Effects of castrating lambs on growth and body composition

1964 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Bradford ◽  
G. M. Spurlock

Effects of castration on growth, wool production, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in sheep were investigated.The experiment included two flocks (similar in their effect on pre-weaning performance, but representing high and low planes of nutrition after weaning), two years, and two slaughter ages. Rams weighed approximately 5 % more thanwethers at weaning, and 15 % and 23 % more as yearlings on the low- and high planes of nutrition respectively. Differences in favour of rams in terms of skeletal and muscle size and wool production were also greater on the higher plane of nutrition. Carcass weight was approximately 4%, 8% and 19% higher for rams among lambs, low plane and high plane yearlings, respectively. Proportion of carcass weight in the forequarters was 0·5 %, 1·1 % and 2·3 % higher for rams in these three groups. Rams had less kidney fat and the same percentage of the carcass weight in loin and trimmed leg as wethers in all groups.Carcass grade and eating quality as evaluated by a taste panel did not differ between ram and wether lambs. Among the lighter yearling group, meat from the loin of ram carcasses was less tender. Quality was appreciably lower for rams in the heavier yearling group. Meat from ram carcasses had 1 to 2% higher cooking loss than that from wethers.

1972 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-237
Author(s):  
C. E. Hinks ◽  
J. H. D. Prescott

SUMMARYTwo experiments concerning the effects, on the carcass and meat characteristics of 18-months-old Friesian steers, of variation in grazing intensity and the level of barley feeding with silage are reported.Groups of 12 steers were grazed at different intensities over 5-month grazing periods, such that live-weight differences of 38 kg and 16 kg were recorded at housing. No compensatory growth was recorded during the subsequent winter feeding period.Whilst the grazing treatments had little effect on carcass or meat quality, higher levels of barley feeding with silage over the winter period (710 v. 410 kg/steer) had significant effects on live-weight gain, and increased carcass weight by 21 kg at slaughter. The higher yield of carcass weight was reflected in significant differences in carcass composition, joint proportions and retail cut-out value. Sixty per cent of the carcass weight difference was removed as trim fat. Differences in carcass fatness were not associated with any differences in eating quality.


1999 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. Carson ◽  
B. W. Moss ◽  
R. W. J. Steen ◽  
D. J. Kilpatrick

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of the percentage of Texel or Rouge de l’Ouest (Rouge) genes in lambs (0, 50, 75 or 100%; the remainder being Greyface (Border Leicester × Scottish Blackface)) on lamb carcass characteristics and meat quality. Ewe lambs were slaughtered at 34, 40, 46 and 52 kg and ram lambs were slaughtered at 40, 46, 52 and 58 kg live weight. Dressing proportion increased (P < 0·001) by 0·53 and 0·27 g carcass weight per kg live weight for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes respectively. Carcass conformation classification increased (P < 0·001) by 0·016 and 0·007 units (on a five-point scale) for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes respectively. Carcass fat depth measures were reduced by Texel and Rouge genes such that at a constant fat depth end point, carcass weight could be increased by 0·029 and 0·023 kg for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes. Carcass lean content increased (P < 0·001) by 0·99 and 0·27 g/kg for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes. Subcutaneous fat content was reduced (P < 0·001) by 0·36 and 0·29 g/kg for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes. Intermuscular fat content was reduced (P < 0·01) by 0·38 g/kg per 1% increase in Texel genes, whereas Rouge genes had no effect. Similarly, bone content was reduced (P < 0·01) by Texel genes only (0·31 g/kg per 1% increase in Texel genes). Warner-Bratzler shear force values showed a quadratic effect with increasing Texel and Rouge genes, with an initial decrease from 0 to 50% followed by an increase to 100%. Cooking loss increased (P = 0·05) as the percentage of Rouge genes in lambs increased. Increasing the percentage of Texel or Rouge genes significantly increased L* values (P < 0·01 and P < 0·05 respectively), b* values (P = 0·05 and P< 0·05 respectively) and H° values (P < 0·001).


Author(s):  
C. Chen ◽  
Y. Deng ◽  
H.B. Ren ◽  
J. Zhu ◽  
Q.M. Cui ◽  
...  

Background: The Chinese Shaziling pig is representative of good meat quality but has been scarcely utilized on commercial farms because of the unpleasing growth and carcass traits. Methods: The growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acids profile were analyzed among (Berkshire × Shaziling) × (Berkshire × Shaziling) (BS × BS), BS × S, Shaziling (S × S) and S × BS pigs. Result: BS × BS pigs exhibited higher growth rate and superior carcass performance. Each breed possessed desirable meat quality, as evidenced by moderate pH, color score, IMF content and shear force value, among which the performance of S × BS pigs was prominent. Take account of the contents of SFAs, MUFAs, PUFAs and PUFAs/SFAs value, the eating quality of S × BS pigs was favorable and the meat of BS × BS pigs, by contrast, was helpful for human health with advanced nutritional value. In summary, BS × BS pigs is more effective for commercial development of Shaziling pigs and providing healthy pork products.


