Lamb production performance of 14 sire breeds mated to New Zealand Bomney ewes

From an extensive series of trials involving approximately 15 000 Romney ewes mated with 435 rams, provisional results are presented on the comparative performance of 14 sire breeds for lamb meat production. The breeds, each represented by ten or more rams, were Southdown, Suffolk, South Suffolk, Hampshire, Dorset Down, South Dorset Down, Poll or Horn Dorset, Border Leicester, English Leicester, Ryeland, Cheviot, Lincoln, Merino and Romney.Important differences exist between sire breeds in progeny survival, with the Southdown being best and the Romney poorest. Progeny of long-wool sires, and particularly the Lincoln, clip more wool at post-weaning shearing than of the Down breeds, which exhibit quite small variation.Sire breeds vary in average live-weight and carcass growth of their progeny, the Suffolk, Hampshire and Dorset breeds producing the heaviest and Merino and Romney the lightest lambs. In terms of lamb live-weight or carcass production per Romney ewe mated, Romney, Merino, Lincoln, Ryeland, Cheviot and English Leicester sires are inferior to the Southdown while Dorset, Suffolk, South Suffolk and Dorset Down are superior.Within any breed, wide differences exist between progeny growth rates of the best and poorest sires, emphasising the importance of sound selection of rams and of adequate genetic sampling in breed comparisons.     

The effect of sex and genotype on growth performance,feed efficiency,and carcass traits of local sheep group Pantaneiro and Texel or Santa Inês crossbred finished on feedlot

This study aimed to assess and compare the growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits of Pantaneiro sheep and their Texel and Santa Inês crossbreds. Ninety-six lambs, fifty-one males, and forty-five females, with a mean weaning weight of 15.21?±?1.25 kg and 78?±?13 days of age, were slaughtered at a 32-kg body weight. The results showed better production efficiency from males compared with females. Texel-crossed lambs had a better growth performance than the other genotypes. The Texel?×?Pantaneiro lambs were more efficient with a better feedlot performance, higher ribeye muscle area, and better carcass characteristics with an adequate amount of fat cover. Pantaneiro lambs and their crosses with meat breeds could be useful in meat production systems under Savanna environmental conditions.     

Evaluation of Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale breeds of sheep: IV. Survival, growth, and carcass traits of F1 lambs

The objectives of this study were to estimate effects of sire breed (Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale), and dam breed (Composite III and Northwestern whiteface) on survival, growth, carcass, and composition traits of F1 lambs. Effects of mating season (August, October, and December) were estimated for survival and growth traits. Data were collected on 4,320 F1 lambs sired by 102 purebred rams over 3 yr. Birth weight was recorded on all lambs, and subsequent BW were adjusted to 56 (weaning), 70, and 140 d of age (n = 3,713, 3,654, and 3,579 observations, respectively). Survival of dam-reared progeny (n = 4,065) to weaning was recorded. Each year, wethers from October matings were slaughtered in three groups at 25, 29, and 33 wk of age to obtain carcass data (n = 546). In addition to standard carcass traits, resistive impedance measurements were recorded on the warm carcass to predict lean mass. Dam breed (P = 0.37) did not influence lamb survival to weaning, but sire breed (P < 0.05) was important. Romanov-sired lambs excelled in survival rate to weaning (94.1%), followed by Finn-sheep (93.0%), Texel (90.7%), Dorset (90.0%), and Montadale (89.1%) sired progeny. Lower (P < 0.01) postweaning growth rate was observed for Texel (267 g/d) and Finnsheep (272 g/d) sired progeny than for Dorset (285 g/d), Montadale (282 g/d), and Romanov (278 g/d) sired progeny. Sire breed and dam breed were generally significant for most carcass traits. Breed differences in distribution of carcass fat and carcass shape were detected; however, carcass composition was similar for all sire breeds when compared at a constant carcass weight. When evaluated at a constant 12th-rib fat depth, carcasses of lambs from Finnsheep, Romanov, and Texel sires produced 1 to 1.5 kg less (P < 0.001) predicted lean mass per lamb than carcasses of lambs from Dorset and Montadale sires. These experimental results provide information about the direct breed effects for survival, growth, and carcass traits of these breeds and their potential use in crossbreeding systems.     

