Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of increasing levels of corn straw replacement of sorghum silage on average daily gain, loin eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, weight of commercial cuts, leg tissue composition, and physico-chemical characteristics of the meat from F1 Santa Inês × Dorper lambs maintained in a feedlot system. Treatments consisted of 0, 33, 66 and 100% corn straw replacement of sorghum silage. There were thirty-six 150-day-old male lambs. Corn straw replacement of sorghum silage in lamb feed reduced the average daily gain and weight of the ribs, besides promoting a quadratic influence on leg fat content. However, there was no influence on commercial carcass cuts, leg muscle index, leg tissue composition, and physico-chemical characteristics of the meat. Thus, corn straw can be used as alternative feedstuff for sheep rations to improve the production of high-quality sheep meat in semi-arid regions.

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the yield of components that are not part of the carcass, edible organs, and with a commercial value of sheep finished in feedlot fed with complete ration silage based on forage cactus and different levels of inclusion of cotton cake. Thirty-two crossbred Dorper lambs with Santa Inês hairless sheep were used, with an initial age of 120 days, weighing on average 17 ± 1.5 kg. Consumption of 5% of the live weight of dry matter was established, being weighed and readjusted daily according to the leftovers of 10% to make then the calculations of the consumption of dry matter (DMC). The weight of blood, heart, digestive tract, liver, diaphragm, kidneys, respiratory system, head, paws, tail, bladder, spleen, gallbladder, skin, and total fat did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05) as a function of experimental diets. However, the maximum level tested in this study promotes an increase in the yield of edible organs, representing a potential source of income to add to the property's income.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance, carcass traits and economic indicators of Santa Inês lambs and their crossings finished in feedlot. Thirty whole lambs (10 Santa Inês, 10 ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês and 10 – Dorper + ¼ Santa Inês) were used, with 115 days of age and initial live weight of 20.07 kg. The lambs were kept for 60 days receiving sorghum silage and concentrate, after which they were slaughtered. The – Dorper + ¼ Santa Inês lambs and the ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês lambs showed higher of dry matter intake and water intake, greater daily weight gain and body score in relation to Santa Inês lambs. The carcasses of – Dorper + ¼ Santa Inês lambs showed better conformation, finishing and marbling. The gross profit margin showed positive values for all genetic groups, covering the effective operating cost. Dorper crossbred lambs had a higher gross margin compared to Santa Inês lambs. The cost of the diet represented on average 61.35% of the price paid per kilo of sheep meat. In the sheep meat production system, the genetic group influences the zootechnical and economic indicators of finishing feedlot of lambs.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage yield and morphological responses of 34 cactus pear (Nopalea cochenillifera and Opuntia ficus indica) genotypes. The genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design, with 34 treatments and three replicates. After 330 days of cultivation, morphological characteristics, plant mortality and pest and disease occurrence on the plants were assessed, and plant cutting was performed. Multivariate analyses were performed to assign the 34 cactus genotypes to homogenous groups. The average Euclidian distance was adopted as a dissimilarity measurement for use with the standardized data Variables with relatively high levels of independence among the agronomic categories and with biological importance to animal nutrition and forage yield were assessed. To identify associative effects, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed among all the studied variables. The formation of five distinct groups was observed, and some morphological responses correlated with the productivity characteristics. Green mass production was positively correlated with dry mass production, water accumulation, water-use efficiency, water accumulation and cladode number per plant. The following genotypes had remarkably high yields of dry and green mass, a greater ability to accumulate water and relatively high water-use efficiency and support capacity: Negro Michoacan (V07), Tamazunchale (V12), California (V14), Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (V17), and Amarillo 2289 (T32).

