HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Knight, A. D. Articles by Foote, W. C. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Knight, A. D. Articles by Foote, W. C.

Influence of Breed-Type, Feed Level and Sex on Lamb Carcass Characteristics¹

Utah State University, Logan

Abstract

Live animal and carcass measurements indicative of quality and quantity characteristics of the lamb carcass were collected over a 2-year period. The effects of certain genetic and environmental variables on the measurements were studied.

During the first year 112 full-fed wether lambs (equal numbers of Rambouillet, Columbia, Hampshire-whiteface cross and Suffolk-whiteface cross) were used to obtain data for four breed-type comparisons. Thirty-two lambs (8 full-fed and 8 limited-fed Rambouillets, and 8 full-fed and 8 limited-fed Suffolk-whiteface cross) provided detailed carcass information for study of breed-type and feed-level main effects and interactions.

During the second year of the study, 40 lambs (10 wether and 10 ewe Rambouillets and 10 wether and 10 ewe Suffolk-Hampshire cross lambs) were used to make breed-type and sex comparisons.

Statistical comparisons were not made between years; however, many of the measurements reflected established breed-type conformation characteristics. The Rambouillets were longer-bodied, longer-boned, and deeper-chested than the blackface lambs. The blackfaces tended to be wider through the chest, loin and hips than the Rambouillets. The blackface-whiteface crosses and the Columbias tended to be intermediate to the Rambouillets and the blackfaces in these measurements. Despite these differences in conformation, when comparisons were made at an approximately equal age and body finish, the breeds were similar in wholesale cut-out percents and in carcass composition. However, carcass composition differences were again caused by variations in fat content. The bonemuscle relationship, as indicated by the ash/ nitrogen ratio, apparently was not affected by treatments.

Differences between wethers and ewes were minimal. Results substantiated slight differences in conformation, but otherwise close similarity was the rule. L. dorsi muscle measurements, cut-out proportions, and carcass component percents indicated little discrepancy between the wethers and ewes in the characteristics measured.

¹ Published as paper No. 442 from the Department of Animal Husbandry with approval of the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station.