A Study on Growth, Slaughter and Carcass Traits of Morkaraman and Kivircik X Morkaraman (F1) Lambs in Semi-Intensive Condition

Abstract

This study was carried out to compare the growth, slaughter and carcass characteristics of Morkaraman (Pure) and Kivircik X Pure (F-1) (Cross-bred) lambs in semi-intensive condition. At this study 20 Pure and 22 Cross-breed lambs were used for growth traits; 6 male lambs from each group were slaughtered for slaughter and carcass traits. Growth was investigated from the birth to 150th day. The lambs were fed with alfalfa and lamb fattening feeds (days 45). The least squares mean of birth weight and 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150th day weight were 4.06 +/- 0.10 and 4.25 +/- 0.11, 9.93 +/- 0.26 and 8.76 +/- 0.26 (P < 0.01), 16.87 +/- 0.45 and 14.40 +/- 0.45 (P < 0.001), 23.21 +/- 53 and 21.72 +/- 0.52 (P < 0.05), 29.62 +/- 0.64 and 26.69 +/- 0.63, 34.93 +/- 0.80 and 35.85 +/- 0.79 kg. Dressing percentages were 48.49 and 45.03% (P < 0.01); the percentages of leg were 28.36 and 32.23% (P < 0.001); shoulder were 17.04 and 17.51%; back were 5.67 and 7.38% (P < 0.001); loin were 6.14 and 6.26%; others were 24.31 and 28.62% (P < 0.001); kidney were 0.63 and 0.72% (P < 0.001); kidney-pelvic channel fat were 0.64 and 0.95 (P < 0.01); internal fat were 1.21 and 1.73%; fat tail were 15.72 and 4.64% (P < 0.001). The percentages of lean meat in the leg were 64.20 and 65.57%; fat were 15.55 and 13.42%; bone were 20.25 and 21.02%. The percentages of lean meat in the shoulder were 65.64 and 63.00%; fat were 13.55 and 13.90%; bone were 20.82 and 23.11%. The percentages of total meat in the carcass were 48.01 and 55.09% (P < 0.05); fat were 16.21 and 16.96%; bone were 19.55 and 21.44%; and fat percentages in the tailed carcass were 31.93 and 21.55% for pure and Cross-breed lambs respectively. In conclusion; it has been though that Kivircik rams can be utilized for breeding with Pure Morkaraman ewes, commonly found in the region, to obtain lambs with high quality meat at slaughtering age without adaptation problem; and desired lean meat can be obtained via grazing in addition to cross breeding.