Carcass traits of feedlot crossbred lambs slaughtered at different live weights

Abstract

Carcass traits of twenty Texel x Ile de France crossbred lambs slaughtered after weaning (52 days of age), or at 25, 30 and 35kg live weight were evaluated. Lambs were placed in individual stalls (1.5m2) and fed ad libitum with a diet composed of sorghum silage (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and a concentrate mix (ground corn, soybean meal, calcium carbonate and salt). Commercial dressing percentage was related quadratically with slaughter weight, being highest in lambs slaughtered after weaning. Real dressing percentage increased linearly. Shoulder proportion decreased with slaughter weight, whereas leg, rib and neck proportions remained constant. Carcass fat was positively correlated to the slaughter weight. Slaughter of feedlot Texel x Ile de France crossbred lambs can be recommended at 28kg live weight.