Crossbreeding locally adapted hair sheep to improve productivity and meat quality

Authors

  • Juliano Issakowicz University of São Paulo; CENA; NAPTISA
  • Ana Claudia Koki Sampaio Issakowicz University of São Paulo; CENA; NAPTISA
  • Mauro Sartori Bueno Agency Paulista Agribusiness Technology; Animal Science Institute
  • Ricardo Lopes Dias da Costa Agency Paulista Agribusiness Technology; Animal Science Institute
  • Andre Torres Geraldo Agency Paulista Agribusiness Technology; Animal Science Institute
  • Adibe Luiz Abdalla University of São Paulo; CENA; NAPTISA
  • Concepta McManus University of Brasilia; Institute of Biology
  • Helder Louvandini University of São Paulo; CENA; NAPTISA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2016-0505

Keywords:

locally adapted Brazilian breeds, breeding, fatty acid profile, quality meat, terminal sire breeds

Abstract

The use of lambs from crossing of local with specialized sheep breeds for meat production may lead to higher meat deposition and a smaller fat amount in the carcass, with a more adequate nutritional profile for human consumption. This study investigated the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of lambs from the Morada Nova and Santa Inês locally adapted hair breeds and crosses between Dorper × Morada Nova and Dorper × Santa Inês slaughtered at approximately 35 kg. Morada Nova lambs showed lower (p < 0.05) performance compared to the other genetic groups resulting in a higher age at slaughter (p < 0.05). Crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês and Dorper × Morada Nova lambs showed better characteristics for meat production with better (p < 0.05) conformation as well as leg and carcass compacteness index. Dorper × Santa Inês have a fatty acid profile that is more suitable for human consumption than Dorper × Morada Nova lambs do (p < 0.05); however, both had lower (p < 0.05) intramuscular lipid content (as measured by ether extract levels from Longíssimus lumborum) compared with purebred lambs. Therefore, when the objective is to obtain lean meat, with improved nutritional profile to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, the use of breeds and crosses that reduce animal slaughter age, such as the ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês crossbred, is an interesting alternative.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2018-08-01

Issue

Section

Animal Science and Pastures

How to Cite

Crossbreeding locally adapted hair sheep to improve productivity and meat quality. (2018). Scientia Agricola, 75(4), 288-295. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2016-0505