Predicting tissue distribution and partitioning in terminal sire sheep using x-ray computed tomography

The utility of x-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning in predicting carcass tissue distribution and fat partitioning in vivo in terminal sire sheep was examined using data from 160 lambs representing combinations of 3 breeds (Charollais, Suffolk, and Texel), 3 genetic lines, and both sexes. One-fifth of the lambs were slaughtered at each of 14, 18, and 22 wk of age, and the remaining two-fifths at 26 wk of age. The left side of each carcass was dissected into 8 joints with each joint dissected into fat (intermuscular and subcutaneous), lean, and bone. Chemical fat content of the LM was measured. Tissue distribution was described by proportions of total carcass tissue and lean weight contained within the leg, loin, and shoulder regions of the carcass and within the higher-priced joints. Fat partitioning variables included proportion of total carcass fat contained in the subcutaneous depot and intramuscular fat content of the LM. Before slaughter, all lambs were CT scanned at 7 anatomical positions (ischium, midshaft of femur, hip, second and fifth lumbar vertebrae, sixth and eighth thoracic vertebrae). Areas of fat, lean, and bone (mm(2)) and average fat and lean density (Hounsfield units) were measured from each cross-sectional scan. Areas of intermuscular and subcutaneous fat were measured on 2 scans (ischium and eighth thoracic vertebra). Intramuscular fat content was predicted with moderate accuracy (R(2) = 56.6) using information from only 2 CT scans. Four measures of carcass tissue distribution were predicted with moderate to high accuracy: the proportion of total carcass (R(2) = 54.7) and lean (R(2) = 46.2) weight contained in the higher-priced joints and the proportion of total carcass (R(2) = 77.7) and lean (R(2) = 55.0) weight in the leg region. Including BW in the predictions did not improve their accuracy (P > 0.05). Although breed-line-sex combination significantly affected fit of the regression for some tissue distribution variables, the values predicted were changed only trivially. Within terminal sire type animals, using a common set of prediction equations is justified. Tissue distribution and fat partitioning affect eating satisfaction and efficiency of production and processing; therefore, including such carcass quality measures in selection programs is increasingly important, and CT scanning appears to provide opportunities to do so.     

Genetic and environmental effects on carcass characteristics of Southdown x Romney lambs: II. Genetic and phenotypic variation

Approximately 4,400 crossbred lambs from Southdown sires and Romney ewes were slaughtered at approximately 18, 23, and 28 wk of age over a 16-yr period. Live weights, carcass measurements, and chemical percentages were analyzed to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters. Heritabilities of postweaning weights and gains were about .20. Heritabilities of fat and water percentages were about .35 adjusted for age. Heritability of kidney fat percentage was .53. Heritabilities of fat depth and muscle measurements ranged from .21 to .37. Crutch depth (h2 = .73) and cannon bone length (h2 = .74) were the most highly heritable carcass measurements. The genetic correlation between carcass fat and fat-free weight was .47 when lambs were slaughtered at a constant age. Fat-free weight was nearly uncorrelated with percentages of fat, water, and protein when lambs were slaughtered at the same age. Carcass measurements increased accuracy of selection for fat-free weight at a constant age very little compared with using only carcass weight. However, this does not mean that additional measurements are useless. The addition of carcass measurements to the selection criteria would result in correlated responses in chemical composition that more closely resembled direct selection for fat-free weight. Carcass weight would be of little value when used by itself to reduce fat weight adjusted for carcass weight. Direct measurement of carcass composition resulted in 1.6 to 2.6 times more predicted response for reduced fat weight than any combination of carcass weight and one fat depth measurement.     

