Carcass Characteristics Of Lambs Research Articles

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of Churra and Assaf suckling lambs

Suckling lamb meat is traditionally produced in Mediterranean Europe. Breed can affect the quality of the lamb carcass and meat. This study is aimed at comparing the carcass and meat quality between suckling lambs from a local and a non-native dairy breed, Churra and Assaf. Churra is included in the Spanish Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) ‘Lechazo de Castilla y León’, whereas Assaf is not. However, Assaf breeders have requested the inclusion of the breed in the PGI. Carcasses and meat from 16 male lambs (eight Churra and eight Assaf) were used in this study. The lambs were all raised under an intensive rearing system and fed on a milk substitute to minimise maternal influence. The carcasses were evaluated for conformation, fatness, joint and leg tissue proportions and the meat was analysed for composition (i.e. proximate composition, iron, haematin, fatty acids and volatiles) and technological quality traits (i.e. texture, water holding capacity, colour and lipid stability). Churra carcasses were larger than Assaf carcasses. However, the proportions of commercial joints and main tissues did not differ between breeds. Cavity and intermuscular leg fat, but not total leg fat, were higher in Churra carcasses. Churra meat showed a higher proportion of n-6 fatty acids, higher redness and better colour stability during aerobic storage. In contrast, Assaf lamb was more resistant to lipid oxidation after cooking. This is a preliminary study to measure the influence of breed on a wide range of quality characteristics in Churra and Assaf suckling lamb carcass and meat. It may be of relevance for breeders, consumers and food policy makers, setting the basis for future studies that include larger commercial populations.

Biometry and carcass characteristics of lambs supplemented in tropical grass pastures during the dry season

Biometry and carcass characteristics of lambs supplemented in tropical grass pastures during the dry season

Effects of Continuously Feeding Diets Containing Cereal Ergot Alkaloids on Nutrient Digestibility, Alkaloid Recovery in Feces, and Performance Traits of Ram Lambs.

Allowable limits for cereal ergot alkaloids in livestock feeds are being re-examined, and the objective of this study was to compare nutrient digestibility, growth performance and carcass characteristics of ram lambs fed a range of alkaloid concentrations, including the maximum currently allowed in Canada (2 to 3 ppm). Four pelleted diets were fed: control, with no added alkaloids; 930; 1402; and 2447 ppb alkaloids based on total R and S epimers. Eight ram lambs (30.0 ± 3.1 kg) were used to examine the impacts of dietary treatments on nutrient digestibility and alkaloid recovery from feces. Concentrations of dietary alkaloids evaluated did not affect nutrient digestibility or N metabolism. Excepting ergocornine and ergocryptine, recovery of alkaloids in feces varied among periods, suggesting that individual lambs may differ in their ability to metabolize ergocristine, ergometrine, ergosine, ergotamine and their S epimers. In a second experiment, ram lambs (n = 47, 30 ± 8 kg) were randomly assigned to a diet and weighed weekly until they achieved a slaughter weight of ≥ 45 kg (average 9 weeks; range 6 to 13 weeks). Intake of DM did not differ (p = 0.91) among diets, although lambs fed 2447 ppb alkaloids had a lower (p < 0.01) ADG than did lambs receiving other treatments. The concentration of serum prolactin linearly declined (p < 0.01) with increasing alkaloids. Feeding 2447 ppb total alkaloids negatively impacted growth, while feeding 1402 ppb did not harm growth performance, but reduced carcass dressing percentage. Due to different concentrations of alkaloids affecting growth and carcass characteristics in the present study, determining allowable limits for total dietary alkaloids will require a better understanding of impacts of alkaloid profiles and interactions among individual alkaloids.

