Effects of sodium chloride and betaine on hydration status of lambs at slaughter

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Pearce ◽  
D. G. Masters ◽  
R. H. Jacob ◽  
D. L. Hopkins ◽  
D. W. Pethick
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Urine Specific Gravity ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Chloride Salt ◽  
Feeding Period ◽  
High Salt Diet ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
The Difference

Under commercial conditions in Australia, lambs are often dehydrated at slaughter despite access to water at the abattoir. Dehydration results in reduced fluid content of meat, which causes liveweight and carcass weight loss. Two experiments evaluated hydration status and carcass characteristics in lambs fed increased levels of sodium chloride (salt) and/or betaine before slaughter. Both experiments were 2 × 2 factorial designs with two levels of salt added [0 and 50 g/kg dry matter (DM)] and two levels of betaine added (0 and 6.7 g/kg DM) to the diets. The treatment diets were introduced to sheep over a 7–8-day period and then fed at 1.5 kg/day for the following 7 days. In experiment 1, 96 Poll Dorset–Merino cross wether lambs (45.9 ± 0.17 kg) were fed in individual pens and in experiment 2, 204 Merino wether lambs (43.1 ± 0.35 kg) were fed in group pens. In the first experiment, water and feed were withheld from the end of the treatment feeding period until slaughter 48 h later. In the second experiment, feed and water were withheld for the first 24 h after treatment but water was available for the next 24 h immediately before slaughter. In both experiments, consumption of the high salt diet decreased urine specific gravity and osmolarity at the end of the feeding period and after 24 h without access to water. This indicates an improved hydration status at this time. However, the difference in hydration status related to feeding salt declined during the 48-h lairage period and there were no significant differences in hot carcass weight or muscle DM among groups at slaughter. It could be concluded from this result that the addition of salt has little commercial value; however, this may not be the case. The lambs in experiment 2 did not behave according to industry expectations. They all drank water in the last 24 h in lairage and none of the groups showed severe dehydration. Further research is justified to determine if the lambs fed the diets with no added salt drunk in lairage as a learned response from the lambs fed salt and, if so, whether this can be developed into a commercial strategy. Feeding betaine did not result in any changes in hydration status or carcass characteristics.

Lamb carcass characteristics I. The influence of carcass weight, fatness, and sex on the weight of 'trim' and traditional retail cuts

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
DL Hopkins ◽  
JSA Wotton ◽  
DJ Gamble ◽  
WR Atkinson ◽  
TS Slack-Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Preparation Time ◽  
Variable Effect ◽  
Sex Effect ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Retail Cuts

Carcass data were obtained for 258 lambs [hot carcass weight 16.0-28.7 kg, fat depth at the GR site (12th rib) 5-23 mm]. The sample included ewes, wethers, and cryptorchids (86 of each). Of these, 130 carcasses (42 ewes, 45 wethers, 43 cryptorchids) were prepared as boneless, heavily trimmed, 'trim lamb' cuts (i.e. a range of cuts promoted by the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation). The remaining 128 carcasses (44 ewes, 41 wethers, 43 cryptorchids) were prepared as traditional, trimmed, bone-in cuts. Comparison of fat depth values before and after trimming over the loin at the 12th rib showed that the fat depth was reduced to a maximum of 4.0 mm. Models were developed based on hot carcass weight and GR measurement to enable estimation of the weight of each cut and carcass component (e.g. fat waste). The amount of variation of the components explained by the independent variables hot carcass weight and GR (R2 values) ranged from 0.46 to 0.93. The time to prepare trim cuts from 115 carcasses and traditional cuts from 121 carcasses was measured. Depending on the combination of trim cuts prepared, it took a butcher, on average, 9.6-13.1 min longer to prepare these cuts from each carcass than to prepare traditional cuts, without considering the weight and fatness of the carcass. Regression analysis showed that preparation time increased as carcasses become either heavier or fatter, irrespective of the type of cuts being prepared. When differences in carcass type were accounted for, the difference in preparation time between trim lamb and traditional cuts decreased. The effect of fatness on preparation time was such that for every 5-mm increase in GR (equal to a fatscore), an additional 1-2 min was required to prepare both types of cuts. When the hindleg was broken down into trim cuts, the round cut from the cryptorchid carcasses was significantly heavier than from the ewe and wether carcasses. The neck and shank from cryptorchid carcasses were heavier (P<0.05) than from ewe and wether carcasses. Ewe and wether carcasses produced heavier (P<0.05) ribloin cuts (7- or 8-rib cut) than cryptorchid carcasses. There was a variable effect of sex on the cuts from the loin, with cryptorchid carcasses producing heavier (P<0.05) midloins but lighter (P<0.05) boneless loins than the ewe carcasses. There was no difference (P>0.05) between ewe and cryptorchid carcasses for the weight of the eye of loin, and there was no sex effect on the weight of the chump. Cryptorchid carcasses produced more (P<0.05) sausage trim than wethers, which produced more than ewes, this being a reflection of a decreasing proportion of breast and flap. Regardless of cutting method, cryptorchid carcasses produced significantly more saleable components than wether and ewe carcasses, which were similar. For a carcass of cold weight 20.2 kg and GR 12.5 mm prepared into one of the combination of trim cuts, the proportion of saleable meat is estimated to be 75.9, 73.4, and 73.7% for cryptorchids, wethers, and ewes.