1983 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 791-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. RAHNEFELD ◽  
H. T. FREDEEN ◽  
G. M. WEISS ◽  
J. A. NEWMAN ◽  
J. E. LAWSON

Carcass characteristics of 3673 steers and heifers born over a 6-yr period 1973–1978 at Brandon, Manitoba (farm conditions) and Manyberries, Alberta (range conditions) were compared. Calves weaned at Manyberries were fed and evaluated at Lacombe. The progeny were out of 10 specific F1 crosses of dams mated to bulls of the Charolais (C), Simmental (S), Limousin (L) and Chianina (Chi) breeds. Dam crosses included the Hereford × Angus (HA) and crosses sired by C, S and L sires out of H, A and Shorthorn (N) dams. Breed of sire of dam effects indicated that progeny from S cross cows generally had the heaviest carcasses S = C > L, the greatest carcass weight per day of age S = C > L, the highest percentage of dissected bone of the round S > C > L and rib S > C = L, the highest proportions of brisket S > L > C and flank S > L = C, and carried more kidney fat (percent liveweight) S > C = L and average rib fat S > C = L. Progeny from Limousin and Charolais cross cows had the highest dressing percentage [Formula: see text] and rib eye area/100 kg carcass wieght L > C > S while those from Limousin cross cows had the highest proportion of long loin and the combined lean cuts (rib, round and long loin) a higher percentage of dissected lean in the round L > C > S and the highest lean-to-bone ratio L > C > S. Progeny from dams of Shorthorn breeding generally had the heaviest carcasses, the greatest carcass weight per day of age, the highest percentage kidney fat and at Brandon the greatest proportions of plate and brisket. Hereford cross dams consistently produced progeny with the highest percentage head H = A > N, hide [Formula: see text], feet H > A = N, percentage bone in the long loin [Formula: see text], round [Formula: see text], and rib [Formula: see text], and the highest percentage lean in the long loin H > N (Brandon) and chuck H > N (Brandon). The progeny from Angus cross dams carried the greatest average rib fat [Formula: see text], had the greatest rib eye area/100 kg carcass weight [Formula: see text], the highest percentage lean in the round [Formula: see text], and the highest lean to bone ratio A > H = N. Key words: Cattle, breeds, carcass, cuts, composition


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sena Ardicli ◽  
Hale Samli ◽  
Fazli Alpay ◽  
Deniz Dincel ◽  
Bahadir Soyudal ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize the bovine fatty acid binding protein (FABP4) gene 3691G>A and 2834C>G polymorphisms and to evaluate interaction effects on the live weight, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Holstein bulls in the South Marmara region of Turkey. A total of 400 Holstein bulls grown on a private farm and slaughtered at 14-21 months of age, were randomly selected for use in this study. Initially, genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP method and statistical analysis was carried out using least square methods of the GLM procedure. A SNP located in intron 1 (2834C>G) was associated with desirable increases in live weight, hot carcass weight and chilled carcass weight, and a SNP located in exon 3 (3691G>A) was associated with significant increases in marbling scores and first compressive stress point of the longissimus dorsi muscle (P<0.05). The interaction analysis of the 3691G>A and the 2834C>G polymorphisms revealed significant effects for hot carcass weight, chilled carcass weight and backfat thickness (P<0.05). There were no significant associations between the SNPs and carcass measurements. Results indicated that the FABP4 3691G>A and 2834C>G polymorphisms and the 3691G>A and 2834C>G interactions can be used as selection parameters in breeding programmes to improve meat yield and carcass characteristics.


2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 133 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Hunter ◽  
T. Magner ◽  
P. G. Allingham

The experiment measured the effect of 2 hormonal growth promotion strategies on growth rate, carcass characteristics, and some objective measurements of meat quality of steers. Bos indicus × Bos taurus crossbred steers grazing improved tropical pastures were divided into 3 treatment groups: unimplanted controls, implantation once with a long-acting formulation containing 45 mg oestradiol-17β (Compudose 400, Elanco Animal Health, West Ryde, NSW), implantation every 105 days with a shorter acting formulation containing 20 mg oestradiol-17β (Compudose 100) (4 implantations). Over a 420-day experimental period, steers implanted several times with oestradiol gained significantly (P < 0.001) more weight (279 kg) than those implanted once (251 kg) and the controls (230 kg). Respective carcass weights were 270, 255, and 244 kg. At the same carcass weight, oestradiol treatment had no significant effect on beef yield or carcass fatness. Increased total beef yields from implanted steers were associated with increased carcass weight, rather than significant modification of carcass composition. Treatment had no significant effect on any of the objective measures of meat quality studied, including ultimate pH, peak force, compression, and adhesion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Suliman ◽  
A. N. Al-Owaimer ◽  
A. M. El-Waziry ◽  
E. O. S. Hussein ◽  
K. Abuelfatah ◽  
...  

