Effect of Finnsheep crossbreeding on Lamon sheep performance: post-mortem traits

Authors

• M. Bonsembiante Instituto di Zootecnica Università di Padova Via Gradenigo, 6 35131 Padova (Italy)
• I. Andrighetto Instituto di Zootecnica Università di Padova Via Gradenigo, 6 35131 Padova (Italy)
• G. Cozzi Instituto di Zootecnica Università di Padova Via Gradenigo, 6 35131 Padova (Italy)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72333

Abstract

This experiment was conducted in order to study the effects of crossbreeding of the local breed Lamon (L) with Finnsheep (F),on the post-mortem performance of F, lambs (F x L). Nine L and 8 F x L ram-lambs were fattened with a diet (11.6 MJ M.E./kg d.m.) based on maize silage, dried sugar beet pulp and soybean meal, and slaughtered at 40.5 ± 5.9 kg live weight at the age of 22 weeks. Genotype did not affect dressing percentage on empty body weight (E.B.W.) but the crossbred lambs showed a lower incidence of the pelt (18,4 vs 20.2 % on E.B.W.; P<.05) and a heavier empty digestive tract (7.3 vs 6.6 % on E.B.W.; P<.05). The conformation and composition of the carcass were similar for both genetic types; the hind quarter incidence was, however, reduced by the crossbreeding (43.8 vs 45.3 % on total carcass; P<.05). Meat samples from the F x L carcasses showed higher redness and saturation values than meat samples from L lambs. No significant differences were recorded for the cooking losses and the shear force. Inconclusion it appears that crossbreeding with F is not detrimental to the post-mortem performance of fattening L lambs.