Progeny test of ram lambs selected for low ultrasonic backfat thickness or high post-weaning growth rate

Ram lambs were selected from a total of 1206 lambs in 8 industry Coopworth ram breeding flocks. Eight rams were selected randomly (one from each flock), 8 were selected on the basis of a low live weight-adjusted ultrasonic backfat thickness (lean) and 8 for a high post-weaning growth rate (PW gain). Rams from a Coopworth line specially selected and bred for low ultrasonic backfat (lean selection) were also included in the progeny test in which the rams were single sire mated to 1.5 year old Coopworth ewes. Birth and weaning weights were recorded for a total of 474 female and 371 male progeny. The males (progeny of 31 sires) were slaughtered between January and April at an average hot carcass weight (HCW) of 12.56 kg and carcass growth and carcass fatness parameters recorded. The carcass composition data were analysed using the allometric equation by covariance on HCW. The adjusted mean values of carcass water content were significantly higher for the progeny of the lean selection rams (7.58 kg) than forthe other 3 sire classes (7.49, 7.46 and 7.41 for the lean, PW gain and controls respectively) indicating that they were leaner. Other indicators of carcass fatness also revealed marked differences between the sire classes. There were also marked effects of slaughter date with lambs slaughtered earlier being leaner (after adjustment for HCW) than lambs slaughtered later in the season. The results indicate that selection of sires on the basis of ultrasonic backfat thickness or post weaning live weight gain can be expected to result in the production of leaner lamb carcasses.     

Effects of Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars on carcass traits of first-cross barrows.

Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars were mated to crossbred gilts during two breeding seasons. From each sire breed group each season, six pens of approximately eight barrows each were slaughtered. A pen of pigs from each sire breed group was slaughtered at 7-d intervals from 168 to 203 d of age each season. Breed of sire effects were significant for all age-adjusted carcass traits except carcass length, fat thickness at the last rib, color score, and firmness score. At 184 d of age, Duroc crosses had the heaviest (P less than .05) slaughter and carcass weights; Minzhu crosses were lighter (P less than .05) than Meishan crosses but not lighter than Fengjing crosses. Differences among age-constant traits reflect differences in BW. After adjustment to a constant carcass weight of 78 kg, the three Chinese breeds had very similar carcass characteristics. Carcasses sired by Durocs had significantly less backfat and larger longissimus muscle area than carcasses sired by the Chinese breeds. Weight of each trimmed wholesale lean cut and their total weight were significantly higher for Duroc crosses than for Chinese crosses. Breed of sire means did not differ significantly for belly weight, but Duroc crosses had less (P less than .05) weight of leaf fat. Relative to Chinese crosses, longissimus muscles from Duroc crosses had more marbling (P less than .05). Sire breed groups did not differ significantly for color or firmness score. Pigs sired by Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu produced carcasses with significantly less lean content at a carcass weight of 78 kg than did pigs sired by Duroc.     

Effect on production and carcass quality characteristics of wether lambs of crossing Blackheaded Mutton,Ile de France and Texel rams with Polish Merino ewes

During the period 1972–1974 investigations were made on 120 wethers fattened semi-intensively to a weight of 45 kg liveweight. These lambs originated from commercial crosses of the Polish Merino with rams of the breeds Blackheaded Mutton (B), Ile de France (IF) and Texel (T) as well as pure Merino (M) in the control group.The use of rams of these meat-producing breeds as compared with Merino gave a better growth rate: an increase in the group IF × M of 6.2%, B × M of 7.8% and T × M of 8.8% respectively. The feed consumption, expressed in starch equivalents per kg of weight, decreased in group IF × M by 11.6%, B × M by 15.1% and T × M by 15.6%, and total digestible protein decreased in the group IF × M by 12.1%, B × M by 16.6% and T × M by 16.9%.Crosses with Blackheaded Mutton and Ile de France rams did not fundamentally change the tissue composition of the lamb carcasses. However, the use of Texel rams resulted in carcasses with a higher lean content and less fat as compared with pure Merino (difference 5.7%) as well as with other crosses (differences 4.2–4.8%).Rams of the meat breeds tested did not greatly influence dressing percentage and carcass yield in terms of bone content and the proportion of valuable cuts; nor were dimensions affected, except for a decrease in length of 2–3.5% compared with Merino.     

