Comparison between lambs and goat kids meat production of animals fed Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) grass

Abstract

This study compared the performance and meat production of goat kids and lambs that were fed semi-arid Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.). Twelve crossbred Boer × undefined breed goat kids and 12 Santa Inês lambs that had 20.7 kg of body weight (BW) were studied. Goat kids presented greater (P < 0.05) organic matter intake and digestibility, total gain, average daily gain (ADG) and perirrenal fat compared to lambs fed Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel grass. However, the morphometric carcass measurements (external and leg length; chest and rump width; leg perimeter and chest circumference) were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs compared to those of goat kids. The crude protein and neutral detergent fiber intake and digestibility, cooling carcass loss, biological yield, empty body weight, hot carcass and cold carcass weights and yields, subcutaneous fat thickness, carcass compactness index and Longissimus dorsi area were similar (P > 0.05) between goat kids and lambs. Goat kids (crossbred Boer × undefined breed) more efficiently used Caatinga vegetation enriched with Cenchrus ciliaris L. than Santa Inês lambs; this vegetation improved nutrient intake, ADG and, consequently, feeding conversion. However, Santa Inês lambs presented higher carcass morphometric values.