Feeding forage mixtures of alfalfa hay and maize stover optimizes growth performance and carcass characteristics of lambs

A feeding experiment was carried out to determine the effects of different proportions of alfalfa hay and maize stover on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of fattening lambs. Forty-two healthy 3.5-month-old male Small-tail Han lambs of 23.89±0.38kg body mass were assigned to seven groups, which were fed mixed diets composed of maize stover and alfalfa hay containing 0%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 100% maize stover on a dry matter (DM) basis. Each lamb received 1.5kg DM of forage mixture three times daily and supplementary concentrate (0.5kg corn per lamb per day) for 60days. Compared with the control forage diet of maize stover only, forage intake rate and forage conversion rate on the 40% maize stover/60% alfalfa hay mixture were 30% and 5% higher, respectively. Body weight, dressing percentage and net income were 6.7kg, 8% and 94.37 Yuan higher per lamb, respectively. Thus, feeding lambs with a forage mixture of maize stover and alfalfa hay in a ratio of 40:60 optimized the production performance, slaughter performance, and the income derived from lambs.

Carcass and non-carcass characteristics of Tigray highland lambs fed mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal at different supplementation levels

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal levels on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Tigray highland lambs. The experiment consisted of five treatments; and conducted in a randomized complete block design using thirty intact yearlings Tigray highland male lambs. The experimental diets were 300g concentrate mix alone, 225g concentrate mix + 86.55g mulberry leaf, 150g concentrate mix + 173.1g mulberry leaf, 75g concentrate mix + 259.7g mulberry leaf and 346.2g mulberry leaf alone with barley straw ad libitum to all treatments. The mix was prepared from Noug seed cake and wheat bran at ratio of 1:2, respectively. Higher weights of total edible offal component, empty body weight, rib eye muscle area and slaughter weight were observed as a result of high level of mulberry leaf meal supplementation than the sole concentrate mix treatment. On the other hand, the dressing percentage on slaughter weight base as well as empty body weight base and hot carcass weight showed less difference (p&gt;0.05) between sole mulberry leaf meal and sole concentrate mix treatments. The result of the present study indicated that substitution of mulberry leaf meal for concentrate mix can be used effectively without affecting the results of growth parameters as well as edible or non edible offal components that can be achieved by sole concentrate supplementation. Hence, the finding revealed that feeding mulberry leaf meal alone to Tigray highland lambs could substitute the costly and even less accessible commercial concentrate mix to resource poor farmers and could result in reasonably better performance of lambs.

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of Bandur ram lambs

The present study was aimed at characterizing carcass and meat quality traits in Bandur/ Mandya ram lambs. Eighteen ram lambs were slaughtered at the age of six months by Halal method. The pre-slaughter weight (PSW), hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing percentage based on PSW recorded were 13.49 ± 0.26 kg, 6.44 ± 0.14 kg and 47.77 ± 0.70 per cent, respectively. The mean loin eye area was 15.43 ± 0.64 cm2. The mean primal cut weights for leg, loin, rack, chuck, and breast and fore shank were 2.090 ± 43.35, 0.675 ± 29.40, 0.646 ± 28.82, 2.036 ± 47.35 and 0.601 ± 23.97 kg, respectively. The highest proportion of meat was recorded in leg (25.06%) and chuck (23.23%). The meat quality traits viz., pH, water holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler Shear Force value, cooking loss and back fat thickness were 6.35 ± 0.05, 49.74 ± 3.33 per cent, 3.75 ± 0.14, 26.01 ± 2.19 per cent and 0.26 ± 0.02 cm, respectively. The mean percentage values for proximate principles viz., moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, and total ash were 72.10 ± 0.38, 19.76 ± 0.34, 0.24 ± 0.03, 7.23 ± 0.47 and 1.01 ± 0.04 per cent, respectively. Compared to earlier reports higher loin eye area measurement was observed in the present study indicating higher muscular development in Bandur ram lambs.

Carcass characteristics of lambs fed spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane.