Live weight,conformation, carcass traits and economic values of ram lambs of Red Maasai and Dorper sheep and their crosses

Meat production is the most important trait in the breeding objectives of sheep production in East Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate breed differences in live weight, conformation, carcass traits and economic values for meat production among Red Maasai and Dorper sheep and their crosses. In total, 88 ram lambs, which were reared at the ILRI experimental station, Kapiti plains Estate in Central Kenya, were used for the study. The lambs were slaughtered at Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) at about 1 year of age. Prior to slaughter, the lambs were weighed, measured and assessed by experienced evaluators, and at the abattoir carcass traits were recorded. Large breed differences were found for most traits. Dorper lambs were heavier at delivery for slaughter and had better carcass grade but lower dressing percentage and fat levels than Red Maasai. Crossbreds were generally better than the parental breeds. Evaluators were willing to pay more for the Dorper lambs for slaughter although carcass weights later were shown not to be higher than for Red Maasai. Evaluators undervalued Red Maasai lambs by 8–13 % compared to Dorper lambs according to the prices quoted per kilogramme live or carcass weight by KMC. Live weight was better than any other live measure in predicting carcass weight. Due to the overall higher ranking of the crossbred lambs for meat production, Dorper may be useful as a terminal sire breed for crossing with Red Maasai ewes.     

Feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and sensory quality of lambs, with or without prolific ancestry, fed diets with different protein supplements.

Data were collected on 130 intact male lambs fed diets based on roughages supplemented with fish meal, soybean meal, or corn gluten-blood meal and slaughtered at 43 kg live weight. A nonsupplemented group served as a control. The lambs represented Romanov (R), Finnsheep (F), a new breed developed in Canada (DLS), Coopworth (C), and Suffolk (S), three first crosses of DLS with R, F, and Booroola Merino (B), and their backcrosses to DLS. Supplemented lambs consumed 16 to 22% less (P less than .05) silage than control lambs. Average daily gains of lambs fed fish meal (226 g) and corn gluten-blood meal (217 g) were higher and feed conversion ratio (4.99 and 5.11) lower than that of lambs fed soybean meal (189 g and 5.48) or control (186 g and 5.76) diets (P less than .05). The cost of feed per kilogram of gain or per kilogram of lean produced was similar in the four treatments but was between C $.23 and .65 cheaper in the protein-supplemented groups when the number of days to reach slaughter weight was considered. The effect of diet on carcass traits and meat quality were minimal. Meat of lambs fed the three protein supplements was less juicy than that of control lambs. With a few exceptions, most of the significant differences among genetic groups in growth, carcass, and sensory traits were mainly between prolific (R and F) and meat-type breeds (C, S, and DLS). Gain in weight was highest in S lambs (199 g/d), but F and R first crosses were the youngest at slaughter (196 and 198 d). The F lambs had higher dressing and kidney fat percentages than meat-type breeds. The DLS lambs had the largest longissimus muscle area (14.0 cm2), whereas C had the smallest (10.7 cm2). The B crosses had larger longissimus muscle area than R and F crosses. The R lambs had more lean and less fat in the 12th rib, whereas C lambs had the lowest lean and a high bone percentage. The toughest and the most tender roasts were those of R and B crossbred lambs, respectively. Roasts from F lambs had the most intense lamb flavor.     

Survey for antibodies to respiratory viruses in two groups of sheep in Northern Ireland

Two hundred serum samples from Texel and Texel crossbred sheep (non-indigenous breeds) and 200 from indigenous Northern Ireland breeds (mainly Blackface, Cheviot and Border Leicester crosses) were tested for antibodies to parainfluenza virus types 1, 2 and 3, respiratory syncytial virus, bovine adenovirus (subgroups 1 and 2), influenza type A, maedi-visna virus and bovine virus diarrhoea virus. The percentage of animals with antibodies to parainfluenza virus 3 (50 to 56 per cent) and adenovirus subgroups 1 and 2 (70 to 90 per cent) was comparable in both groups. Infection of sheep with subgroup 2 adenoviruses has not previously been reported. In the case of respiratory syncytial virus and bovine virus diarrhoea virus, the percentage of animals positive was higher in the non-indigenous group (55.5 and 53 per cent, respectively) than in indigenous breeds (18.5 and 11 per cent, respectively). No antibodies were detected to parainfluenza virus 1 or 2, influenza A or maedivisna virus.     

