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).

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.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho bioecônomico em confinamento de cabritos mestiços, de diferentes grupamentos genéticos. Foram utilizados 30 cabritos, mestiços (F1), machos não castrados, sendo 10 cabritos Boer x SPRD (Sem Raça Definida), 10 Savana x SPRD e 10 Pardo Alpino x SPRD, com peso médio de 15 kg e idade média de 100 dias. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (genótipos) e 10 repetições. Avaliou-se o peso inicial, peso vivo final, ganho de peso médio diário, ganho de peso total, consumo de matéria seca, consumo de água, e conversão alimentar e dias de confinamento. Como indicador econômico foi calculado a margem bruta de lucro (MB), o consumo médio de matéria seca, o período de confinamento, o custo de cada dieta e as despesas com vacinas e medicamentos. Utilizou-se o teste de Tukey a 5% para as comparações entre as médias dos tratamentos. Para as variáveis, ganho de peso, consumo de matéria seca, consumo de água e escore corporal, as médias observadas não diferiram entre os grupos genéticos. Houve efeito significativo (P>0,05) dos grupos genéticos sobre os dias de confinamento. O desempenho biológico dos cabritos terminados em confinamento não foi influenciado pelo grupo genético. Na análise bioeconômica houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre os grupos raciais avaliados. A margem bruta de lucro foi negativa para os mestiços Pardo Alpino x SPRD. O cruzamento entre a raça Boer e animais sem padrão racial definido resulta em animais mais precoces, alcançando pesos ao abate com período de confinamento reduzido. No sistema de terminação em confinamento, os cabritos mestiços de Boer x SPRD apresentaram melhor desempenho econômico, proporcionando uma maior lucratividade para o criador.

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the bio-economic performance in confinement crossbred goats from different genetic groups. Were used 30 goats, crossbred (F1) intact male, 10 goats Boer x SPRD (undefined breed), 10 x Savannah SPRD and 10 Oberhasli x SPRD, with an average weight of 15 kg and an average age of 100 days. The initial weight was evaluated, final body weight, average daily gain, total weight gain, dry matter intake, water intake, feed conversion and days on feed. As an economic indicator was calculated gross profit margin (MB), the average dry matter intake, the confinement period, the cost of each diet and the cost of vaccines and medicines. We used the 5% Tukey test for comparisons between treatment means. For the variables weight gain, dry matter intake, water intake and body condition score averages observed did not differ between the genetic groups. There was significant effect (P> 0.05) of genetic groups on days on feed. The biological performance of the goats finished in feedlot was not influenced by genetic group. In bioeconomic analysis was no significant difference (P> 0.05) between the evaluated racial groups. Gross profit margin was negative for the mestizos Pardo Alpine x SPRD. The cross between the Boer breed and without defined breed results in premature animals, reaching slaughter weights with reduced confinement period. In the feedlot finishing system crossbred Boer goats x SPRD showed better economic performance, providing greater profitability to the creator.

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.

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 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.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of meat from Santa Inês, Dorper × Santa Inês, and undefined-breed lambs finished in a feedlot system according to two forage:concentrate ratios (50:50 and 20:80) in the diet. Overall, 54 non-castrated animals were used (with an average initial weight of 23±1.5 kg at 150 days old) and were slaughtered when they reached 36 kg of live weight or 63 days of confinement. Diets with high concentrate levels favored meat production with higher protein content. Among the saturated fatty acids, only heptadecanoic (C17:0) and arachidic acids (C20:0) differed among the treatments. The amount of oleic acid detected in the meat ranged from 49.2 to 51.9 g/100 g, making this one the most representative fatty acids. Regardless of the diet and genotype, the unsaturated fatty acid and desirable fatty acid levels in the lamb meat characterize it as of satisfactory quality for the consumer market.

The effect of the substitution of Tifton hay (0, 33, 66, 100 g/100 g) for pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) stubble hay was evaluated in the characteristics of the carcasses of goats of an unknown breed (UB) in feedlot. Thirty-two bucks with an average initial live weight of 17.5±1.3 kg, at approximately 150 days of age, were housed in individual stalls provided with feeding and drinking troughs. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replications. There was a quadratic effect on the weights of hot carcass and cold carcass, empty body, and loin eye area. A linear increase was observed for losses by carcass cooling. The weights of commercial cuts and the weights of total muscle, total bone, intramuscular fat, and total fat decreased linearly. All morphometric measurements were influenced by the inclusion of pineapple stubble hay in the .diets. Substitution of Tifton hay for pineapple stubble hay at the level of 33 g/100 g improves the carcasses of UB goats qualitatively and quantitatively

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.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o desenvolvimento tecidual por ultrassonografia em tempo real de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 30 cordeiros inteiros, sendo10 Dorper x Sem Raça Definida (SRD), 10 Santa Inês x SRD e 10 SRD, com 120 dias de idade média e peso médio de 19,31kg. Os cordeiros receberam dieta única e completa, contendo 15,5% de proteína bruta e 2,58Mcal/kg MS. Não foi observado efeito significativo entre os genótipos para nenhuma característica analisadas no início do experimento, porém, houve influência do genótipo aos 28 dias de confinamento para o escore corporal, área de olho-de-lombo e musculosidade, em que os cordeiros Dorper x SPRD foram superiores aos SRD. Observou-se o mesmo efeito aos 56 dias de confinamento. Os cordeiros SRD apresentaram maiores escores para o marmoreio do que os demais cordeiros. Houve comportamento linear crescente de crescimento dos tecidos muscular e adiposo com aumento dos dias de confinamento.

This study aims to evaluate the tissue development through real time ultrasound of lambs before slaughter in feedlot. It has been used thirty non-castrated lambs; being 10 Dorper x undefined breed, 10 Santa Inês x undefined breed and 10 undefined breed. The experimental units were about 120 days of age and 19,31kg weight of in average. The lambs have received a single and complete diet, containing 15,5% of crude protein and 2,58 Mcal/kg of dry matter. It has not been observed significant effect among the genotypes for any analyzed feature in the beginning of the experiment; however, there was influence of the genotype at the 28th days in feedlot, for the body score, rib eye area and muscularity, in which the lambs Dorper x undefined breed were superior to the undefined breed. It has been verified the same effect at the 56 days in feedlot. The undefined breed lambs have presented higher marbling score than the others. There was positive linear correlation between the growing behavior of Longissimus dorsi muscle and adipose tissues with the time in days in feedlot.

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.