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.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou as características de cortes de carcaça e comerciais de cordeiros Santa Inês de diferentes biótipos (tradicional e moderno) abatidos com 32 kg e 34 kg. As trinta e seis ovelhas Santa Inês utilizadas, das quais 18 biótipos tradicionais e 18 modernos, tinham em média 180 dias e pesavam inicialmente 16 kg. Os animais foram mantidos em baias individuais (0,80 × 1,20 m) até atingirem o peso de abate. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, fatorial 2×2 (dois biótipos x dois pesos de abate). O biótipo tradicional influenciou significativamente (P<0,05) os rendimentos de carcaça, conformação e marmoreio, em comparação ao biotipo moderno. O biótipo não influenciou (P>0,05) as medidas morfométricas da carcaça e os cortes comerciais. Por outro lado, o peso de abate de 34 kg afetou a maioria das características de carcaça. O biótipo tradicional apresentou maior rendimento, melhor conformação e maior quantidade de gordura intramuscular na carcaça. O maior peso de abate influenciou as características de carcaça e a quantidade de gordura. Em geral, as carcaças apresentaram alta proporção muscular e quantidade de gordura adequada ao consumidor.

SUMMARY This study evaluated the characteristics of carcass and commercial cuts of Santa Ines lambs of different biotypes (traditional and modern) slaughtered at 32 kg and 34 kg. The thirty-six Santa Ines sheep used, of which 18 traditional and 18 modern biotypes were on average 180 days old and weighed 16 kg initially. The animals were kept in individual stalls (0.80 × 1.20 m) until they reached the slaughtering weight. The experimental design was completely randomized, factorial 2×2 (two biotypes x two slaughtering weights). The traditional biotype influenced significantly (P<0.05) the carcass yields, conformation, and marbling, compared to the modern biotype. The biotype did not influence (P> 0.05) carcass morphometric measurements and commercial cuts. On the other hand, the 34-kg slaughtering weight affected most of carcass characteristics. The traditional biotype displayed higher yield, better conformation and greater amount of intramuscular fat in the carcass. The higher slaughtering weight influenced carcass characteristics and the amount of fat. Generally, the carcasses presented high muscle proportion and fat amount appropriate to the consumer.

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 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.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características quantitativas e qualitativas da carcaça em caprinos de diferentes genótipos terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 30 cabritos, sendo 10 Anglo Nubiana Sem Raça Definida (SRD), 10 Boer SRD e 10 SRD, com peso médio de 19,05kg no início do experimento, distribuídos no delineamento inteiramente casualizado. A dieta utilizada foi única e completa, contendo 15,5% de proteína bruta e 2,58 Mcal de energia metabolizável por quilograma de matéria seca. Os Anglo Nubiana × SRD apresentaram maiores rendimentos de carcaça, espessura de gordura subcutânea e medida GR quando comparados com os Boer SRD. Entretanto, os cabritos Boer SRD obtiveram maior índice de musculosidade em comparação com os demais genótipos avaliados. Os cabritos SRD apresentaram menor percentual de gordura e maior relação músculo:gordura, quando comparados com os Boer × SRD. Não houve diferença entre os genótipos para os cortes comerciais, exceto o peso e rendimento do pescoço. Os cabritos Boer × SRD apresentaram melhor conformação e acabamento de carcaça. Houve correlação significativa entre a conformação e o acabamento de carcaça e entre o marmoreio, a espessura de gordura subcutânea e a medida GR. A área de olho de lombo foi correlacionada com o rendimento de carcaça quente. A espessura de gordura subcutânea e a medida GR apresentaram correlação significativa, indicando que estas avaliações representam à cobertura de gordura na carcaça de cabritos. O genótipo influencia a espessura de gordura subcutânea, os rendimentos de carcaça, a conformação e acabamento de carcaça de cabritos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative carcass traits in goat kids finished in feedlot. Thirty goat kids were used non-castrated, with 10 Anglo Nubian Undefined Breed (UB), 10 Boer UB and 10 Undefined Breed, with average 19.05 kg BW at the beginning of the experiment, divided into a completely