Genetic and environmental effects on carcass characteristics of Southdown x Romney lambs: I. Growth rate, sex, and rearing effects

Carcass data from more than 4,400 Southdown x Romney ewe and wether lambs collected over a 16-yr period were analyzed for the effects of sex, rearing status, and growth rate. Ewe lambs grew more slowly than wethers and had .78 kg less carcass weight at the same age. The carcass weight advantage for wethers was nearly all caused by heavier fat-free weight. Based on fat depths, the fat on ewe lambs was distributed in more anterior and ventral parts of the carcass relative to wether lambs. Lambs reared as twins had 1.73 kg less carcass weight and correspondingly reduced carcass measurements compared with lambs reared as singles. Sex and rearing status interacted for some traits. However, in no case was a significant sex difference reversed in single- and twin-related lambs. Growth rate effects were determined by regressing average change in carcass measurements on average carcass weight gain over a 5-wk period. When carcass weight remained constant over a 5-wk period, fat weight increased by .12 kg, fat-free weight and muscle measurements decreased, and bone lengths increased. For each kilogram of increase in 5-wk carcass weight gain, the marginal increase in fat weight was .41 kg and that of fat-free weight was .59 kg. At the average 5-wk carcass weight gain of 1.4 kg, fat and fat-free gains were As carcass weight gain increased above 1.4 kg, fat-free gain exceeded fat gain.     

Influence of maternal frame size and nutritional restriction on growth and development of the postnatal lamb

Pregnant ewes (large frame [LF] and small frame [SF]) were nutritionally stressed in early gestation (EGS), late gestation (LGS) or fed 100% of NRC requirements (unstressed, US) throughout gestation. Lambs (128) from these ewes were slaughtered at birth, weaning (18 kg), 41 kg or 55 kg. Sixty-four lambs received a 13% protein diet from weaning to either 41 or 55 kg. Lambs from SF ewes were fatter at 55 kg, had a higher numerical yield grade and a lower percentage of carcass protein. Lambs from US ewes were youngest at slaughter and had the most carcass weight and protein per day of age at 55 kg. The LGS lambs had the lowest percentage of lean and carcass protein at 41 and 55 kg. However, at birth these lambs had the highest concentration of RNA and DNA in muscle. The EGS lambs had the lowest quality grade, carcass weight per day of age and fat percentage. Muscle DNA and RNA at birth was lowest in EGS lambs. However, EGS lambs produced the highest lean percentage and highest percentage carcass protein at 41 and 55 kg. Shortest metacarpals and metatarsals were also found in these lambs at weaning and 41 kg. Although frame size had little effect on carcass characteristics, the effects of nutritional stress in the first 80 d of gestation were apparent in lambs slaughtered at 31 kg. Stress in the last 50 d of gestation had more effect on lambs slaughtered at 55 kg.     

Carcass characteristics of Awassi ram lambs slaughtered at different weights

Thirty Awassi ram lambs were used to study the effects of slaughter weight on carcass characteristics. Lambs were slaughtered at three different live weights (20, 30, and 40 kg). Empty body weight, hot and cold carcass weights and non-carcass components increased (P < 0.001) at a steady rate between all slaughter weights. Body length, leg length, maximum shoulder width, width behind shoulders and gigot width increased (P < 0.001) as slaughter weight increased from 20 to 40 kg. Linear dimensions measured on the surface of the M. Longissimus also increased (P < 0.001) with increasing slaughter weight. The ratio between width and depth of the longissimus muscle decreased (P < 0.01) at a steady rate between 20 and 40 kg indicating that the muscle increased more in depth than width. Dressing-out percentage was higher (P < 0.001) for lambs slaughtered at 30 kg live weight compared to other weights. Total lean and total bone decreased (P < 0.05) as a percent of cold carcass weight while total fat, subcutaneous and intermuscular fat percentages increased (P < 0.05) with increasing weight. Subcutaneous fat percentage was not affected by increasing body weight between 20 and 30 kg. Intermuscular fat percent was higher in all cuts except the leg where subcutaneous fat % was higher. Muscle to bone ratio increased (P < 0.001) while muscle to fat ratio decreased (P < 0.001) with increasing body weight in the four major cuts and the whole carcass. In conclusion, slaughtering Awassi ram lambs at weights up to 30 kg resulted in higher dressing-out percentage and better carcass characteristics than ram lambs slaughtered at heavier weights.     

