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 Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Zidon, J. F. Articles by Faller, T. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Zidon, J. F. Articles by Faller, T.

Carcass Evaluation of Two- and Three-Way Crosses of Six Breeds of Sheep¹

North Dakota State University³, Fargo 58105

Abstract

Carcass data from 700 two- and three-way crossbred lambs slaughtered at 50 kg each were collected and evaluated. Grade Columbia and Rambouillet ewes and Columbia, Rambouillet, North Country Cheviot, Border Leicester, Suffolk and Hampshire rams were used as foundation stock to produce the lambs. No heterotic effect of breed or cross on carcass merit was found. All carcass factors studied were comparable within and among breeds. Although significant differences were found for certain carcass traits, the magnitude of the differences were so small they were of limited value for selection purposes. All lamb carcasses were similar in carcass merit. Sex differences indicated that wether lamb carcasses were leaner than ewe lamb carcasses. Overall the two-and three-way crossbred lambs were similar in all carcass traits: conformation, quality and USDA grades. The inclusion of the North Country Cheviot and Border Leicester breeds in the cross-breeding program did not affect the carcass parameters measured. Therefore, regardless of the breeds used, lamb carcasses resulting from such matings were a desirable, marketable product.

¹ The authors would like to acknowledge W. Slanger and C. N. Haugse for their technical assistance.

² Present address: Dept. of Animal Science, Univ. of Wyoming, P. O. Box 3354, Laramie 82071.

³ Dept. of Animal Science.