Carcass characteristics of Patanwadi ram lambs maintained under intensive feeding system

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the carcass traits of Patanwadi ram lambs at 6.9 months (207 days; Gr-1) and 9.6 months (288 days; Gr-2) maintained under an intensive feeding system. The study involved 10 Patanwadi ram lambs maintained on Cenchrus ciliaris grass and supplemented 300 g concentrate daily. The lambs were slaughtered after fasting for 18 h to assess the carcass traits. The body length and live weights were significantly higher in Gr-2 lambs. Empty body weights, hot carcass weights, and dressing yields were significantly higher in Gr-2 than Gr-1. Loin eye area was significantly lower in Gr-1. In primal cuts, weights of the leg, loin, rack, neck and shoulder and breast, and foreshank were significantly different between the groups. The chilling losses were comparable among the groups. The lean yields did not differ significantly for Gr-1 and Gr-2. The subcutaneous fat was significantly higher in loin cut in Gr-2. The intermuscular fat contents were significantly lower for Gr-1. The dissected bone yields were comparable for Gr-1 and Gr-2. Lean: fat and meat: bone ratios were comparable. The present study indicated that Patanwadi ram lambs produce a desirable carcass with lean, fat and bone contents at 6-7 months of age with 30 kg body weight. Though carcass yield was higher at 9-10 months of age it-s not economical to rear ram lambs after 6 months because of poor growth rate and feed efficiency.