ObjectiveFresh sugarcane has been a new roughage source for ruminant’s in semiarid regions, a function of the decline of sugar and alcohol industry in recent years. However, there is little data published regarding lambs fed sugarcane associated with spineless cactus. This study evaluated the effect of sugarcane replacement with spineless cactus (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100%) in the diet of Santa Inês lambs on carcass characteristics.MethodsThirty-six non-castrated Santa Ines lambs at four months of age and an initial body weight of 22±2.3 kg were assigned in a randomized block design and slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. The effects of spineless cactus as a replacement for sugarcane in the diet of the lambs on the carcass characteristics, commercial cut weight and yield, leg tissue composition, and carcass measurements were studied.ResultsThe study revealed quadratic behavior in slaughter body weight, and hot and cold carcass weight, with maximum values of 38.60, 18.60, and 18.11 kg and replacement levels of 40.18%, 44.42%, and 43.14%, respectively. The cold carcass yield presented an increasing linear behavior. The compactness index of carcass and leg presented a quadratic effect, with estimated maximal values of 0.28 and 0.57 kg/cm and replacement levels of 43.37% and 45.5%, respectively. The weights of commercial cuts of leg, loin, shoulder, and breast showed quadratic behavior, with maximum values of 2.79, 0.852, 1.46, and 1.30 kg and replacement levels of 49.5, 45.32, 39.0, and 40.7, respectively. For tissue composition, quadratic behavior was verified for leg weight, subcutaneous fat, and total fat.ConclusionThe replacement of sugarcane by spineless cactus at level 44% is recommended for finishing lambs considering that this level improved most of the carcass characteristics, weights, and yields of commercial cuts and leg tissue composition.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Australian prime lambs supplemented with pellets containing canola oil or flaxseed oil

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of enriched omega-3 oil supplemental pellets, breed and gender on lamb liveweight (LWT), body conformation and carcass characteristics, and to assess the relationships between body conformation and growth under an intensive finishing condition. Sixty ewe and wether prime lambs 7 months old were randomly allocated to one of five dietary treatments: no oil inclusion (Control); 2.5% canola oil; 5% canola oil; 2.5% flaxseed oil and 5% flaxseed oil, balanced by breed (purebred Merinos (M × M) and Corriedale × Merino (C × M) and White Suffolk × Corriedale (W × C) first crosses). Lambs were individually supplemented with 1 kg pellets per day and had free access to lucerne hay and water throughout the 7-week feeding trial, after a 3-week adaptation. Dietary oil inclusion did not cause significant differences in daily feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics (P &gt; 0.05). However, first-cross W × C lambs had significantly higher feed intake, chest girth and body conformation score (P &lt; 0.05) than M × M and C × M lambs. Carcass weight, dressing percentage and fat depth of crossbred lambs were significantly higher than those of M × M (P &lt; 0.05). Significant interactions between oil inclusion and breed on average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio were observed. There were positive and highly significant correlations among LWT, ADG and body conformation measurements (P &lt; 0.01). These findings suggest that prime lamb producers can better manage and match their breeding goals with feed resources by supplementing first-cross C × M lambs with pellets containing 5% canola oil or feeding first-cross W × C lambs with 5% flaxseed oil pellets during the 10-week intensive finishing period.

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of lambs reared in different seasons

Abstract. Thirty-six Kivircik male lambs were used to determine the effects of rearing season (winter rearing – WR; spring–summer rearing – SSR; and autumn rearing – AR) on carcass and meat quality characteristics. Average daily gain in the period 0–134 days, final weight, cold carcass weight and real dressing percentage were higher in WR lambs than lambs from SSR and AR groups. Furthermore, SSR and AR lambs did not show significant differences for these traits (P &gt; 0.05). WR lambs had the highest values in terms of back fat thickness, subjective carcass fatness score and fat percentage in pelvic limb, which gives information about the carcass fatness. Final meat pH, expressed juice and meat lightness 1 h after cutting were higher for SSR lambs than for WR and AR lambs. SSR lambs had the lowest scores in terms of flavour intensity, flavour quality and overall acceptability in the sensory evaluation panel. In conclusion, WR lambs yielded better carcass quality than SSR and AR lambs. When the rearing season is to be decided, the higher carcass quality of WR lambs and the lesser appreciation of meat of SSR lambs by consumers should be considered.

