Cartaxo et al., 2009. Rev. Bras. Zootec., 38 (4): 697-704
Características quantitativas da carcaça de cordeiros terminados em confinamento e abatidos em diferentes condições corporais
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of genotype and body condition on the carcass dressing percentage of lambs finished in a feedlot. 24 Santa Ines and 24 1/2 Dorper * 1/2 Santa Ines crossbred lambs averaging 19.8 kg and 103 days old were used in the trial. The adaptation period to the facilities and diet was 14 days. The animals received a complete ration with 30% of manicoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) and 70% concentrate. The experimental design consisted of a completely randomized 2*3 factorial design (2 genotypes and 3 corporal conditions) with different number of replicates. No differences between genotypes for the quantitative carcass traits studied were observed, except for the percentage of internal fat, fat thickness in the fat condition and dressing of the leg and rib in the intermediate corporal condition. The effect of the body condition within the genotype increases the internal fat percentage, fat thickness, compactness index of the carcass and weights of the saleable cuts, except for the weight of the neck in Dorper * Santa Ines crossbred lambs.