Abstract
Under similar levels of feeding, desert sheep grew faster and reached slaughter weight of 35 kg in a significantly ( P<.001) shorter feeding period than desert goats. Sheep consumed more feed and their gut fill was greater ( P<0.0001) than that of goats. Desert goats had heavier ( P<0.001) carcass weight, higher killing-out proportion but more chilled shrinkage than desert sheep. Weights of wholesale cuts were similar in the two species. Carcass dissection revealed greater muscle proportion in desert goats than in sheep. Bone and fat proportions were significantly heavier in desert sheep, but the muscle : bone ratio was greater in desert goats. Except for its slow growth rate, desert goats can yield heavier carcasses which are leaner than desert sheep. Breeding improvements of growth and efficiency of production in goats is essential for their use in intensive systems of production.
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