Abstract
Aim of study: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spineless cactus genotypes (Nopalea cochenillifera or Opuntia stricta) on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot lambs.
 Area of study: Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
 Material and methods: Thirty-six uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs (22.0±2.91 kg of body weight) were used in a completely randomized design, with three dietary treatments: (1) Tifton hay as exclusive roughage; (2) Nopalea spineless cactus; or (3) Opuntia spineless cactus as a partial replacement for Tifton hay; the animals were slaughtered after 86 days of feedlot.
 Main results: The Nopalea and Opuntia diets increased (p<0.05) the empty body weight and the weight of the cold carcass. The cold carcass yield for lambs fed diets with spineless cactus was higher (p<0.05). The spineless cactus diets led to a greater amount (p<0.05) of internal fat and carcass fat. Spineless cactus increased the weight, yield, and fattening score of the carcasses of lambs. The meat from animals fed with spineless cactus showed higher ether extract content (p<0.05). The score attributed to meat color in the Opuntia treatment was higher (p<0.05), as well as the characteristic flavor for the Nopalea treatment.
 Research highlights: Spineless cactus, regardless of the genotype, increases the weight, yield, and fattening of the carcass of feedlot lambs.
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