randomized design. The diet used was unique and complete, containing 15.5% crude protein and 2.58Mcal kg-1 DM. The Anglo Nubian UB goat kids showed higher carcass dressing, fat thickness and GR site in comparison to Boer UB. However, the Boer UB obtained higher muscularity index compared with Anglo Nubian UB and UB. The UB goat kids showed lower percentage of fat and higher muscle:fat relation when compared with Boer UB. No differences between genotypes for the weight and yields, except for the weight and yields of neck. The Boer UB goat kids showed better conformation and carcass fatness compared to Anglo Nubian UB and UB. There was significant correlation between conformation and carcass fatness. Correlation was observed between marbling, fat thickness and pelvic-renal fat. The fat thickness and GR site showed significant correlation, indicating that these evaluations represent the back fat in the carcass of kids goat. The genotype influenced the fat thickness, carcass dressing, conformation and carcass fatness.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, qualitative, morphometric and quantitative carcass traits of Santa Inês lambs of different frame sizes finished in a feedlot. Twenty 120-day-old intact lambs with a 25.0±3.1 kg average body weight at the beginning of the experiment were used. Lambs received a diet containing 17% crude protein and 2.70 Mcal/kg dry matter. Frame size influenced performance and tissue composition in the carcasses of the lambs. Lambs with large frame sizes showed better carcass conformation compared with those of medium-sized frames. Frame size was found to have a significant effect on rump perimeter. Large-framed lambs showed higher compactness on the carcass index and carcass dressing area compared with medium-framed lambs. The cuts of large-framed lambs weighed more than those of mediumframed lambs. However, no significant differences were found in dressing.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a qualidade do sêmen de carneiros da raça Santa Inês, alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de caroço de algodão integral (CAI). Foram utilizados 20 carneiros distribuídos em quatro dietas e alimentados com 0, 20, 30, 40% do caroço de algodão integral. Para este estudo realizou-se a coleta de sêmen dos animais pelo método da eletroejaculação e durante nove meses procedeu-se o exame andrológico mensal. As variáveis analisadas foram: circunferência escrotal (CE); volume, aspecto e cor do ejaculado, motilidade progressiva (MP), vigor, movimento de massa (MM), concentração espermática total (spzX10(9)), morfologia espermática (ME) e hematócritos sanguíneos. A CE não variou entre as dietas com média de 31,83 cm. Os animais que receberam (CAI) tiveram ingestão média de 9,16 mg de gossipol kg-1 PV, e tenderam a apresentar o sêmen de coloração esverdeada, com aspecto variando de cremoso fino a aquoso. Nas características microscópicas a MP decresceu linearmente com aumento do nível de CAI, enquanto o vigor mostrou comportamento quadrático. Os defeitos totais tiveram efeito linear crescente em relação aos valores de referência descritos na literatura. O CAI não influenciou os níveis de hematócritos, porém afetou a motilidade progressiva e o vigor dos espermatozoides, não devendo ser usado em dietas de animais destinados à reprodução.

This study evaluated the semen quality of Santa Ines sheep fed diets containing different levels of whole cottonseed (WCS). Twenty sheep were distributed into four groups that were given diets with 0; 20; 30; 40% of WCS. For this study the semen was collected by electroejaculation, and a monthly andrological examination was performed during nine months. The analyzed variables were: scrotal circumference (SC), appearance and color of the ejaculate, progressive motility (PM), vigor, mass movement (MM), total sperm concentration (spzX10(9)), sperm morphology (SM) and blood hematocrit. The SC had no difference among diets, with mean 31.83 cm. The animals fed diets with WCS, presented mean intake of 9.16 mg gossypol kg BW, and were prone to present greenish semen, and appearance ranging from thin creamy to watery. The PM decreased linearly (p < 0.05) with increasing level of WCS, while the vigor had a quadratic trend. The total defects increased linearly in relation to reference values described in literature. The WSC had no influence on hematocrit levels, but did affect the PM and vigor of spermatozoa, thus not recommended to diets of animals for breeding.

