Abstract
This study compared the effects of different dietary energy contents (11.3, 12.0 and 12.7 MJ ME/ kg feed) fed ad libitum in a feedlot on the carcass quality characteristics (carcass yield, commercial yield, 3-rib cut) of goats introduced to feedlot at 22.2 ± 3.5 kg (18 weeks of age), and slaughtered at five week intervals. The energy content of the finisher diets had no effect (P > 0.05) on any of the traits measured. However, the time spent in the feedlot influenced (P < 0.05) the growth of the various tissues and the yields of the carcass and non-carcass components. The level of fat deposition increased with time in the feedlot, with most of the fat being deposited in the abdominal cavity and low levels as subcutaneous adipose. It can be concluded that goats can be slaughtered at live weights between 30 and 50 kg and still present a lean carcass with a favourable yield, regardless of the energy content of the feedlot finisher diet fed.
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