Performance and carcass traits of lambs finished in feedlot with different body conditions

Abstract

The performance and qualitative carcass traits of Santa Inês and crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês lambs finished in feedlot with different body conditions were evaluated. Forty-eight lambs averaging 20.0 kg of body weight and 103 days old and 32 lambs, 16 from each genotype, were used respectively for the evaluation of qualitative carcass traits and performance. Dorper  Santa Inês lambs presented lower dry matter intake and better feed conversion in the intermediate body condition when compared to Santa Inês. Body condition affected dry matter intake and feed conversion of crossbred lambs. Dorper  Santa Inês lambs had better carcass conformation and higher subcutaneous fat thickness when slaughtered at high body condition in relation to the intermediate one, while Santa Inês lambs were similar in both body conditions.