Carcass composition of Corriedale Lambs and of crossings with East Friesian and Texel sheep

摘要

Lamb carcasses (n= 46, all castrated males) of three different genotypes [Corriedale n= 15; East Friesian x Corriedale cross (CxEF), n=16 and Texel x Corriedale cross (CxT), n= 15] were compared. The average weight at the time of slaughter was 33.07 kg, and the average age 147 d. Average carcass weight was 15.26 kg (corresponding to a yield of 46.20%). Thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer (12th rib) was 8.41 mm. Significant (P<0.01) differences were found for carcass and hind limb length. Carcasses of crosses had higher muscle, but lower fat content and a better muscle : bone-ratio than purebred Corriedale. In particular, carcasses of CxT were shorter, with shorter legs and less bone content, but higher muscle: bone-ratio. CxEF had higher muscle content than CxT or C. C had highest fat contents for the fractions: pelvic subcutaneous fat, cavitary fat, and intramuscular fat in the hind limb.