The objective of this study was to evaluate performance, carcass dressing and gross profit margin of lambs of different genotypes finished in feedlot with diets containing two levels of energy (2.40 Mcal/kg dry matter - DM or 2.90 Mcal/kg DM). Fifty-four non-castrated lambs of the following genotypes were used: Santa Inês, F1 Dorper × Santa Inês and F1 Santa Inês × undefined breed at approximately 150 d of age averaging 22.6 kg of live body weight. Lambs subjected to the diet containing 2.90 Mcal/kg DM stayed in feedlot for a shorter period of time. Moreover, they showed lower intake of dry matter and water in addition to greater daily weight gain and corporal score. There was interaction of feed conversion, carcass dressing yield and gross profit margin. The Dorper × Santa Inês lambs showed similar feed conversion in the two diets. However, Santa Inês lambs and Santa Inês × undefined breed lambs showed better feed conversion with the diet containing 2.90 Mcal/kg DM. The carcass dressings of the Santa Inês × undefined breed lambs were similar for both diets. Furthermore, the carcass dressing values were higher for the Santa Inês and Dorper × Santa Inês which received the diet with higher energy density. The gross profit margin is higher for Dorper × Santa Inês lambs in relation to genotype Santa Inês × undefined breed lambs when subjected to the diet with 2.40 Mcal/kg DM.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of a ground corn diet by a forage cactus meal diet on the carcass characteristics and body components of Santa Inês lambs finished in feedlot. This study was carried out at Estação Experimental de Pendência, belonging to Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba S.A. (EMEPA-PB). Forty Santa Inês male lambs in feedlot were used in the experiment. Treatments were randomly assigned to the animals according to a completely randomized design, with four treatments, which consisted of growing replacement levels of ground corn by forage cactus meal: 0, 33, 66 and 100% of substitution and ten replications (lambs). Animals were slaughtered, and the following characteristics were evaluated: body weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, non-carcass components (NCC), hot carcass yield, cold carcass yield, biological yield, revenue of non components of carcass, revenues of non-carcass components, relative weight and relative value of the commercial cuts, viscera and organs' yield. Averages were submitted to analysis of variance and regression analyses at a 5% level of probability. The replacement levels of ground corn by forage cactus meal had no influence on biological yield, revenue of the non components of carcass, relative weight and relative value of the prime and choice cuts or on the relative weight of viscera and organs. The replacement of ground corn by forage cactus meal, on the ration given to Santa Ines lambs in feedlot does not impact the biological yield, relative weight and relative value of prime and choice cuts or the relative weight of viscera and other organs.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características quantitativas de carcaça de cordeiros de diferentes genótipos recebendo diversos níveis de energia na dieta. Foram utilizados 54 cordeiros não-castrados, sendo 18 Santa Inês (SI), 18 F1Dorper × Santa Inês (Dp × SI) e 18 F1 Santa Inês × Sem Raça Definida (SI × SRD), com idade média de 150 dias e peso médio de 22,60 kg no início do experimento. As dietas continham 17% de proteína bruta e 2,40 Mcal/kg MS ou 2,90 Mcal/kg MS. Os cordeiros alimentados com a dieta contendo 2,90 Mcal/kg MS apresentaram maior peso corporal e de carcaça, área de olho-de-lombo, percentual de gordura interna, índice de musculosidade, índice de compacidade da carcaça, percentual de gordura e menor relação músculo:gordura. As carcaças desses cordeiros obtiveram também menores perdas por resfriamento e maior peso e percentual de paleta e perna. As carcaças dos cordeiros Dorper × Santa Inês foram superiores em espessura de gordura subcutânea, medida GR (gordura sobre a 12ª costela a 11 cm de distância da linha média lombo), percentual de gordura, relação músculo:osso, índice de musculosidade, peso e percentual de lombo. Os cordeiros Santa Inês apresentaram maior relação músculo:gordura. A dieta e o genótipo influenciam as características quantitativas de carcaça de cordeiros.