Meat production traits of a new breed called Lalahan sheep in Turkey: Fattening, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of lambs

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics of Lalahan genotype lambs at different slaughter weights. The animal material of the study consisted of 36 male lambs of Lalahan genotype, randomly divided into 3 groups and fed intensively. Six lambs were slaughtered from each group with average weights of 35 (Gr35), 40 (Gr40) and 45 kg (Gr45). Average daily weight gain (DWG) 241,50 ± 17,90; 243,33 ± 29,68 and 235,45 ± 26,15 g; feed conversion rate (FCR) 3,590; 3,958 and 4,392 kg were calculated. Cold dressing were 45,26 ± 0,57%, 44,66 ± 1,15 and 46,11 ± 0,85%; carcass lean, fat and bone ratios were 61,82 ± 0,60%, 61,04 ± 0,47 and 57,53 ± 0,74% (P < 0,001); 13,57 ± 0,24%, 14,05 ± 0,17 and 19,46 ± 0,68% (P < 0,001); 18,52 ± 0,68%; 18,58 ± 0,42 and 17,99 ± 0,34 (P < 0,001); leg, back and loin ratios were 31,57 ± 0,71, 30,04 ± 0,58 and 28,41 ± 0,27 (P < 0,01); 13,39 ± 0,23, 12,63 ± 0,46 and 14,72 ± 0,56 (P < 0,05); 8,41 ± 0,13, 7,88 ± 0,26 and 7,19 ± 0,12 (P < 0,001) (P < 0,001). It was determined that lean/fat ratio in Gr30 and Gr35 was higher than the Gr45 (P < 0.001), but meat/bone ratio was similar in all groups. It was concluded that the Lalahan genotype was similar or better than the Kıvırcık breed from which the genotype originated in terms of fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics, had the potential for meat production in steppe climatic conditions and 40 kg weight could be recommended as the appropriate slaughter weight.