Características de carcaça de ovinos soinga e mestiços alimentados com palma forrageira miúda e orelha de elefante mexicana

Abstract

The sheep production system in Northeast region is affected by climate adversities and low production efficiency of the herd. The use of genotypes adapted to semiarid condition, as well as, adapted roughage with high nutritional value, are indispensable management tools to positive prospection in this scenario. It was aimed to evaluate quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sheep carcass of Soinga (tricross - ¼ Morada Nova, ¼ Bergamácia, 2/4 Somalis Brasileira), and crossbred (½ Soinga, ½ Santa Inês) genetic groups in feedlot fed Miúda spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana spineless cactus (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw.). genotypes. Thirty-two lambs were utilized, being 16 of Soinga and 16 of crossbred genetic groups, with an initial average body weight of 17.9 ± 1.58 kg, which were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2x2 factorial system. No interaction effect was observed between animal genetic groups and spineless genotypes for studied variables. Crossbred animals showed higher (P<0.10) hot and cold carcass weights, actual dressing percentage, longissimus muscle area, and rib and muscle weights (13.39 kg, 13.18 kg, 54.76 %, 8.7 cm2, 0.984 kg, and 1291.97 kg, respectively) compared to Soinga lambs (12.34 kg, 12.17, 53.61, 7.83 cm², 0.881 kg, and 1176.16 kg, respectively). Crossbred lambs showed higher crude protein contents in muscle 18.8 versus 18.25 g/100g (P<0.10). Longissimus dorsi muscle crude protein content was higher when Orelha de Elefante Mexicana spineless cactus was fed 19.2 versus 17.92 g/100g. The meat of Soinga lambs presented higher ether extract content 2.46% versus 2.14% than crossbred lambs. Both genotypes of spineless cactus are recommended for sheep feeding. Regarding genetic groups, due to present higher dressing percentage, larger leg muscle proportion, and, consequently, larger edible portion, crossbred sheep utilization is recommended in sheep meat production system.