Identification of the preference patterns of different breeds of sheep for consumption in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

: Mutton was the meat of choice among the Saudi Arabian citizens in Riyadh Metropolitan area, 1986- 1987, followed by chicken, camel meat, fish and beef. The desirable taste of mutton that represented 68% of the total respondents was the main reason r its preference to other meats. The study also showed that Najdi sheep, which is the predominant local breed, enjoy a priority in its meat consumption among the other indigenous and exogenous breeds of sheep in the central region of the Kingdom. A loyalty to the Najdi sheep was witnessed even when the unit price was assumed to be doubled. Purchasing Najdi sheep for non-family consumption had dropped, although still ranked first among the breeds of sheep readily available in the local markets. The results also showed that 41% of the sample individuals purchased at least one sheep per family per month, and more consumption of mutton took place during the winter months than during the summer.