Quantifying the hydration status of lambs in relation to carcass characteristics

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 429 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Jacob ◽  
D. W. Pethick ◽  
P. Clark ◽  
D. N. D'Souza ◽  
D. L. Hopkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Gravity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Water Deprivation ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Sodium Concentration ◽  
Urine Specific Gravity ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Ambient Air Temperature ◽  
Dry Matter Concentration ◽  
Access To Water

An experiment was undertaken to determine the physiological effects of water deprivation on lambs before slaughter. The aim of this experiment was to develop a method for quantifying the hydration status of lambs in relation to any subsequent effects on carcass and meat characters. Forty-eight crossbred lambs were subjected to 1 of 4 treatments: (i) normal ambient air temperature with access to water; (ii) normal ambient with no access to water; (iii) high ambient air temperature with access to water; and (iv) high ambient air temperature with no access to water. The treatments were imposed for a period of 48 h, after which the lambs were slaughtered. Food was withheld from all lambs during this 48 h period. Serum and urine were collected from each lamb at 0, 24 and 48 h and the concentrations of a range of analytes measured. Muscle, viscera and gastrointestinal tract were sampled immediately after slaughter. Water deprivation for a period of 48 h caused an increase in liveweight loss but no change in hot carcass weight or dressing percentage. Water deprivation caused an increase in muscle dry matter concentration and osmolality. The concentrations of protein, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, creatinine, potassium or albumin in serum were not affected by water deprivation. The concentration of sodium and chloride ions in serum and urine increased with feed deprivation time in lambs which had no access to water, but did not change for lambs that had access to water. Interactions occurred between water access and ambient air temperature for some but not all parameters. A significant relationship was found between muscle dry matter concentration, serum sodium concentration and urine specific gravity. It was concluded that urine specific gravity is a sensitive indicator of water consumption. Serum sodium concentration and urine specific gravity used together may be useful to predict the muscle hydration status of lambs.

scholarly journals Effects of various doses of lubabegron on calculated ammonia gas emissions, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of beef cattle during the last 56 days of the feeding period

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J C Kube ◽  
B P Holland ◽  
A B Word ◽  
J B Allen ◽  
M Calvo-Lorenzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Feeding Period ◽  
Ammonia Gas ◽  
Gas Emissions