Effect of bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) seeds as a replacement protein source of soybean meal on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing Awassi lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing the protein source of soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of bitter vetch seeds (BVS) in the diets of finishing Awassi ram lambs on performance, and carcass characteristics. Diets were designed based on replacing SBM with BVS as a percentage of the diet. Diets were: control (0% BVS), substituting 5% of SBM (5% BVS), 10% of SBM (10% BVS) and the entire SBM in the ration with BVS (15% BVS). Forty eight lambs (18.74?±?3.95 kg initial body weight and 70 days of age) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment diets (12 lambs/treatment). Lambs were given an adaptation period of 10 days and the experiment lasted for 84 days. At the end of the trial, a digestibility experiment was performed and 6 lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics. Average daily gain tended (P?=?0.07) to be higher for lambs fed 10% BVS when compared to the other diets. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was higher (P?<?0.01) in control diet compared to the other diets. Fat depth (C) and leg fat depth (L3) tended (0.05?<?P?<?0.1) to be affected by BVS levels in the diet. Leg total lean % was the highest (P?<?0.05) in 5% BVS and 10% BVS diets. These results suggest that substituting SBM with BVS in the diets did not influence performance or carcass characteristics of lambs. However, the cost of ration formulation decreases since SBM is a very expensive component of the ration.     

Genetic correlations between ewe reproduction and carcass and meat quality traits in Merino sheep

Genetic correlations between reproduction traits in ewes and carcass and meat quality traits in Merino rams were obtained using restricted maximum likelihood procedures. The carcass data were from 5870 Merino rams slaughtered at approximately 18 months of age that were the progeny of 543 sires from three research resource flocks over 7 years. The carcass traits included ultrasound scan fat and eye muscle depth (EMDUS) measured on live animals, dressing percentage and carcass tissue depth (at the GR site FATGR and C site FATC), eye muscle depth, width and area and the meat quality indicator traits of muscle final pH and colour (L*, a*, b*). The reproduction data consisted of 13 464 ewe joining records for number of lambs born and weaned and 9015 records for LS. The genetic correlations between reproduction and fat measurements were negative (range ?0.06 ± 0.12 to ?0.37 ± 0.12), with smaller correlations for live measurement than carcass traits. There were small favourable genetic correlations between reproduction traits and muscle depth in live rams (EMDUS, 0.10 ± 0.12 to 0.20 ± 0.12), although those with carcass muscle traits were close to zero. The reproduction traits were independent of meat colour L* (relative brightness), but tended to be favourably correlated with meat colour a* (relative redness, 0.12 ± 0.17 to 0.19 ± 0.16). There was a tendency for meat final pH to have small negative favourable genetic correlations with reproduction traits (0.05 ± 0.11 to ?0.17 ± 0.12). This study indicates that there is no antagonism between reproduction traits and carcass and meat quality indicator traits, with scope for joint improvement of reproduction, carcass and meat quality traits in Merino sheep.     

Effects of a quantitative trait locus for muscle hypertrophy from Belgian Texel sheep on carcass conformation and muscularity

A QTL for muscle hypertrophy has been identified in the Belgian Texel breed. A population of F2 and backcross lambs created from crosses of Belgian Texel rams with Romanov ewes was studied. Effects on carcass traits and muscle development of the Belgian Texel breed polygenes and Belgian Texel single QTL were compared. In both cases, carcass conformation and muscularity were improved. The Texel polygenic environment improved conformation mainly through changes in skeletal frame shape. Segments were shorter and bone weight lower. Muscles were more compact, shorter, and thicker. The single QTL affected muscle development. Thickness and weight of muscles were increased. Composition in myosin changed toward an increase of fast contractile type. The relative contribution of hind limb joint to carcass weight was increased. Differences in skeletal frame morphology among the three genotypes of the single QTL were small. Conformation scoring was mainly influenced by leg muscularity. Back and shoulder muscle development, which largely contributed to variability of muscularity, were less involved in the conformation scoring. Lastly, the QTL explains a small part of differences between these Belgian Texel and Romanov breeds for conformation or muscle development. A large part of genetic variability remains to be explored.     