Effects of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Lamb

The effect of including two levels of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) in formulated diet on performance, and carcass characteristics of lambs was studied. Twenty-four Gulf Coast wether lambs (46.1 ± 1.2 kg initial BW, and 8 to 9 months of age) were divided into two groups based on their live body weight and randomly allocated to dietary treatments (2 per treatment; 4 lambs/pen; 8 lambs per treatment). Treatment diets containing DDGS at 0 (control), 12.7, or 25.4% on a DM basis were fed lambs. Basal diet contained dry-rolled corn, soybean meal, and fescue/bermuda grass hay. Dry Distillers grains with solubles was added to the finishing diets at either 12.7or 25.4% of the dietary DM to replace corn and SBM in basal diet. The concentrate mixes containing DDGS were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric to meet the NRC requirements of lamb. After 135-d feeding period final BW was recorded, then animals were slaughtered, and carcass parameters collected after a 48-h postmortem. Lamb performance and carcass quality data were analyzed using the GLM procedures. Dry matter intake and final BW of lambs were not different between treatment. Also, no differences were observed between treatments in hot and cold carcass wt, body wall fat, rib eye area, 12th rib fat, and kidney and pelvic fat depots. However a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in average daily gain was found in lambs fed 0% DDGS diet compared to those fed 12.7 and 25.4% DDGS diets. These results supported the hypothesis that substitute of corn and SBM by up to 25.4% DDGS can be fed to lamb without adverse effect on carcass characteristics.

Influence of Feeding Peanut Skins on Performance of Gulf Coast Ewe Lambs

The effects of varying levels of dietary peanut skins (PS) inclusion on dry matter intake (DMI), growth, and carcass characteristics of lambs was assessed in 135-d feeding trial. We hypothesized that supplementing lambs’ diet with increasing levels of PS would increase DMI, enhance body growth, and impact carcass characteristics. Thus, the overall objective of the study was to gain a thorough understanding of the feeding value of PS to lambs. Twelve Gulf Coast ewe lambs (27.75 ± 0.93 kg initial body weight (BW) and 7 to 8 months of age) were blocked by BW and were randomly assigned within block to 1 of the 3 dietary treatments. Lambs were grouped in 2 pens per treatment (2 lambs/pen; n = 4/dietary treatment) with pen serving as the experimental unit. Lambs were fed dietary treatments containing 0 (control), 20, or 40% PS (DM basis) as a replacement for corn and SBM. Control diet contained dry-rolled corn, SBM, and fescue/Bermuda grass hay at forage to concentrate ratio of 63:37. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the NRC requirements of the finishing lambs. At the end of the feeding trial, lambs were slaughtered, and carcass data were collected after a 48-h chill. Dry matter intake and final BW were not different among treatments (P &gt;0.05). Also, no differences were observed in hot carcass weight (HCW; P = 0.57), cold carcass weight (CCW; P = 0.24), body wall fat (P = 0.06), 12th rib fat (P = 0.10), and kidney and pelvic fat (K&amp;P fat; P = 0.65) among treatments. However, rib eye area (REA) was greater (P &lt; 0.01) in lambs fed 0% and 20% PS than in lambs fed 40% PS. These results suggest that PS can replace a portion of corn and SBM commonly fed to lambs without any adverse effects on carcass characteristics or lambs performance. Thus, PS needs to be seriously considered as a potential low-cost feedstuff for ruminants.

Performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with increasing levels of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass hay.

This study evaluated the performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with increasing levels of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Twenty-eight Santa Inês male lambs with an average body weight (BW) of 20.3±1.49kg(mean±SD) were allocated in individual stalls and distributed in a completely random design with four treatments (0, 20, 40, and 60g/100g total DM M. tenuiflora hay replacing Buffel grass hay in diet) with seven replications. M. tenuiflora hay at the level of 20% dry matter (DM) total replacing Buffel grass hay increased final weight (P=0.006), total weight gain (P<0.001), average daily weight gain (ADWG; P<0.001), DM intake (P<0.001), and feed efficiency (P<0.001). Intake of crude protein, NDFap, ADFap, ash, ether extract, total and non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients presented a positive quadratic effect with M. tenuiflora hay replacing Buffel grass hay and 40g/100g total DM level presented greater intake. There were positive quadratic effects by M. tenuiflora hay inclusion at 20g/100g total DM level on slaughtering weight (P=0.005), hot carcass weight (P=0.002), cold carcass weight (P=0.002), empty body weight (P=0.001), hot carcass yield (P=0.002), cold carcass yield (P=0.003), and increase linear on biological yield (P=0.003). There was no influence on cooling weight loss (P=0.284). M. tenuiflora hay may be included in lamb diets at amounts up to 20g/100g total DM substitution of Buffel grass hay because increase in the nutrients intake, growth performance, and carcass characteristics.

