EFFECT OF ZERANOL ON CARCASS TRAITS AND MEAT QUALITY FROM LAMBS PRODUCED AT NORTHERN OF MEXICO

摘要

IntroductionIn recent years there has been an increased interest in the production of sheep in México. Actually, the ovine production has increased and competes against beef, pork, poultry and fish for the Mexican market. In this competitive environment, the sheep industry must monitor and react to changing preferences of consumers. Carcass composition is influenced by weight as well as genetics and breed differences, sex, and growth path, but the use of anabolic implants is generally used into the management practices of the finishing phase of beef (Smith et al, 1996), pork (Lee et al, 1994) and ovine (Nold et al, 1992) production to enhance animal performance. Anabolic agents increase weight gain in farm animals by enhancing protein deposition and improving feed conversion, as well as increasing the muscle-to-fat ratio.The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of zeranol, a commercial implant, on weight gain, carcass composition and meat quality of sheep.