Performance, carcass features, and non-carcass components of sheep grazed on Caatinga rangeland managed with different forage allowances

This study aimed to evaluate the performance, carcass features, and non-carcass components of sheep managed with different levels of forage allowance [2.0; 2.5; 3.0; 3.5 kg DM/kg body weight (BW)] in the semi-arid Caatinga rangelands of northeastern Brazil. Two trials were conducted during 2013 and 2014, with stocking periods of 39 and 84 days, respectively. The experimental site was designed as a randomized whole block with split-plot array. Animals were slaughtered at the end of the stocking season. Absolute weights of the non-carcass components, empty BW, and hot carcass weights were measured. Morphometric measurements of the whole carcasses were taken. The left-hand half of each carcass was butchered into commercial cuts. A quadratic effect was seen for forage allowance levels and intake, as well as for dry matter digestibility, total and daily weight gain, BW and carcass weight, and loin cut. The optimum level of forage allowance was 2.8 kg DM/ kg BW. The characteristics of the non-carcass components (except blood and small intestines) of the sheep remained unchanged under the different forage allowance regimes.

Source: Small Ruminant Research - March 15, 2019 Category: Zoology Source Type: research