Carcass characteristics of sheep fed rations containing castor cake

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of rations containing castor cake on sheep carcass and non carcass components characteristics, this research was undertaken. Twenty Morada Nova sheep (initial weight of 18,7±1,18kg) were assigned to a complete randomized block design according to sex (whole males and females), with five treatments (castor cake untreated, castor cake treated with limestone, urea, phosphate monodicalcium and autoclaved) and four repetitions. There wasn’t difference in dry matter intake, total weight gain and weight of slaughter between treatments and therefore didn’t occur in most variables between treatments. However, animals fed with rations containing castor cake autoclaved and castor cake treated with phosphate monodicalcium were higher than those fed untreated castor cake. The loss in fast, there was difference between animals fed with rations containing castor cake autoclaved and animals fed with castor cake treated with urea, resulting also in difference in the percentage empty body weight. Animals fed with rations containing treated with phosphate monodicalcium had higher weight of rumen-reticulum in relation to the animals fed with ration containing castor cake treated with urea. The rib eye area was greater on animals fed castor cake autoclaved and treated with phosphate monodicalcium. In general, the castor cake untreated not affect carcass and non carcass components.