Abstract Lubabegron (LUB; Experior, Elanco, Greenfield, IN, USA) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018 and is indicated for the reduction of ammonia (NH3) gas emissions·kg-1 BW and HCW when fed to feedlot cattle during the final 14 to 91 d of the finishing period. Lubabegron demonstrates antagonistic behavior at the β1 and β2 receptor subtypes and agonistic behavior at the β3 receptor subtype in cattle and is classified by the Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) as a ‘beta-adrenergic agonist/antagonist’. This report describes a randomized complete block study that evaluated LUB dose (0, 1.5, 3.5, and 5.5 mg·kg-1 DM) during the last 56 d of the feeding period on calculated NH3 gas emissions, live weight, carcass weight, and associated ratios in beef feedlot cattle. Carcass characteristics, mobility, and health were also evaluated. All cattle received monensin and tylosin throughout the study. Ammonia gas emissions were calculated using the equation developed by Brown et al. (2019). The reduction in calculated cumulative NH3 gas emissions with LUB ranged from 1.3 to 11.0% (85 to 708 g/hd). When NH3 gas emissions were expressed on a live weight (unshrunk) and carcass weight basis, calculated NH3 gas emissions decreased by 3.0 to 12.8% and 3.8 to 14.6%, respectively. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) was 2.3% greater (Ptrt &lt; 0.05) for steers that received LUB. Average daily gain (ADG) was 13.7% greater (Ptrt &lt; 0.05; 1.68 vs 1.91 kg), while gain efficiency was 10.8% greater (Ptrt &lt; 0.05; 0.167 vs 0.185) for steers fed LUB. Animal mobility was scored in the pen approximately 1 wk prior to harvest, when cattle were loaded on trucks scheduled for harvest, and at antemortem inspection during lairage. No treatment differences (Ptrt ≥ 0.170) were observed at any time for the percent of cattle receiving mobility scores of 1 or 2 (normal or minor stiffness but moving with the normal cattle, respectively). Cattle mobility scored as a 1 or 2 equaled or exceeded 92% at all times. Final BW and HCW increased (Ptrt &lt; 0.05) 11.6 to 15.7 kg and 11.3 to 17.1 kg, respectively, in cattle receiving LUB compared to cattle receiving monensin plus tylosin alone.

SLAUGHTER AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF CATTALO, HEREFORD, AND 1/4 BRAHMAN–3/4 HEREFORD YEARLINGS

1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 689-695
Author(s):  
J. E. LAWSON ◽  
D. G. KELLER ◽  
H. F. PETERS
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
The Difference

Slaughter and carcass data were obtained from 60 cattalo that averaged 1/7 bison–6/7 domestic (27 bulls, 33 heifers), 19 Hereford (11 bulls, 8 heifers), and 17 1/4 Brahman–3/4 Hereford (12 bulls, 5 heifers) yearlings. At a constant age, 1/4 Brahman and Hereford exceeded cattalo in growth rate, i.e. slaughter weights were: 1/4 Brahman 381 ± 10 kg, Hereford 376 ± 8 kg, and cattalo 353 ±5 kg. At a constant 24-h cold carcass weight, cattalo exceeded Hereford in carcass length (2.3%). Breed groups did not differ in mean fat thickness over, or area of, the longissimus dorsi, dressing percent, or transit shrink. At a constant carcass weight, the weight of the loin section was similar in all breed groups, but Hereford exceeded cattalo in round weight (2.6%), cattalo surpassed 1/4 Brahman in rib weight (4.3%), and 1/4 Brahman exceeded Hereford in shoulder weight (3.2%). Bison and cattalo were reported to have heavier front than rear quarters. This study suggests that the cattalo were not heavier in the shoulder but were lighter in the round than the Hereford and that the difference basically was in the weight of the hind shank.

