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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effect of genetic group on productive performance and carcass characteristics of hair sheep under tropical conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Male lambs from Dorper × Pelibuey (DpPb), Katahdin × Pelibuey (KtPb), and Charollais × Pelibuey (ChPb) crossbreeds were fed in confinement with a commercial diet containing 15% crude protein and 2.76 Mcal ME/kg DM. Dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded. Carcass characteristics and morphometric measurements were evaluated at a live weight of 45 kg. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models
Results: No significant differences (P>0.05) were detected among genetic groups for productive performance. Mean DMI was 0.955 kg DM/animal/day, ADG was 0.270 kg/animal/day, and FCR was 4.0. However, the Dp×Pb group showed higher hot and cold carcass weights, greater Longissimus dorsi muscle area, and thicker subcutaneous fat (P<0.05), indicating superior meat yield potential. No significant differences were found among crossbreeds for carcass morphometric traits.
Limitations on study/implications: Variations in productive performance reported by other studies may be related to diet composition, environmental conditions, and genetic background of the animals.
Findings/conclusions: Dorper × Pelibuey crossbred lambs exhibited greater carcass performance and fat deposition without affecting carcass conformation, confirming this cross as an efficient alternative for intensive meat production under tropical conditions.