Comparative evaluation of meat production potential in hair sheep crossbreeds under tropical conditions

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the effect of genetic group on productive performance and carcass characteristics of hair sheep under tropical conditions.

Design/methodology/approach: Male lambs from Dorper × Pelibuey (DpPb), Katahdin × Pelibuey (KtPb), and Charollais × Pelibuey (ChPb) crossbreeds were finished under confinement and fed a commercial diet containing 15% crude protein and 2.76 Mcal of metabolizable energy (ME)/kg of dry matter (DM). Dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded. Carcass characteristics and morphometric measurements were evaluated at a live weight of 45 kg. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models.

Results: No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected among genetic groups for productive performance. Mean DMI was 0.955 kg DM/animal/day, ADG was 0.270 kg/animal/day, and FCR was 4.0. However, the DpPb group exhibited greater carcass weight, larger Longissimus dorsi muscle area, and higher backfat thickness (P < 0.05). No differences were observed among crossbreeds for morphometric measurements.

Limitations on study/implications: Variations in productive performance reported in previous studies may be associated with diet composition, environmental conditions, and the genetic background of the animals.

Findings/conclusions: Differences in carcass traits were mainly associated with live weight at slaughter, whereas no differences in productive performance were observed among genotypes. The Dorper × Pelibuey crossbreed can be considered a functional option for intensive tropical production systems aimed at increasing carcass weight.