Comparison between carcasses of artificially suckled IHDH (Italian Heavy Draught Horse) foals slaughtered at 6 months and traditional carcasses obtained by foals slaughtered at 11 and 18 months

Aim of the study was the evaluation of a innovative I.H.D.H. carcass production system in order to improve the conditions for mare's milk production. In the trial were used 18 foals, subdivided in three randomized groups of 6 animals each. Every group was slaughtered at a different age: 6 months (artificially suckled), 11 months and 18 months (naturally suckled, following traditional rearing systems). Six months old foals carcasses were characterized by 75.59 % of lean, 12.79 % of fat and 11.64 % of bone. Six months foals carcasses showed the lean end the fact respectively higher (P<0.001) end lower (P<0.001) than 18 months ones (P<0.001), and the bone higher than 11 months foals (P<0.001). Six months hind quarter incidence was 65.00 %, more than found for 18 months carcasses (P<0.001). Moreover, 6 months carcasses showed an first quality cuts incidence higher than 11 months foals (P<0.01).