vein appearance was determined in 82.67 % and 94.67 % of sheep and goat skins, respectively. It was determined that 16.0 % had flesh, 65.67 % had fat residue, 10.67 % had tail tissue residue, 62.33 % had blood, and 2.33 % had manure in total of the sheepskins. It was determined that 25.33 % had flesh, 36.33 % had fat residue, 2.67 % had udder tissue residue, 5.33 % had tail tissue residue, 76.0 % had blood, and 5.67% had manure in total of the goat skins. As a result, slaughter and flaying defects affecting negatively the quality of sheep and goat skins obtained from Van province slaughterhouses were determined. In order to avoid defect and mistakes during slaughter and flaying due to inattention and ignorance, slaughter and flaying of small ruminants should be carried out carefully by competent personnel using appropriate equipment.