Fattening Performances and Carcass Characteristics of Boujaâd and Sardi Lambs in Morocco

Abstract

The study was carried out to analyze fattening performance and carcass characteristics of 183 and 182 Boujaâd and Sardi single-born ram lambs, respectively. Data were collected during six consecutive years from 1996 to 2001 at INRA Deroua Experimental Station in Morocco. The average fattening period was 64 days and age at slaughter of the lambs 166 days. Data analysis showed that the lamb breed had a significant effect on all traits studied, except on the average daily gain at the end of the fattening period, the feed conversion index [kg dry matter (DM) of feed/kg of weight gain], kidney fat, mesenteric fat, fattening grade and carcass conformation. The differences between Sardi and Boujaâd lambs were 0.04 kg DM/animal/day for feed intake, 1.1 kg for weight at slaughter, 1.2 kg for hot carcass weight, 1.3 p. 100 for dressing yield, – 0.20 kg for lungs and heart, 0.03 kg for liver, 0.10 kg for empty stomach, 0.10 kg for head, – 0.48 kg for skin et – 0.07 kg for the four legs. It was concluded that fattening performances and carcass characteristics of Sardi and Boujaâd lambs were highly satisfactory and almost similar. Therefore, they could be used in pure breeding or as sire breeds in crossbreeding with other local breeds in order to improve sheep meat production in Morocco.