RESUMO A raça Santa Inês é de grande importância para a cadeia de produção de cordeiros no Brasil. As características adaptativas e reprodutivas desta raça favorecem seu uso em futuros programas de melhoramento genético para a produção de ovinos para abate, no nordeste do Brasil. Este estudo avaliou características de carcaça, parâmetros físicos, a composição química e determinação do perfil de ácidos graxos da carne de cordeiros dos biótipos Tradicional e Moderno, abatidos com 32 kg e 34 kg. Foram utilizados 36 cordeiros Santa Inês, não-castrados, com idade média de 180 dias e peso inicial de 16 kg em delineamento inteiramente casualisado, com arranjo fatorial 2x2 (dois biotipos e dois pesos de abate). As dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste F a α = 0,05 com o uso de GLM do SAS, (2011) - Statistical Analysis System, versão 9.3. Os biótipos e o peso de abate não influenciaram os parâmetros físicos e o perfil dos ácídos graxo da carne. Já a composição centesimal da carne foi influenciada pelos tratamentos, com os maiores teores de umidade na carne para o biótipo tradicional e abatidos aos 32 kg, e maior teor de cinza, proteína e gordura presente na carne para o biótipo moderno abatido aos 34 kg. Os animais da raça Santa Inês que se enquadram no biótipo Moderno apresentam potencial para produção de carne com alto valor nutricional, devido ao maior teor de proteínas, baixo teor de gordura e quantidade satisfatória de ácidos graxos oléico, palmítico, esteárico e linoleico, além de uma ótima relação entre ácidos poliinsaturados e saturados.

ABSTRACT The Santa Inês breed is of great importance for the lamb production chain in Brazil. The adaptive and reproductive characteristics of this breed favor its use in future breeding programs for the production of sheep for slaughter in northeastern Brazil. This study evaluated the carcass characteristics, physical parameters, chemical composition and determination of the fatty acid profile of the lambs of the traditional and modern biotypes, slaughtered at 32 kg and 34 kg. Thirty-six Santa Inês lambs were used, with an average age of 180 days and initial weight of 16 kg in a completely randomized design, with a faecal spruce 2x2 (two biotypes and two slaughtering weights). The data were submitted to analysis of variance and averages were compared by the test F α = 0.05 using SAS GLM, (2011) - Statistical Analysis System, version 9.3.Biotypes and slaughter weight did not influence the physical parameters and the fatty acid profile of the meat. Centesimal composition of meat was influenced by treatments, with the larger contents of meat moisture for the traditional biotype slaughtered at 32 kg, and higher content of ash, protein and fat present in the meat for the modern biotype slaughtered at 34 kg. Santa Inês animals that if frame Modern biotype presents potential for meat production with high nutritional value, due to higher protein content, low fat content and satisfactory amount of oleic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic fatty acids, as well as a great relationship between polyunsaturated acids and saturated.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of sorghum silage, Buffel grass hay and forage palm fodder in the diet of dairy goats by means of performance tests and economic viability of different roughage sources. Eight Anglo-Nubian goats, multiparous, weighing around 40.13 ± 2.76 kg of live weight were used. The experiment lasted 84 days, consisting of four periods of 21 days, distributed in two Latin squares (4x4). The treatments represented by diets with different volumetric sources: SSCF: (sorghum silage+ forage palm+ concentrate); BHCF: (Buffel grass hay + cactus forage+ concentrate); SS: (sorghum silage+ concentrate) and BH: (Buffel grass hay + concentrate). Nutritional intake, digestibility, feed behavior, milk production and chemical composition and economic analysis were evaluated. Animals fed the BHCF diet had higher nutrient intakes and consequently were more productive in fat, protein, lactose, fat free solids and total solids. The BHCF diet led to a higher gross income in Brazilian currency. The safety margin of the SSCF diet presented the highest percentage, with 43.06%, and the BHCF diet, the lowest percentage, of 14.89. The association of forage palm with sorghum silage and Buffel grass hay can be used as a bulky source in lactating goat diets.