Dorper sheep utilizing feed resources efficiently: a Mediterranean case study

Abstract

-The aim of the study was to determine the effect varying feeding systems would have on meat quality and production. The study looked at 45 Dorper lambs which were subjected to three different feeding protocols representing three alternate production systems: extensive grazing system (Group G), an intensive feedlot system being fed concentrate + alfalfa hay (Group C), and a semi-intensive production system comprising grazing + concentrate (Group GC). The lambs were slaughtered 62 days after weaning at approximately four months of age and meat quality factors such as pH, colour, shear force, cooking and water loss, as well as carcass characteristics; back fat thickness, muscle depth, muscle width, and muscle area were measured instrumentally on the longissimus dorsi muscle. A new measuring index was used to assess feed cost against weight gain to determine performance for profitability. In calculating cost kg -1 live weight gain, the extensive grass-fed production was significantly lower, approximately 70% less than the intensive feedlot system. Very little significant effect on meat quality was seen among the three systems. Slaughter weight had a significant effect on hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and drip loss. The lean carcass trait of the Dorper breed was a major positive attribute, but minor benefits gained in meat quality with the feedlot production system did not justify the substantial additional cost of production. Dorper sheep can be considered efficient feed converters on pasture, and thus a suitable breed for lamb meat production in countries like Turkey, where feed costs are the main contributor to farm outgoing.

The Growth Efficiency and Carcass Characteristics of Dorper Sheep Treated by Corn Inclusion as Energy into Palm Kernel Cake Based-Diet.

“…The levels of energy across different treatment groups were optimal for lamb growth and health requirements in the present study. Similar dressing percentages were observed among treatments group but lower than those reported by Notter et al (2004) and Ocak et al (2016) in the same breed. Van Niekerk & Steenkamp (1995) stated that dressing percentage increased with slaughter age of lambs from approximately 40% when slaughtered at 25 kg live weight to approximately 50% when slaughtered at a live weight of 40 kg.…”

Meat Quality, Fatty Acid Content and NMR Metabolic Profile of Dorper Sheep Supplemented with Bypass Fats

“…Dorper sheep have been reported to resist dehydration and quickly recover water weight loss as soon as water is available after dehydration [86]. Likewise, different feeding systems (including extensive, semiextensive and intensive systems) were unable to affect the growth performance of Dorper sheep and also affirmed to have very little effect on meat quality parameters [87]. Compared to Merino and Damara sheep, Dorper sheep showed few changes in muscle and liver metabolomes [36].…”

Multivariate analysis of productive and nutritional traits and feeding behavior of sheep fed roughage-free diets

“…As small ruminants are normally fed ad libitum, voluntary feed intake is crucial in feeding strategies aimed at optimal animal production. Such information can be employed to develop a keener nutritional knowledge for improving small ruminant productivity in the region and afar, where similar conditions prevail (Ocak et al, 2016).…”