Select cuts of carcass of crossed katahdin × pelibuey lambs fed with Medicago sativa L.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage (AF) in diet and sex on yield of select cuts of crossed (F1) Katahdin × Pelibuey lambs (Kt × Pb).

Design/methodology/approach: Thirty-four male and twenty-one female lambs were distributed in a completely randomized design with 2 x 2 factorial arrangement: two diets (with and without AF) and two sexes (male and female).

Results: No significant effect of diet on select cuts of carcass was detected (P > 0.05). Male lambs had a greatest live weight (LW) at slaughter, hot carcass weight and yield of selects cuts, though the female lambs had a higher weight of Rack (P ? 0.01; P ? 0.05). The effect of the diet was independent of the type of sex of the lambs in all the variables evaluated (P > 0.05).

Limitations on study/implications: In Mexico there are more farms and companies that are interested in the market of lamb cuts, because they have a great potential for developing. However, it is necessary to establish its characteristics and differentiate the quality standers that market demands.

Findings/conclusions: Lambs fed with alfalfa forage have a yield of selected cuts of carcass similar to those that received concentrated feed, so it is possible to obtain meat cuts of excellent characteristics, using diets with good quality forage, like alfalfa.