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of three breeding systems on the organoleptic quality and the physico-chemical composition of kids goat meat. Were used thirty newborn baby goats of 3.35 kg ± 0.65 kg crossed Parda Alpina x Undefined Race (SPRD) submitted to three breeding systems: Traditional system-TS; Intensive Feeding System without Concentrate- IS and Intensive Feeding System with Concentrate- IS+C. When the goats reached 12 kg, the animals were slaughtered and chemical and physical analyzes were performed in the evaluation of the meat and sensorial. The experimental design was completely randomized, submitted to analysis of variance and compared by the Tukey test and Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsh at 5%. All analyzed variables were also submitted to Pearson correlation. The meat of the goats submitted to IS+C and IS presented higher intramuscular fat content and better flavor and aroma scores. A of Goats that used concentrated ration (TS and IS+C) showed a more intense red color in the meat than the animals that did not receive concentrate in their diets, besides presenting higher lipid contents in their composition, better scores for these two organoleptic characteristics. The chemical composition of goat meat in both breeding systems indicates that it is low in fat and high in moisture and therefore classified as very tender and juicy. The meat obtained from the IS+C, in general, presented better attributes than the others, believing it in the markets of meat of high quality.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of multinutritional blocks (BMs) associated with the concentrate content in the diet of lactating goats and their effects on milk production and economic viability. Eight goats Parda Alpina, multiparas were distributed in two Latin squares (4x4). The experiment consisted of four treatments (0.971, 0.746, 0.521 and 0.296 kg concentrate day-1 per goat) and BMs ad libitum. It was evaluated the consumption, milk monitoring and the system was analyzed economically. If there was a significant effect of the concentrate, the control treatment was compared to the others using the Dunnett test and 5% regression analysis. When the concentrate contents were high in the diets, the total dry matter intake decreased linearly. However, there was an inverse behavior for the consumption of BMs. Milk production (PL kg day-1) was linear and positively related to the increase of concentrate levels in the diets. The PL was lower for the decreasing levels of concentrate when compared to the control diet. The economic parameters indicate that the use of low concentrate levels associated with BMs is the best feeding strategy for lactating goats. The multinutritional blocks can be used to feed lactating goats to partially replace the concentrate.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar agronomicamente 14 genótipos de sorgo no semiárido brasileiro. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com os tratamentos representados pelos genótipos de sorgo e três repetições. Foram avaliadas matéria seca (MS), altura da planta (AP), número de folhas vivas, produção de matéria verde (PMV), produção de matéria seca (PMS), lamina foliar (LF), colmo, panícula (PAN), material morto (MM), acúmulo de água (ACA), eficiência do uso da chuva (EUC) e capacidade de suporte (CS). Houve efeito entre todas as variáveis. O genótipo com maior percentual de MS foi BRS 655 (26,42%). Houve efeito para PMV, os genótipos com maior produção foram BRS 655, BRS 506, B1141340, 13F04(1141572) e PONTA NEGRA, com valores de 48.517, 48.500, 44.879, 44.788, 43.549 kg/ha. Os genótipos que apresentaram maior PMS foram BRS 655, B1141340, 13F04(1141572), BRS 506 e PONTA NEGRA, com valores de 12.426, 10.344, 9.778, 9.756 e 9.176 kg/ha, respectivamente e também apresentaram maiores valores para EUC, ACA e CS. Houve correlação positiva significativa entre variáveis produtivas (PMV com PMS, AP, EUC e ACA) e correlação negativa não significativa (PMV com LF e PAN) com variáveis morfométricas. Houve formação hierárquica de quatro grupos, sendo os grupos I e III compostos pelos genótipos mais produtivos. O genótipo BRS 655 pode ser recomendado para o cultivo, pois possui características agronômicas desejáveis.

