Carcass Yield Of Lambs Research Articles

Impact of polyacrylamide supplementation on intake, nutrient digestion and growth of lambs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) supplementation on the intake, digestion, weight gain, metabolism and growth of lambs. A total of ten 30 days old male small-tailed Han lambs with a body weight of 7.7±0.5 kg were divided into two equal groups (n = 5 each) and fed a basal diet or diet supplemented with 2.0 g of PAM per kg diet. The duration of the experiment was 210 days and experimental diets were fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Voluntary feed intake (VFI) was measured on daily basis, while body weight was measured on every ten days of the experiment.Two digestive and metabolic trials were conducted at the lamb's age of 95 to 103 days (Trial 1) and at the age of 210 to 218 days (Trial 2). At the end of experiment, all lambs were slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics. Results of the current study showed that supplementation of PAM in the diet of lambs increased the VFI and daily body gain by 14.4% (P < 0.05) and 15.2% (P < 0.01), respectively. In Trial 1, PAM supplementation in the diet increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), cellulose, energy, and nitrogen retention by 7.9%, 5.4%, 6.4%, 9.6%, 4.3% and 30.3% (P < 0.01), respectively, and in Trial 2, PAM supplementation in the diet increased the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, cellulose, energy, and nitrogen retention by 9.3%, 7.9%, 7.7%, 11.6%, 6.9% and 38.5% (P < 0.01), respectively. Results of carcass parameter explored that supplementation of PAM in the diet increased the carcass, net meat and lean meat weights by 24.5%, 25.5%, and 30.6% (P < 0.01), respectively, however, PAM supplementation in the diet did not influence the contents of DM, OM, or CP in fresh liver, leg muscle, and rumen tissue; in addition, the CP contents in the Longissimus dorsi muscle was decreased by the supplementation of PAM in the diet. In summary, supplementation of 2.0 g of PAM per kg diet increased the VFI, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and carcass yield of lambs.

PSXI-13 Effect of performance indicators, food expenses and interest rate on lamb production cost

Abstract This study aimed at comparing the influence of zootechnical performance and main cost items over the total production cost of lambs. A representative production system of São José do Rio Preto region, Brazil, designed in a panel meeting, was used as a study basis. We calculated lamb production costs, including variable costs, fixed costs, and income of factors, using the data from December 2019. We then estimated elasticities for the variables: feed expense, interest rate, carcass yield, lamb survival rate, and fertility rate. This way we compared the variation in total cost per year and per carcass caused by increases of 1% in each of the considered variables. In the base scenario, production costs per year and unit were, respectively, US$ 33,367.34 and US$ 4.81. Feed expenses, annual interest rate, mean carcass yield, lamb survival rate, and fertility rate were, respectively, US$ 22,316.74, 4.50%, 48.00%, 88.00%, and 85.00%. Regarding annual cost, changing each variable caused variations of +0.67%, +0.05%, 0.00%, +0.33% and +0.33%. Concerning cost per unit, the variations were +0.76%, +0.07%, -0.98%, -0.61% and -0.64%, respectively. Increasing lamb survival and fertility rates were also effective strategies to lower unitary cost. The cost component with feed represented 66.88% of the total production cost, but measures to reduce feed costs must be well conducted to not affect the zootechnical performance of the animals. Farmers must consider cost per unit when thinking about lowering production costs, instead of the annual cost. Increasing lamb carcass yield had a greater impact on reducing unitary cost than cutting feed expenses. Improving performance indicators demand good nutritional status for lambs and ewes, and cutting off feed expenses may have deleterious effects on animal performance, therefore increasing cost. Elasticity analysis is a useful tool to calculate such trade-offs at the farm level.

PSI-40 The value of selection for carcass traits to improve lamb carcass yield and quality.

PSI-40 The value of selection for carcass traits to improve lamb carcass yield and quality.

Productivity of pure Finnsheep in Finland and abroad

As a follow-up to earlier review papers, the available data on Finnsheep in different countries all over the world have been brought together. Apart from published material, other sources have been utilized, including answers to a questionnaire circulated in January 1976. Data on measured traits are summarized, and comparisons have been made between certain traits in Finland and abroad. The following main traits are reviewed: Fertility. Early sexual maturity is typical of the breed. Both ewe and ram lambs can be used for breeding at 6–8 months of age. Conception rate is 94–96% for ewe lambs and 95–98% for adult ewes. Litter size for 1-year-old, 2-year-old and adult ewes is about 1.8, 2.4 and 2.7, respectively. Lamb mortality varies from 7 to 40 %, depending on litter size. The majority of the ewes can conceive out of season. Oestrus lasts 2–2.5 days, and fertile oestruses occur during lactation. Ovulation rate is high. Rams show high libido, large testes and good fertility. High gonadal activity is common to both sexes of the breed. Mothering ability. Assistance at lambing is needed in 10–12% of cases. The average score for mothering ability in the scale from 1 to 4 was 2.65, but it varied greatly. The average score for milk production was 2.44 and the average daily milk yield 1.81 kg. Health. The average score for health was 2.38. In half of the places there were problems with pneumonia. Other health problems were specific for different places. Growth and carcass. The average birth weight is about 2.4 kg, but varies with litter size. Mean 150-day weight in Finland is 30 kg and daily gain ca. 180 g. The gain during the first 6 weeks depends on litter size. Litter weight at 150 days was 71 kg, but litters of 4–5 lambs were thrice as heavy as singles. Carcass yield of lambs is competitive with other breeds, but carcass quality 5–10% poorer. Fat is located mainly in body cavities, not subcutaneously. Wool. Fleece weights are inferior to most other breeds, being about 2 kg as greasy and 1.5 kg as clean. The wool is rather fine, 25–28 μm, white, semilustrous, soft and silky. Medullation is rare.