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Effects of Level of Nutrition, Pregnancy and Age on the Composition of the Wool-Free Ingesta-Free Body and Carcass of Sheep

University of California, Davis 95616²

Abstract

The wool-free empty bodies and carcasses of 54 Targhee ewe lambs and 141 mature Targhee ewes were chemically analyzed. Within each age group there were initial slaughter animals, non-pregnant animals fed at maintenance and ad libitum levels of nutrition and pregnant animals.

Ad libitum animals were higher in fat and energy, but lower in water, protein and ash concentrations than maintenance and initial slaughter animals. On a fat-free basis maintenance-fed animals were lower in protein and higher in ash concentrations than ad libitum fed animals. Pregnant animals were intermediate. Mature ewes were heavier, higher in fat and energy concentrations and lower in water, protein and ash concentrations than the lambs. On a fat-free basis the mature ewes were higher in ash and lower in protein concentrations than the lambs.

Empty body fat % and water % were inversely related in a very precise manner. This relationship was not different between age groups or treatments but was significantly altered when conceptus composition data were included.

¹ Present address: Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton, New Zealand.

² Department of Animal Science.