Sulphate and chloride salt efflorescences and their relationships with groundwaters and soils in Hungary

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Géza Szendrei ◽  
T. Tóth ◽  
P. Kovács-Pálffy
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Sodium Carbonate ◽  
Groundwater Level ◽  
Sodium Sulphate ◽  
Precipitation Process ◽  
Chloride Salt ◽  
Soil Matrix ◽  
Mineral Associations ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference

The aim of the present study is a better understanding of the distribution and formation of salt efflorescences by mineralogical examination. Dominant sodium sulphate and sodium chloride surface efflorescences were selected for investigation. 24 samples were collected between 1999 and 2005 from 16 sites. The soil types were solonchak and meadow solonetz.Basic soil and groundwater analyses were performed according to the standard methods. Minerals were determined by X-ray diffractometry and SEM combined with microanalysis. The evaporation experiments were carried out in a Sanyo Versatile 350 HT environmental test chamber.It was concluded that common sulphate salts form rare and unique mineral associations on salt affected soils in Hungary.Comparing the groundwater compositions and the mineral associations of surface efflorescences or that of precipitated evaporites of groundwaters, the conclusion can be drawn that groundwater composition is reflected much better by the mineral association of experimentally precipitated evaporates of the groundwater than by the mineral associations of surface efflorescences. These differences suggest that the soil matrix may have an effect on the crystallization of minerals (e.g. gypsum, thenardite) in the efflorescences. The differences also suggest that in the surface efflorescences the precipitation process does not come to the end in all cases (minerals with high solubility are missing).Concerning the data on groundwater level depths in case of different (sodium carbonate versus sodium sulphate and sodium chloride) efflorescences, there is a tendency of declining groundwater table in the sequence of these soils. This difference can be explained by the difference (increase) in the solubility of various salt minerals.It was recognized that the change in the major component of surface efflorescenes in time (i.e. the sodium carbonate and sodium carbonate chloride versus sodium sulphate efflorescences before and after 1998) can be explained by the decline of the groundwater level and by the decreasing hydromorphic influence in the lowland area during the 19th and 20th century.Finally it can be stated that the presented research — which mainly focused on mineralogical aspects — has contributed to the earlier knowledge on surface salt efflorescences, which was based only on their chemical composition.

Carcass and meat quality of Bos indicus x Bos taurus and Bos taurus cattle in northern Australia

1989 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 757 ◽  
Author(s):  
JR Wythes ◽  
WR Shorthose ◽  
RM Dodt ◽  
RF Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
Dressing Percentage

Liveweights, carcass characteristics, bruising and muscle properties of Bos indicus x Bos taurus (BiX) and Bos taurus (Bt) cattle (1070 steers and 394 cows) were compared from 7 experiments throughout Queensland. In general, the cattle were weighed (unfasted), transported as mixed genotype groups to an abattoir and given access to water from arrival until slaughter. Access to feed varied between experiments. Mustering to slaughter periods varied from 4 to 9 days. For steers, mean liveweight at slaughter and carcass characteristics (weight, dressing percentage, liver weight and rib fat depth) were generally similar for BiX and Bt. In 1 of the 5 experiments with steers, BiX had a greater (P<0.05) mean liveweight, carcass weight, dressing percentage and liver weight. In both of the experiments with cows, BiX had greater (P<0.05) mean carcass weight but in only 1 experiment greater (P<0.05) mean liveweight and dressing percentage. There were no consistent differences between BiX and Bt in bruise score. Meat properties were compared in 1 experiment each for steers and for cows. BiX cows had a greater (P<0.05) mean initial yield(YI) shear value and tended to have a greater peak force (PF) for M. longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle than Bt cows. BiX had a lower (P<0.05) PF - IY value. Genotype had no significant effect on shear values and sarcomere length in steers or on cooking loss in steers and cows. Over all experiments, there was a higher (P<0.05) percentage of Bt than BiX carcasses ( 8.5 v. 3.7%) with high pH (> 6.0) values 24 h post mortem (pH24) for LD muscle. Genotype had no significant effect on mean pH24 and ultimate pH in cows or steers. Significantly more (P<0.05) cow than steer carcasses had high pHz4 values (10.9 v. 5.0%). In 2 experiments, more (P<0.05) heads and tongues were condemned for BiX than Bt steers, but there was no significant difference for the percentage of burst rumens. We conclude that the belief held by producers, butchers and others that BiX cattle have more bruising and produce darker meat than Bt cattle is unfounded. The overall toughness of meat from cattle slaughtered in northern Australia is of much greater concern than minor differences between genotypes.