Fattening performance, Carcass characteristics, chemical composition, and meat quality were evaluated in three sheep breeds: Awassi, Harri, and Najdi. Forty-five lambs of similar weight and age were raised for 90 days under similar conditions. The Harri and Najdi breeds had higher dressing-out percentages than Awassi sheep. The Awassi and Harri breeds had thicker backfat than the Najdi breed. No significant difference was found in moisture, protein, and intramuscular fat among the breeds. However, the Harri breed had a higher ash content than the Awassi and Najdi breeds. The Najdi breed had higher ultimate pH and lower cooking loss than the Awassi and Harri breeds. Awassi and Harri sheep had a higher myofibril fragmentation index, longer sarcomere length, and lower hardness and chewiness than Najdi sheep. Subjectively, no significant differences were detected between the breeds, except for flavor intensity while the Awassi sheep were rated in between and not significantly different. In conclusion, breed affected carcass characteristics, meat composition, and the quality of sheep. The dressing yield was higher in Harri and Najdi than Awassi sheep. Awassi sheep showed superior meat quality characteristics followed by Harri sheep. However, Najdi sheep had the best cooking loss percentage and flavor intensity score.


Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 942
Author(s):  
José Felipe Orzuna-Orzuna ◽  
Griselda Dorantes-Iturbide ◽  
Alejandro Lara-Bueno ◽  
Germán David Mendoza-Martínez ◽  
Luis Alberto Miranda-Romero ◽  
...  

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a polyherbal mixture (HM) containing saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides on productive performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs during the final fattening period. Thirty-six Dorper × Katahdin lambs (23.27 ± 1.23 kg body weight (BW)) were housed in individual pens and were assigned to four treatments (n = 9) with different doses of HM: 0 (CON), 1 (HM1), 2 (HM2) and 3 (HM3) g of HM kg−1 of DM for 56 days. Data were analysed as a completely randomized design using the MIXED and GLM procedures of statistical analysis system (SAS), and linear and quadratic effects were tested to evaluate the effects of the HM level. DM digestibility decreased in lambs fed HM3 (p < 0.05). There was no effect of HM on daily weight gain, dry matter intake, final BW, feed conversion, carcass characteristics, colour (L* and a*) and meat chemical composition. Meat pH, cooking loss and drip loss increased linearly (p < 0.05) when the HM dose was increased. The Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) of meat was lower (p < 0.05) in lambs fed HM3. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 3 g HM kg1 of DM improves meat tenderness. However, high doses of HM in the diet may decrease the digestibility of DM and increase the cooking loss and drip loss of lamb meat during the final fattening period.


2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-251
Author(s):  
Leticia Jalloul Guimarães ◽  
Isabella Guartieri da Silva ◽  
Ana Claudia Ambiel ◽  
Fabiola Cristine de Almeida Rego ◽  
Caliê Castilho ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the effects of different energy sources, as corn substitutes, on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs. Twenty-four intact ram lambs were identified, weighed, and assigned to one of four dietary treatments: corn, citrus pulp, rice bran, and soybean hulls. The ram lambs were confined in feedlots, and when they reached 30 kg of live weight, they were slaughtered. A  completelyrandomized design with different replicates was used for the analysis, along with the Tukey-5% test. For hot and cold carcass weight, rice bran produced lower values than the other dietary treatments. For the red color content of the meat, citrus pulp presented superior values when compared to corn, whereas meat and fat color, loin eye area, and objective tenderness did not differ between treatments. Different energetic sources used to replace corn in ram lambs finishing diets did not affect the proximate composition and quality of the meat. Highlights:  • Addition of rice bran to the lambs' diet resulted in lower hot and cold carcass weight.• Animals fed soybean hulls presented the highest carcass compactness index values.• Rice bran extended the feedlot period of lambs in 59.33 days, been longer than the others energies sources.• Corn, rice bran, citrus pulp and soybean hulls did not change the quality of meat but the inclusion of rice bran should be carefully evaluated.


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