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.

Abouheif, M. A., G. M. Abdo, S. M. Basmaeil and A. A. Alsobayel (1989). Asian-Australasian J. Anim. Sci. 2 (2): 129- 132.