SUMMARY This study agronomically evaluated 14 sorghum genotypes in the Brazilian semi-arid region. A randomized complete block design, with the treatments represented by sorghum genotypes and three replicates, was used. The dry matter (DM), plant height (PH), number of live leaves, fresh matter production (FMP), dry matter production (DMP), leaf blade (LB), stem, panicle (PAN), dead material, water accumulation (WA), efficiency of rainwater use (ERU) and carrying capacity (SC) were measured. There was an effect of genotype among all the variables. The genotype with the highest percentage of DM was BRS 655 (26.42%). The genotypes BRS 655, BRS 506, B1141340, 13F04 (1141572) and PONTA NEGRA produced the most FMP, with values of 48,517, 48,500, 44,879, 44,788 and 43,549 kg/ha, respectively. Not only did the genotypes BRS 655, B1141340, 13F04 (1141572), BRS 506 and PONTA NEGRA present the highest DMP, with values of 12,426, 10,344, 9,778, 9,756 and 9,176 kg/ha, respectively, but also the highest values for ERU, WA and SC. There was a significant positive correlation between productive variables (FMP with DMP, PH, ERU and WA) and a nonsignificant negative correlation between morphometric variables (FMP with LB and PAN). A hierarchical formation of four groups was observed, with groups I and III composed of the most productive genotypes. BRS 655 can be recommended for cultivation since this genotype has desirable agronomic characteristics.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting soybean meal for urea in diets based on deferred buffelgrass on the performance of feedlot sheep. Thirty mixed-breed sheep with an average initial body weight of 17±1.5 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design in which the experimental treatments consisted of five diets with six replicates. Diets were composed of deferred buffelgrass plus concentrates and calculated to be isoproteic. Treatments were represented by the substitution of soybean meal for the urea levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). Nutrient intake did not differ among animals fed diets with urea levels. Hot and cold carcass weights, hot and cold carcass dressing percentages, initial and final pH, and weight of commercial cuts did not differ among animal fed diets with urea levels. There was no difference for non-carcass components among animals, except for the empty carcass, gall bladder, and perirenal fat weights, which were influenced by dietary urea levels. Substituting the crude protein from soybean meal for the protein from urea provides a similar performance in sheep consuming deferred buffelgrass.

RESUMO O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar a utilização de silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo através do consumo, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e desempenho de ovinos. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental de Pendência, da Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba S.A. Para o experimento, foram utilizados trinta e cinco carneiros, sem raça definida, com peso vivo médio de 17,7 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e sete repetições para determinar o consumo e desempenho; e 25 carneiros não castrados, sem raça definida, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições, para determinar a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. O consumo médio diário de matéria seca foi, em média, 994,66 g. Somente os consumos médios de extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro e carboidratos não-fibrosos, foram afetados pelas dietas. O ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar e eficiência alimentar dos animais que receberam as dietas não foram afetados pelos diferentes cultivares utilizados. Silagens de sorgo BRS 655, 610, 800, 810 e Ponta Negra promoveram consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes semelhantes. A utilização de silagens de diferentes cultivares de sorgo (BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) em dietas para ovinos em confinamento promove desempenho e consumo similar.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of silages of different sorghum cultivars through digestibility and nutrient intake and performance of sheep. The experiment was conducted at the Pendência Experimental Station, of the State Company for Agricultural Research of Paraíba S.A. For the experiment, thirty-five rams were used, without defined breed, with average live weight of 17.7 kg, distributed in a completely randomized block design, with five diets and seven replicates to determine intake and performance; and 25 non-castrated rams, without defined breed, distributed in a completely randomized design with five diets and five replicates, to determine the digestibility of nutrients. The average daily intake of dry matter was, on average, 994.66 g. Only the average intakes of ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates, were affected by the diets. The weight gain (WG), feed conversion and feed efficiency of the animals receiving the diets suffered no effect. Silages of BRS 655, 610, 800, 810 and Ponta Negra provided similar intake and digestibility of nutrients. The use of silages of different sorghum cultivars (BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 and Ponta Negra) in diets for confined sheep provide similar performance and intakes.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho e características de cordeiros Santa Inês e suas cruzas desmamados aos 75 dias de vida e terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros não castrados, 10 Santa Inês, 10 ½Dorper × ½Santa Inês e 10 ¾Dorper × ¼Santa Inês, com idade e peso vivo médio no início do experimento de 82 dias e 19,40 kg, respectivamente. Foi utilizada dieta única contendo 169,0 g/kg de proteína bruta e 2,80 Mcal/kg MS. Não houve efeito do genótipo sobre o desempenho dos cordeiros, exceto para escore corporal final, em que os mestiços Dorper alcançaram os maiores escores. As carcaças dos cordeiros ½Dorper × ½Santa Inês e ¾Dorper × ¼Santa Inês apresentaram maior largura da garupa, área de olho de lombo e percentual de lombo do que as carcaças dos cordeiros Santa Inês. As carcaças dos cordeiros ¾Dorper × ¼Santa Inês alcançaram maior largura do tórax e do anterior quando comparadas com as carcaças dos cordeiros Santa Inês, tendo obtido também melhor conformação e acabamento de carcaça quando comparadas com as carcaças dos demais genótipos. Entretanto, as carcaças dos cordeiros Santa Inês e ½Dorper × ½Santa Inês apresentaram maior percentual de pescoço em relação às carcaças dos cordeiros ¾Dorper × ¼Santa Inês.

