Fattening performance and carcass traits of two fat tailed sheep breeds

Abstract Fat tailed sheep breeds are the most spread types of sheep in the Middle East. They are hardy with acceptable growth and carcass traits. The purpose of this study was to compare the fattening performance and carcass characteristics of two fat-tailed sheep breeds Najdi and Awassi. Thirty single born Awassi and Najdi male lambs (15 lambs per breed) were examined for fattening and carcass characteristics. The study lasted seventy days (10 days adaptation period and 60 days for collecting the data). Feed consumption was monitored daily, while the body weight of lambs was recorded upon arrival to the trial area and biweekly afterwards. Lambs were slaughtered at the end of the study to assess carcass and meat quality characteristics. Nitrogen intake and retained nitrogen were higher (p < 0.05) for Najdi lambs. Digestibility of nutrients were comparable between the two genetic groups. Initial body weight, final body weight, ADG, and dry matter intake were not affected (p > 0.05) by lamb’s breed. Furthermore, feed to gain ratio. Carcass hot and cold weights, as well as dressing percentage were also unaffected by lamb’s breed (p > 0.05). The breed of lamb has no influence on the percentages of shoulder, loin, and rack. While Awassi breed had numerically a larger proportion of legs (p = 0.06). Moreover, meat quality traits were not affected by lamb’s breed. Result s of this study suggest that fattening performance and carcass traits for Awassi and Najdi lambs were comparable.