Macedo et al., 2008. Rev. Bras. Zootec., 37 (11): 2041-2048

The performance and quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of lambs fed diets containing sunflower seed were evaluated. 16 lambs were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design with four diets (0.00, 6.60, 13.20 or 19.80% of sunflower seed as fed) with 4 replications. The diets contained 2.65, 2.78, 2.89 and 2.93 Mcal/kg of metabolize energy and 18.38, 18.75, 19.98 and 21.18% crude protein, respectively, and fed ad libitum. The lambs were weighed every 14 days and kept with the ewes until they reached 28 kg and were slaughtered after solid fasting for 18 h to obtain slaughter body weight and record hot carcass weight and gastrointestinal content used in the calculation of empty body weight. The carcasses were kept for 24 h in a cold room temperature of 5C to obtain cold carcass weight. Sunflower seed levels in the diet did not affect the performance characteristics of lambs. However, the hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight; the weights of neck, low, shoulder, rib, thru rib, loin and carcass commercial yields and rib, thru rib, loin, shoulder, neck and low showed effects of sunflower seed addition. In conclusion, the addition of sunflower seeds in the diet does not influence the qualitative and morphometric characteristics of lamb carcasses.