Abstract: [Objective] To evaluate the meat performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of Dumeng mutton sheep. [Method] A total of 60 Dumeng mutton sheep, half male and half female, were chosen. The live meat performance of the experimental sheep was assessed with ultrasonic backfat tester at the age of 5 months, and they were slaughtered at the age of 6 months to evaluate the parameters associated with slaughter performance, meat quality and edible safety. Furthermore, the differences in indicators of live meat performance, slaughter performance, meat quality and edible safety between ewes and rams were statistically analyzed and compared. [Result] In terms of live meat performance, the rams had significantly （P<0.05） higher psoas muscle thickness and eye muscle area than the ewes, while no significant （P>0.05） difference in backfat thickness between rams and ewes was observed. The backfat thickness and eye muscle area of the rams measured after slaughter were significantly （P<0.05） higher than those of the ewes. The carcass weight, net meat weight, and live weight before slaughter of the rams were significantly （P<0.05） higher in comparison to those of the ewes. While the rams had higher slaughter rate and carcass net meat rate than the ewes, no statistical differences （P>0.05） were found. The thigh bone weight, calf bone weight, thigh bone length, and calf bone length of the ewes were significantly （P<0.05） lower compared with those of the rams. For both rams and ewes, there were positive correlations between the four bone indexes when pairwisely compared, and the thigh bone weight and calf bone weight were more prone to be linearly correlated. The rams had significantly （P<0.05） lower intramuscular fat content than the ewes, and there was no significant （P>0.05）difference in moisture content of carcass muscle between rams and ewes. The muscular contents of lead, chromium, mercury and arsenic of the rams and the ewes were all in line with the edible safety requirements listed in China′ s national standard of Safety Qualification for Agricultural Product （GB 18406.3-2001）. The ewes had significantly （P<0.05） lower muscular contents of chromium and mercury than the rams. [Conclusion] The live meat performance and slaughter performance of Dumeng mutton rams are superior to those of the ewes, while ewes have better meat quality.

Key words: Dumeng mutton sheep, meat performance, slaughter performance, meat quality