SUMMARY This study evaluated the performance and carcass traits of Santa Ines sheep and crosses weaned at 75 days old and finished in feedlot. Thirty uncastrated sheep, 10 Santa Ines, 10 ½Dorper × ½Santa Ines, and 10 ¾Dorper × ¼Santa Ines were used. The sheep were 82 days old average and 19.40 kg average initial weight. The diet used contained 169.0 g/kg crude protein and 2.80 Mcal/kg DM. No effect of genotype was observed on the performance of lambs, except for the higher final body condition scores achieved by the Dorper crossbreds. The carcasses of the ½Dorper × ½Santa Ines and ¾Dorper × ¼Santa Ines crossbreds lambs had greater rump and loin eye area and higher loin percentage compared to Santa Ines. Carcasses of ¾Dorper × ¼Santa Ines crossbreds lambs had greater chest and anterior width compared to Santa Ines and better carcass conformation and finish compared to other genotypes. Furthermore, the carcasses of Santa Ines and ½Dorper × ½Santa Ines lambs had higher neck percentage compared to carcasses of ¾Dorper × ¼Santa Ines.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a margem bruta de lucro de cordeiros de diferentes genótipos terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros, sendo 10 ½ Dorper ½ Sem Padrão Racial Definido (SPRD), 10 ½ Santa Inês ½ SPRD e 10 SPRD, com idade média de 150 dias e peso vivo médio inicial de 19,31 ± 2,6 kg. Foi utilizada uma dieta completa, contendo 15,5% de PB e 2,58 Mcal/kg MS de EM. Os mestiços ½ Dorper½ SPRD e ½ Santa Inês ½ SPRD obtiveram melhores resultados em relação ao peso final, apresentando maior acúmulo tecidual durante o período de confinamento. Não foi observado diferença entre o consumo de matéria seca e água em função dos genótipos. Os mestiços de Dorper x SPRD e Santa Inês x SPRD apresentaram maior ganho de peso diário, total e melhor conversão alimentar. Os cordeiros mestiços de Dorperx SPRD apresentaram maior escore corporal final. Os cordeiros mestiços Dorper x SPRD e Santa Inês x SPRD são recomendados para a terminação em confinamento, apresentando desempenho biológico e econômico semelhantes, sendo uma alternativa de produção de carne no Semiárido Nordestino.