Effect of energy source and level, and sex on growth, performance, and carcass characteristics of lambs

The objective of the study was to compare ad libitum or restricted access of whole shelled corn (WSC) versus ad libitum alfalfa pellets, and sex of the lamb, on lamb growth and performance. Ewe (n=48) and wether (n=48) lambs were blocked by sex and stratified by initial weight to pen. The three diets offered were ad libitum access of a WSC diet, 85% access of ad libitum WSC diet, or an ad libitum access of an alfalfa pellet diet. There were four lambs per pen, and eight replicate pens per dietary treatment. Ewe and wether lambs were removed from the study when pens reached an average weight of 59.0 and 63.5kg, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) of lambs offered the ad libitum WSC diet was greater (P<0.05) than lambs offered the restricted WSC and alfalfa pellet diets, which resulted in fewer (P<0.01) days on feed for lambs offered ad libitum WSC. Lambs offered alfalfa pellets had a greater (P<0.01) daily dry matter intake (DMI) than lambs offered the WSC diets. Wether lambs had greater (P<0.01) daily DMI when compared with ewe lambs. Gain to feed ratio was greatest (P<0.01) for lambs offered ad libitum access to WSC, followed by lambs offered restricted WSC, and lambs offered the alfalfa pellet diet. The cost of whole shelled corn was $0.15/kg, the cost of alfalfa pellets was $0.60/kg, and the cost of supplements was $0.51/kg on an as-fed basis. The resulting feed cost of gain was greatest (P<0.01) for lambs offered alfalfa pellets, followed by lambs offered restricted WSC, and lastly lambs offered ad libitum WSC. Lambs offered the WSC diets produced a greater hot carcass weight (HCW; P<0.01) and greater (P<0.01) dressing percent when compared with lambs offered alfalfa pellets. Lambs consuming ad libitum WSC had a greater amount (P<0.05) of kidney fat when compared with lambs consuming a restricted diet of WSC or ad libitum access to alfalfa pellets. Lambs consuming either of the WSC diets produced a greater (P<0.05) amount of visceral fat when compared with lambs offered alfalfa pellets. Lambs offered alfalfa pellets had greater tissue weight of the reticulum (P<0.05), omasum (P<0.01), and total digestive tract (P<0.05), consistent with the lower dressing percentage observed. Lambs offered WSC had greater (P<0.05) backfat and body wall thicknesses, loin marbling scores, and yield grades (P<0.01) when compared with lambs offered alfalfa pellets. Wether lambs had a greater (P<0.05) final BW and HCW when compared with ewe lambs. Overall, lambs offered ad libitum WSC grew more efficiently at a lower cost of gain while producing carcasses with greater amounts of fat, whereas lambs offered alfalfa pellets had a lower dressing percentage and a greater total digestive tract weight.

Effects of different dietary inclusion levels of macadamia oil cake on growth performance and carcass characteristics in South African mutton merino lambs.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of South African mutton merino fed graded levels of macadamia oil cake were assessed. A total of 60 South African mutton merino lambs were used in the experiment (initial live weight 25.0 ± 0.45kg). Five diets with different inclusion levels of macadamia oil cake (MOC) were formulated: T1 (0% MOC, control), T2 (5% MOC), T3 (10% MOC), T4 (15% MOC) and T5 (20% MOC). Effects of inclusion level of MOC on average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were not significant (P > 0.05). Effects of inclusion levels of MOC on feed conversion ratio (FCR) of sheep were significant (P < 0.05). Highest proportion (71.2%) of sheep in the study had a carcass fat classification of 2, followed by a proportion of 17.3% sheep with a carcass fat classification of 3 and lastly 11.5% sheep had carcass fat classification of 4. Warm and cold carcass mass, chest circumference, carcass length and dressing percentage were higher in sheep fed on 5% MOC compared to other treatment diets (0, 10, 15 and 20% MOC) (P < 0.05). Fat rib eye had a greater area in sheep fed on 5% MOC (P < 0.05). It was concluded that 5% MOC provided the best results in terms of carcass characteristic measurements in sheep.