scholarly journals Availability of a Flavored Beverage and Impact on Children’s Hydration Status, Sleep, and Mood

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1757
Author(s):  
Michael R. Szymanski ◽  
Gabrielle E. W. Giersch ◽  
Margaret C. Morrissey ◽  
Courteney L. Benjamin ◽  
Yasuki Sekiguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Urine Osmolality ◽  
Urine Specific Gravity ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Profile Of Mood States ◽  
Urine Color

Euhydration remains a challenge in children due to lack of access and unpalatability of water and to other reasons. The purpose of this study was to determine if the availability/access to a beverage (Creative Roots®) influences hydration in children and, therefore, sleep quality and mood. Using a crossover investigation, 46 participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CON) or an intervention group and received Creative Roots® (INT) for two-week periods. We recorded daily first morning and afternoon urine color (Ucol), thirst perception, and bodyweight of the two groups. Participants reported to the lab once per week and provided first morning urine samples to assess Ucol, urine specific gravity (USG), and urine osmolality (Uosmo). Participants also completed the questionnaires Profile of Mood States-Adolescents (POMS-a) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Dependent t-tests were used to assess the effects of the intervention on hydration, mood, and sleep quality. Uosmo was greater and Ucol was darker in the control group (mean ± SD) [Uosmo: INT = 828 ± 177 mOsm·kg−1, CON = 879 ± 184 mOsm·kg−1, (p = 0.037], [Ucol:INT = 5 ± 1, CON = 5 ± 1, p = 0.024]. USG, POMS-a, and PSQI were not significant between the groups. At-home daily afternoon Ucol was darker in the control group [INT = 3 ± 1, CON = 3 ± 1, p = 0.022]. Access to Creative Roots® provides a small, potentially meaningful hydration benefit in children. However, children still demonstrated consistent mild dehydration based on Uosmo, despite consuming the beverage.

scholarly journals Effects of voluntary removal of ractopamine hydrochloride (Optaflexx) on live performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
P J Rincker ◽  
J B Allen ◽  
M Edmonds ◽  
M S Brown ◽  
J C Kube
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Live Performance ◽  
Meet Residue ◽  
Ractopamine Hydrochloride ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Linear Manner

Abstract There is a lack of consistency across the globe in how countries establish tissue ractopamine residue limits and which residue limits are applied to various tissues, particularly for edible noncarcass tissues. Therefore, some US beef slaughter organizations have recommended a 48-h voluntary removal of ractopamine before slaughter in order to meet residue requirements of specific export countries and maintain international trade. Our objective was to assess the impact of voluntary removal of ractopamine hydrochloride (Optaflexx®; Elanco, Greenfield, IN) up to 8 d before slaughter on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Crossbred beef steers (60 pens of 10 animals/pen) with an initial shrunk body weight (BW) of 611.8 ± 10 kg SEM were fed one of six treatments over 42 d. Treatments included a control that did not receive ractopamine, on-label use of ractopamine (0-d withdrawal), and 2, 4, 6, or 8 d of voluntary removal of ractopamine from feed before slaughter. The start of ractopamine feeding (30.1 mg/kg of diet dry matter for 32 d) was staggered so that blocks could be slaughtered on the same day. Dry matter intake was decreased by 0.5 kg/d when ractopamine was fed with a 0-d withdrawal (P = 0.04) compared to the control, but was not altered (P = 0.56) as the duration of ractopamine removal increased from 0 to 8 d. Final BW, total BW gain, and average daily BW gain were increased by feeding ractopamine with a 0-d withdrawal (P = 0.09) compared to the control, but these variables decreased in a linear manner (P = 0.10) as the duration of removal increased from 0 to 8 d. Gain efficiency was improved by 15% (P &lt; 0.01) by feeding ractopamine with a 0-d withdrawal compared to the control, and gain efficiency decreased linearly (P = 0.06) as the duration of ractopamine removal increased. Approximately 2/3 of the increase in gain efficiency remained after 8 d of removal. Hot carcass weight was increased by 6 kg (P = 0.02) by feeding ractopamine with a 0-d withdrawal compared to the control. Measured carcass characteristics were not altered by ractopamine feeding or by removal before slaughter (P ≥ 0.24). The consequences of voluntary removal of ractopamine up to 8 d before slaughter were a linear decrease in live BW gain (0.64 kg/d), poorer gain efficiency, and numerically lighter carcass weight.

