Abstract
Thirty-five feedlot lambs (without defined breed, aged between 5 and 7 months, with average live weight of 17.7±3.7 kg) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effect of diets containing different genotypes of sorghum on morphometric measurements and qualitative characteristics of carcass and yields of primal cuts. The animals stayed in individual indoor pens for 42 days and slaughtered at an average weight of 26.24 kg. No significant differences were observed on morphometric measurements, hot (11.67 kg) and cold (11.39 kg) carcass weight, hot (44.46%) and cold (43.37%) carcass yields, biological yield and on cooling losses. There was also no significant effect of silages of different genotypes of sorghum on the weights and yields of retail cuts (neck, shoulder, rib, loin and leg) and on the subjective evaluation of carcasses. It is possible to finish sheep without defined breed feeding them diets based on silages of sorghum, resulting in carcasses with high yield and good conformation.
Highlights
The Brazilian Northeast has the largest sheep flock in the country, and sheep are a species that represents an important activity in the development of that region
It is possible to finish sheep without defined breed feeding them diets based on silages of sorghum, resulting in carcasses with high yield and good conformation
The silages of different genotypes of sorghum did not affect (P>0.05) the morphometric characteristics of the carcass (Table 3). This result is mainly due to the fact that the animals belonged to the same genetic group and were slaughtered at similar live weight, because all diets met the nutritional requirements of the animals
Summary
The Brazilian Northeast has the largest sheep flock in the country, and sheep are a species that represents an important activity in the development of that region. Despite its yield potential and adaptability to the Brazilian semiarid climate, there is availability of seed from cultivars of different purposes in the market, some fodder and others with a higher proportion of grain, making it necessary to evaluate whether the morphological characteristics of the plant influence the quality of the diet, and the carcass characteristics of feedlot sheep. Knowledge of diets that influence carcass characteristics of feedlot sheep is important so that they can deliver good-quality products that meet the demands of various consumer markets. This study was conducted to evaluate the morphometric measurements and qualitative characteristics of carcass and yields of primal cuts of feedlot lambs without defined breed fed diets containing different genotypes of sorghum
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