Slaughter and carcass characteristics of Herik male lambs raised under a finishing system

The aim of this study was to determine the slaughter and carcass characteristics of Herik lambs finished under intensive husbandry conditions. Twenty single male lambs, ten of which had long, semifat tails and ten of which had short, round, and fat tails, all with an average live weight of 20 kg, were used in the study. Concentrate feed and fresh water were given ad libitum and alfalfa hay as forage was given in the amount of 300 g/lamb per day. The lambs were slaughtered when they reached a final weight of 42 kg. The average hot and cold dressing percentages, based on empty body weight (36.400 kg) of Herik carcasses, were 52.56% and 51.74%, respectively. In this study, Herik lamb carcasses had measurements similar to other indigenous Turkish sheep genotypes, except for the carcasses of the Bafra breed. The carcass components of Herik male lambs, except for the foreleg, are similar to other indigenous breeds. Consequently, Herik lambs might be considered as an indigenous genetic source for meat production under the intensive fattening system.

Effect of Substituting Dried Mulberry (Morus alba) Leaves for Concentrate Mixture on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Lambs Fed a Natural Pasture Hay Based Diet

This study evaluated the effect of substituting dried mulberry (Morus alba) leaves for concentrate mixture (CM; wheat bran and noug/niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seed cake mixture in 2: 1 proportion) on performance and carcass characteristics of sheep fed a basal diet of natural pasture hay. Thirty local yearling male sheep with an initial body weight (BW) of 18.2±1.61 kg were assigned to treatments in a completely randomized block design. Treatments were iso-nitrogenous supplements of 100% CM offered at 250 g DM/sheep/d (T1), 67% CM and 33% dried mulberry leaves (ML: T2), 33% CM and 67% ML (T3), 100% ML (T4) and 100% dried Leucaena leucocephala (LL) leaves (T5). The feeding and digestibility trials lasted for 90 and 7 days, respectively. Carcass of each experimental animal was evaluated at the end of the digestibility trial. The highest (P<0.05) DM intake was observed in treatment T4 (868.8±60.7) while the lowest intake was found in T1 (756.4±84.2) and T5 (763.5±115.6). The digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF), average daily gain and carcass characteristics were similar in different treatments. Therefore, mulberry leaves could serve as a complete alternative replacement for wheat bran and niger-seed cake based conventional concentrate mixtures in lambs under Ethiopian smallholder farming conditions.

Effects of Energy Source and Level, and Sex on Carcass and Meat Characteristics in Lambs

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to investigate concerns of excessively fat lambs in the U.S. by comparing energy source and level, and the sex of lamb, on lamb carcass and meat characteristics.Materials and MethodsEwe (n = 48) and wether (n = 48) lambs were blocked by sex and stratified by initial weight to pen. The three diets were ad libitum whole shelled corn (WSC; AC), 85% of ad libitum intake WSC diet (LC), or an ad libitum alfalfa pellet diet (AA). There were 4 lambs per pen, and 8 replicate pens per dietary treatment. Ewe (n = 24) and wether (n = 24) lambs were harvested on a pen basis during the periods of 7/7/2015 through 8/25/2015 when pens reached an average weight of 59.0 and 63.5 kg, respectively. Carcasses were split between the 12th and 13th rib 24 h postmortem to record carcass measurements. Minolta measurements were taken 24 h postmortem and loin chops were allowed to bloom for 20 min before color measurements were taken. Statistical analysis was conducted using PROC MIXED statement in SAS with diet and sex as fixed effects, diet and sex nested within pen as the random effect, and initial weight and final weight were used as covariates if P 0.05) were found between carcasses for conformation score, lean color and quality score, and quality grade. Minolta L*, a*, and b* values taken from the subcutaneous fat across the top of the shoulders on the carcass were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Similarly, the Minolta L* and a* values of the lean from a butterflied loin chop were not significantly different (P > 0.05). However, loin chop from wether carcasses had greater (P < 0.05) b* values compared to loin chops from ewe carcasses.ConclusionIn conclusion, lambs fed WSC had greater dressing percentages that related to greater hot carcass weights with greater measurements of carcass fat compared to lambs fed alfalfa pellets.