scholarly journals Pre-Practice Hydration Status in Soccer (Football) Players in a Cool Environment

Medicina ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 102
Author(s):  
Urmo Kiitam ◽  
Lilita Voitkevica ◽  
Saima Timpmann ◽  
Inese Pontaga ◽  
Jaan Ereline ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Trainers ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Urine Specific Gravity ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Cool Environment ◽  
Daily Training ◽  
Soccer Training

Background and Objectives: Only a few studies have reported the pre-practice hydration status in soccer players (SPs) who train in a cool climate. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the hydration status of male semiprofessional SPs immediately before their regular training session in winter. The secondary purpose was to compare the urinary indices of the hydration status of Estonian and Latvian SPs. Materials and Methods: Pre-training urine samples were collected from 40 Estonian (age 22.1 ± 3.4 years, soccer training experience 13.7 ± 3.9 years) and 41 Latvian (age 20.8 ± 3.4 years, soccer training experience 13.3 ± 3.0 years) SPs and analyzed for urine specific gravity (USG). The average outdoor temperature during the sample collection period (January–March) was between −5.1 °C and 0.2 °C (Estonia) and −1.9 °C and −5.0 °C (Latvia). Results: The average pre-training USG of Estonian and Latvian SPs did not differ (P = 0.464). Pooling the data of Estonian and Latvian SPs yielded a mean USG value of 1.021 ± 0.007. Hypohydration (defined as a USG ≥ 1.020) was evident altogether in fifty SPs (61.7%) and one of them had a USG value greater than 1.030. Conclusions: Estonian and Latvian SPs do not differ in respect of USG and the prevalence of pre-training hypohydration is high in this athletic cohort. These findings suggest that SPs as well as their coaches, athletic trainers, and sports physicians should be better educated to recognize the importance of maintaining euhydration during the daily training routine in wintertime and to apply appropriate measures to avoid hypohydration.

Carcass characteristics of heavyweight crossbred lambs. II.* Carcass composition and partitioning of fat

1979 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1207 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Thompson ◽  
KD Atkins ◽  
AR Gilmour
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Intermuscular Fat

Half-carcasses of 108 wether and ewe lambs from six genotypes, slaughtered at 34, 44 and 54 kg liveweight, were dissected into subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, muscle, bone and connective tissue. The six genotypes were the progeny of Dorset Horn and Border Leicester rams mated to Merino, Corriedale and Border Leicester x Merino first-cross ewes. As carcass weight increased, the proportion of subcutaneous and intermuscular fat increased (b > 1 ; P < 0.05) and the proportion of muscle and bone decreased (b < 1; P < 0.05). Lambs sired by Border Leicester rams had more subcutaneous fat (12.7%), more intermuscular fat (7.6%) and more bone (5.7%) than lambs sired by Dorset Horn rams at the same carcass weight (P< 0.05). Similarly, lambs sired by Dorset Horn rams had more muscle (7.2%) than lambs sired by Border Leicester rams at the same carcass weight (P < 0.05). Breed of dam had no effect on carcass composition. Wether lambs had a greater proportion of bone (5.7%) than ewe lambs at the same carcass weight (P < 0.05). The breed of sire effect and the lack of a breed of dam effect on carcass composition, in conjunction with estimated mature weights for the breeds, suggest possible differences between sire and dam breeds in the partitioning of fat between the carcass and non-carcass depots. ____________________ *Part I, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 30: 1197 (1979).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document