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quantitative carcass traits of lambs from different genotypes receiving different levels of energy in the diet. Fifty-four non-castrated lambs - 18 Santa Inês (SI), 18 F1Dorper × Santa Inês (Dp × SI) and 18 F1Santa Inês × No defined breed (SI × NDB) - of average 150 days old and 22.6-kg BW were used in the beginning of the experiment. Diets contained 17% crude protein and 2.40 Mcal/kg DM or 2.90 Mcal/kg DM. Lambs fed the diet containing 2.90 Mcal/kg DM showed higher final live and carcass weight, loin eye area, percentage of internal fat, muscularity index, compactness of the carcass index, percentage of fat and lower muscle:fat relation. These lambs' carcasses also presented lower percentage of cold loss and higher weight and percentage of shoulder and leg. Carcasses of Dp × SI lambs were superior in fat thickness, GR site, percentage of fat, muscle:bone relation, muscularity index, weight and percentage of loin. Santa Inês sheep showed higher muscle:fat relation. Both diet and genotype influence quantitative carcass traits of lambs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the levels of replacement of ground corn by forage cactus meal in the diet on the muscularity and adiposity of carcass of Santa Inês lambs finished at feedlot. This study was carried out at Estação Experimental de Pendência, belonging to Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba S.A. (EMEPA-PB). Forty male Santa Inês lambs in feedlot were used in the experiment. Treatments were randomly assigned to the animals according to a completely randomized design, with four treatments, that consisted of growing substitution levels of ground corn for forage cactus meal: 0, 33, 66 and 100% of substitution and ten replications (lambs). Animals were slaughtered and carcasses cooled for 24 hours for later assessment of conformation, morphometry, loin eye-muscle area, fatness, perirenal fat, marbling and subcutaneous fat thickness. Legs were separated for dissection of muscle, bone, subcutaneous fat, intermuscle fat and total fat, which were weighed for the determination of the muscle:bone and muscle:fat relation and the relative weight of tissue components. Averages were submitted to variance and regression analyses at a 5% level of probability. Diets had no effect on carcass conformation. However, a negative linear effect on weights and yields of fats was observed with the increased levels of forage cactus meal in the diet, and the opposite was observed in the muscle yield behavior. Forage cactus meal is biologically as efficient as ground corn, because it increases the muscularity and reduces the adiposity of the carcass of Santa Inês lambs in feedlot.

Objetivou-se avaliar as características de carcaça por ultrassonografia em tempo real e após o abate e a relação entre essas características e os rendimentos de carcaça de cordeiros de diferentes genótipos terminados em confinamento com diversos níveis de energia na dieta. Foram utilizados 54 cordeiros não-castrados - 18 Santa Inês puros (SI), 18 ½Dorper x ½Santa Inês (Dp x SI) e 18 ½Santa Inês x ½Sem Raça Definida (SI x SRD) - com média de 150 dias de idade e peso médio de 22,60 kg no início do experimento. As dietas continham 17% de proteína bruta e 2,40 Mcal/kg MS e 2,90 Mcal/kg MS. As mensurações realizadas por ultrassonografia e diretamente na carcaça dos cordeiros apresentaram resultados similares. Os cordeiros alimentados com a dieta contendo 2,90 Mcal/kg apresentaram maior área de olho-de-lombo, melhor conformação e acabamento de carcaça e maior quantidade de gordura pélvico-renal. Os cordeiros Dp x SI apresentaram maior área de olho-de-lombo e musculosidade por 100 kg de PV em comparação aos SI x SRD e foram superiores a todos os genótipos quanto à espessura de gordura subcutânea, à conformação e ao acabamento de carcaça. O marmoreio observado nos cordeiros Dp x SI foi superior aos dos Santa Inês. As correlações das medidas tomadas por ultrassonografia e na carcaça foram altas e significativas, exceto o marmoreio. Houve correlação significativa entre conformação da carcaça e acabamento, marmoreio, espessura de gordura subcutânea e gordura pélvico-renal. As gorduras de cobertura avaliadas subjetivamente e objetivamente apresentaram correlações altas e significativas. A dieta e o genótipo influenciam as características de carcaça de cordeiros.