Energy requirements of Texel crossbred lambs

Two trials were conducted to determine the energy requirements of feedlot Texel crossbred lambs. In a comparative slaughter trial, thirty 11/16 Texel x 5/16 Ile de France crossbred noncastrated male lambs, weaned at 42 d of age (16.2 +/- 2.1 kg of shrunk BW; SBW), were used. Five lambs were randomly chosen and slaughtered after 10 d of experimental management and diet adaptation (baseline group). Fifteen lambs then were fed for ad libitum intake and slaughtered at 25, 30, or 35 kg of SBW. The remaining 10 lambs were randomly assigned to 2 levels of DMI, either 70 or 55% of the ad libitum intake, and were slaughtered concomitantly with lambs of the 35 kg of SBW group. Total body N, fat, and energy contents were determined. In a digestibility trial, 6 Texel x Ile de France crossbred lambs (30.4 +/- 2.6 kg of SBW) were housed in metabolic cages and used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square experiment to evaluate the energetic value of the diet at different feed intake levels. Net and ME requirements for maintenance were 58.6 and 91 kcal/kg(0.75) of SBW, respectively. Consequently, partial efficiency of energy use for maintenance was 0.64. Body fat content varied from 72.7 to 125.9 g/kg of empty BW, respectively, for 13.1 and 28.2 kg of empty BW. Net energy requirements for growth of lambs at 15 and 35 kg of SBW at an ADG of 250 g were 424 and 553 kcal/d, respectively. Partial efficiency of energy use for growth was 0.47. Texel x Ile de France crossbred growing lambs used in this study showed decreased nutritional requirements than those reported by most nutritional systems.     

Performance and characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs fed peach-palm by-product

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplying the by-product of peach-palm (Bactris gasipaes) on performance and characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components of feedlot lambs. Twenty Santa Ines lambs of 150 days average age and 22.4?±?3.4 kg body weight were confined in individual pens. A completely randomized design was utilized with four experimental diets composed of: fresh peach-palm by-product enriched with urea, fresh peach-palm by-product + concentrate, silage of peach-palm by-product + concentrate, and silage of peach-palm by-product enriched with 15 % corn meal + concentrate. Intake was evaluated daily, and at the end of 42 days of experiments, lambs were slaughtered and the characteristics of carcass and non-carcass parts were evaluated. Performance and carcass characteristics showed differences between the animals’ intake of total mixed rations (TMR) and only the diet with roughage. For the lambs that intaked TMR, the form of utilization of roughage (fresh or as silage) affected animal performance but did not change the carcass characteristics. Dry matter intake and feed conversion were influenced by the form of utilization of the silage (with and without additive). Providing fresh by-product plus concentrate improves lamb performance but does not interfere in the carcass characteristics, compared with the use of by-product in the form of silage.     

Assessment of carcass composition based on ultrasonic measurements and EUROP conformation class of live lambs

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of ultrasound muscle (UMD) and fat depth (UFD) measurements as well as live EUROP conformation class (LEUROP) in predicting carcass composition and conformation in lambs. Measurements of 5993 lambs were analysed applying a multi‐trait animal model and the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method to obtain variance components for scanning live weight (SLW), UMD, UFD and LEUROP. The data were field records of Finnsheep and a small number of lambs from other breeds, from over 30 flocks between 1997 and 1999. The lambs were measured close to 120 days of age. Scanning was behind the last rib and at the third lumbar vertebra. Just before slaughter, scanning was repeated with a subset of lambs, whose half carcasses (n = 224) were dissected for lean, fat and bone. The UMD (third lumbar) and SLW together accounted for 51% of the variance in lean weight in the model in Finnsheep. The UFD alone explained 21% of the variance in lean percentage, UMD was a better predictor for carcass conformation than LEUROP. The estimates of heritability for SLW, UMD, UFD and LEUROP were 0.44, 0.46, 0.39 and 0.27 (with standard errors of 0.03 each), respectively. High positive genetic correlations, ranging from 0.49 to 0.69, were obtained between the four traits. Selection for UMD has resulted in genetic improvement of 0.06 mm/year (1%) in a Finnsheep nucleus flock. Conformation score of live animals could be considered to be included in the breeding programme if uniformity of assessment is assured by continued training.