SUMMARY The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance and gross profit margin of feedlot lambs of different genotypes feedlot. Thirty kids non-castrated were used, being 10 Dorper x undefined breed, 10 Santa Inês x undefined breed and 10 undefined breed, with an average of 150 days of age and average weight of 19.31± 2.6 kg gat baseline, feedlot for 63 days. We used a total mixed ration containing 15.5% crude protein and 2.58 Mcal / kg DM. The genotypes of crossbred lambs Dorper and Santa Inês obtained better results than the final weight, with higher body development during the period of feedlot. No difference was observed between the intake of dry matter and water of genotypes. The total weight gains, feed conversion and daily suffered genotype influence the crossbred lambs Santa Inês and Dorper behaved similarly. The crossbred lambs of Dorper undefined breed had greater final body. The crossbred lambs Dorper x undefined breed and Santa Ines x SPRD are recommended for termination in confinement, with similar biological and economic performance, and a meat production alternative in the semiarid Northeast.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar estratégias de seleção simulada pela contribuição genética ótima quanto ao ganho genético, com restrição sobre a coancestria, para a característica peso aos 84 dias idade, em ovinos Santa Inês. As análises foram definidas conforme um algoritmo de evolução diferencial, que otimizou uma função-objetivo composta pelo mérito genético e a coancestria média dos animais candidatos à reprodução. A estratégia definida como ótima indicou a utilização de 19 carneiros, o que resultaria em ganho médio esperado de 1,1259 unidades de desvio-padrão, e coancestria igual a 0,0249 (estratégia 5). Em comparação à seleção com base apenas no valor genético, a estratégia ótima reduziu a coancestria em 12%, e o ganho genético, em apenas 3%. A seleção de ovinos pela contribuição genética ótima oferece diferentes níveis de ganho genético, que são atingíveis a partir de restrições sobre a coancestria. Assim, é possível minimizar a coancestria, ou restringi-la em um valor pré-definido, e maximizar o ganho genético simultaneamente com o uso da contribuição genética ótima.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate strategies of simulated selection by optimum contribution for the genetic gain, with restriction on coancestry, for the weight trait of 84-day old Santa Ines sheep. The analyses were performed using a differential evolution algorithm, which optimized an objective function accounting for average coancestry of the candidate animals for reproduction and genetic merit. The optimal selection strategy indicated the use of 19 rams, which would result in an expected average gain of 1.1259 units of standard deviation, and coancestry equal to 0.0249 (strategy 5). Compared to the selection based only on breeding values, the optimum strategy reduced the coancestry by 12%, and the genetic gain by only 3%. The selection of sheep by the optimum contribution offers different levels of genetic gain, which are achievable from restrictions on the coancestry. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the coancestry, or restrict it to a predefined value, and maximize the genetic gain while using the optimum contribution.

RESUMO Foram avaliadas a musculosidade e a adiposidade da carcaça de diferentes genótipos caprinos e ovinos em pastejo na Caatinga. Foram utilizados 40 animais machos, não castrados, com idade média de 120 dias e peso vivo inicial médio de 18,76 kg, sendo 10 caprinos SPRD, 10 mestiços Boer (½ Boer x ½ SPDR), 10 ovinos SPRD e 10 mestiços Dorper (½ Dorper x ½ SPRD). Os mestiços Dorper apresentaram maiores médias para área de olho de lombo, índice de musculosidade da perna, conformação e peso total dos músculos da perna quando comparados aos caprinos SPRD. Não houve diferença significativa para a textura da carne entre os genótipos. A cor da carne foi mais escura para os genótipos caprinos do que para os genótipos ovinos. Os aspectos quantitativos da adiposidade da carcaça, gordura renal, gordura inguinal, gordura subcutânea da perna e gordura total da perna nos genótipos ovinos superaram os observados nos genótipos caprinos. O acabamento da carcaça e o índice de compacidade da perna foram melhores para os mestiços Dorper. A espécie ovina obteve melhores aspectos de musculosidade e adiposidade que os caprinos, indicando que estes animais possuem maior desenvolvimento dos tecidos muscular e adiposo, conferindo-lhes maior aptidão na produção de carne.

SUMMARY Carcass muscularity and adiposity of different goat and sheep genotypes grazing in the Caatinga rangeland were evaluated. A total of 40 uncastrated males, with an initial average age and body weight of 120 days and 18.76 kg, respectively, were used: 10 mixed breed goats (MB), 10 cross Boer goats (½ Boer x ½ MB), 10 MB sheep and 10 cross Dorper sheep (½ Dorper x ½ MB). The cross Dorper had higher mean scores for rib eye area, leg muscularity index, weight of total muscles of the leg and conformation compared to MB goats. There was no significant difference between genotypes for the meat texture. Meat color was darker for goat genotypes than for sheep genotypes. The quantitative aspects of carcass adiposity, renal fat, inguinal fat, and subcutaneous and total leg fat showed to be higher for sheep than for goat genotypes. Carcass finishing and leg compactness index were superior for the cross Dorper genotype. Carcass muscularity and adiposity were better in sheep than in goat genotypes, indicating that sheep have a greater muscle and fat tissue development, giving to them a greater potential for beef production.