The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass traits through ultrasonography in real time and after slaughter and the relationship between these traits and carcass yields of lambs with different genotypes finished in feedlot with several levels of energy in the diet. It was used 54 non-castrated lambs: 18 pure Santa Inês (SI), 18 ½Dorper x ½Santa Inês (Dp x SI) and 18 ½Santa Inês x ½ Without Standard Defined Breed (SI x WSDB), at an average age of 150 days and at an average body weight of 22.6 kg at the beginning of the experiment. Diets contained 17% of crude protein, 2.40 Mcal/kg DM and 2.90 Mcal/kg DM. Measurements made by ultrasonography and directly on carcass of the lambs showed similar results. Lambs fed diets containing 2.90 Mcal/kg showed larger loin eye area, better carcass conformation and finishing and higher amount of pelvic-renal fat. Lambs Dp x SI showed larger loin eye areas and muscularity per 100 kg of body weight in comparison to SI x SRD lambs and they were superior to all genotypes regarded to subcutaneous fat thickness, conformation and finishing carcass. Marbling observed in Dp x SI lambs were superior than in Santa Inês lambs. Correlations of measures taken by ultrasonography and on the carcass were high and significant, except marbling. There was a significant correlation among carcass conformation and finishing, marbling, subcutaneous fat thickness and pelvic-renal thickness. Backfat subjectively and objectively evaluated showed high and significant correlations. Diet and genotype influence characteristics of carcass of lambs.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de dietas de terminação contendo diferentes níveis (0, 20, 30 e 40%) de caroço de algodão integral (Gossypium hirsutum) sobre os parâmetros físicos e sensoriais da carne de vinte e quatro cordeiros da raça Santa Inês. Foram avaliados os parâmetros de pH, capacidade de retenção de água (CRA), perda de peso por cocção (PPC), textura e cor, além dos parâmetros sensoriais de sabor, aroma, cor e textura. Apenas o parâmetro cor da carne ovina sofreu influência significativa da adição do caroço de algodão integral, observando-se variações para as coordenadas b* e L* (antes da cocção). Verificou-se também que os tratamentos apresentaram influência (p < 0,01) sobre os parâmetros sensoriais de cor in natura, odor e sabor característicos da carne de cordeiros. Logo, faz-se recomendável, tomando-se por base os parâmetros físicos e sensoriais da carne ovina, a utilização do caroço de algodão integral em um nível de até 40% para cordeiros em terminação por períodos curtos, isto é de até 90 dias.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of termination diets containing increasing levels (0, 20, 30, and 40%) of whole cotton seed (Gossypium hirsutum) on the physical (pH, water holding capacity, cooking losses, texture, colour) and sensory parameters (flavour, odour, colour, texture) of the lamb meat of twenty four Santa Ines sheep. Only the b* and L* colour parameters of the lamb meat were significantly affected by the addition of different levels of whole cotton seed to the diet. The inclusion of the whole cotton seed in the diet of the Santa Ines sheep also influenced sensory attributes such as natural colour, odour, and characteristic flavour. Based on these observations, considering the physical and sensory attributes of the lamb meat, the use of whole cotton seed at a 40% level for sheep in termination for short periods, i.e., up to 90 days, is recommended.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do genótipo sobre as características morfométricas e quantitativas de carcaça de cabritos e cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 34 animais machos não-castrados (12 cabritos ½ Boer ´ ½ SRD; 12 cabritos ½ Anglo-Nubiana × ½ SRD; e 10 cordeiros Santa Inês) com peso corporal médio de 18,3 kg e idade média de 135 dias no início do experimento. As médias de altura de cernelha, compacidade corporal e perímetro torácico do genótipo Santa Inês foram superiores às dos genótipos caprinos. Os rendimentos de carcaça quente e fria dos genótipos foram semelhantes, porém, as perdas por resfriamento nos mestiços anglo-nubianos e dos cordeiros Santa Inês foram maiores que nos mestiços Boer. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre genótipos apenas para compacidade da carcaça. Cordeiros depositam mais gordura de cobertura na carcaça e apresentam maior área de olho-de-lombo e circunferência da perna que cabritos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotype effect on the morphometric and quantitative characteristics of carcasses of kids and lambs finished in feedlot. A total of 34 entire male animals was used, 12 kid goats (½ Boer ´ ½ SRD), 12 kid goats (½ Anglo Nubiano ´ ½ SRD) and 10 Santa Inês sheep, with initial live weight of 18.3 kg, average age of 135 days at the beginning of the trial. The averages of withers height, corporal compactness and thoracic perimeter of the Santa Inês genotype were superior to those of the kid genotypes. The hot and cold carcass dressing of the genotypes was similar, but losses from cooling in the Anglo Nubiano crossbred kid goats and Santa Inês lambs were larger than in the Boer crossbreds. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes only for carcass compactness. The lambs deposited more covering fat, presented larger loin eye area and leg circumference than the kid goats.