Effects of Energy Source and Level, and Sex on Carcass and Meat Characteristics in Lambs

Effects of Energy Source and Level, and Sex on Carcass and Meat Characteristics in Lambs

Relevance of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic supplementations on hemato-biochemical parameters, metabolic hormones, biometric measurements and carcass characteristics of sub-tropical Noemi lambs

The effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic preparations on hemato-biochemical parameters, metabolic hormones, biometric measurements and carcass characteristics of growing lambs were studied. Twenty four growing Noemi male lambs were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=6/group) in a complete randomized design and blocked according to their initial weights. Lambs in the first group were orally given 50 ml of physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) and served as control (CON), while lambs in other three groups were orally given 50 ml of aqueous dandelion extract (PRE) or fermented cow’s milk supplemented with lactic acid bacteria (PRO) or their mixture (1:1, SYN) every other day for 8 consecutive weeks. The results indicated that treatment had no effects on hematological parameters, except leukocytes number which was elevated (P<0.05) in all treated lambs compared to CON-lambs. Treatments had no effect on blood serum cholesterol, whereas treatment with PRO and SYN increased (P<0.05) blood serum glucose. Blood serum insulin and IGF-I concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in lambs given SYN than lambs in other groups. Different supplementations improved (P<0.05) finishing weight of lambs compared to control. There were no significant differences in carcass weight and dressing percentage among treatments. Values of most carcass measurements were not affected by treatment except a significant increase in chest depth in all supplemented lambs compared to control. Regarding to eye muscle area, as an indicator of tissue growth, there was a tendency of increase in the carcass of PRO and SYN lambs as compared to those of PRE and CON-lambs. Most offal weights were not affected by treatment, however a significant increase in weight of digestive tract was observed for PRO-group compared with CON, but other treatments did not show a significant effect. Yield of commercial cuts was not affected by treatment except for breast and loin cuts. The heaviest breast weight was found in carcass of lambs given PRO (P<0.05) and the heaviest weight of loin cut was in favor of those given SYN. The meat in carcass of control and PRE was lower than that of PRO and SYN with no significant differences. In conclusion, supplementing probiotics fermented cow’s milk to growing lambs improves their metabolic status and thus growth efficiency without a significant change in their carcass traits.

Lamb production responses to grass grazing in a companion crop system with corn silage and oversowing of yellow oat in a tropical region

Integrated crop-livestock systems in regions with dry winters could be a viable option to increase food production during periods of irregular rain and reduced pasture availability. A corn (Zea mays L.) silage production system with cover crops of (a) the weedy growth of signal grass [Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R. Webster “Basilisk”] and (b) palisade grass [Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. Webster ‘Marandu’ and ‘Piatã’], both with a 0.20- and 0.45-m silage cutting height, was employed in the summer and autumn. Yellow oat (Avena byzantina cv. São Carlos) was oversown in these systems in the winter and spring. The pasture production, the daily ration intake, the performance and carcass characteristics of lambs (Ovis aries) grazing these pastures in a semi-feedlot system (supplemented with silage and concentrate), and the revenue were investigated. The experiment was repeated in the same location for two growing seasons (2010–2011 and 2011–2012) on a Typic Haplorthox in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Analyzing the system as a whole, intercropping corn silage with palisade grass cv. Marandu (followed by palisade grass cv. Piatã) with a cutting height of 0.45m combined with yellow oat oversowing was the most robust option for enhancing productivity. The pasture formation for lamb finishing in a semi-feedlot system, the reduction of silage and concentrate intake, and greater live weight and carcass gains per hectare were key attributes for improving the economic viability of this integrated crop-livestock system. Thus, these crop systems were a viable option for the diversification of agricultural activities in tropical regions.