Resumen

MACIAS-CRUZ, U et al. Growth and carcass traits in pure Pelibuey lambs and crosses F1 with Dorper and Katahdin breeds in confinement. Arch. med. vet. [online]. 2010, vol.42, n.3, pp.147-154. ISSN 0301-732X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0301-732X2010000300005.

The aim of this study was to evaluate feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of 36 male and female lambs from the genotypes pure Pelibuey, Dorper x Pelibuey, and Katahdin x Pelibuey under desert conditions in northwestern Mexico. Lambs were slaughtered for carcass evaluation after 85 d of a productive performance test. Dorper x Pelibuey lambs had higher (P < 0.05) daily weight gain and feed intake than the other genotypes. However, there were no differences (P > 0.05) among the three genotypes in carcass yield, Longissimus dorsi muscle area and back-fat thickness. Males presented higher (P < 0.01) daily weight gain and lower (P < 0.01) feed conversion than females. Hot and cold carcasses were heavier (P < 0.05) in males than in females, but carcass yield and back-fat thickness were similar (P > 0.05) between sexes. Yield and total weight of primary cuts were also similar (P > 0.05) among genotypes and sexes. These findings suggest that the Dorper breed can be used in crossbreeding schemes to improve mutton production in arid zones, like in northwestern Mexico.

Palabras clave : sheep; crossbreeding; growth; carcasses; heat stress.

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