Primal and sub primal lamb carcass cuts from three different genetic groups finished in feedlot

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, morphometric traits, and the primal and sub primal cuts of Santa Inês lamb carcasses and their crossbreds with Dorper rams finished in feedlot. Thirty uncastrated lambs of the following genetic groups were used: 10 Santa Inês, 10 ½Dorper + ½Santa Inês and 10 –Dorper + ¼Santa Inês at 115 days of age averaging 20kg of live body weight. The experiment period was 53 days, preceded by seven days for adaptation. The carcasses of the Dorper crossbred lambs had higher carcass weight and yield, as well as larger thorax and rump width, and larger thorax, rump, and leg perimeter. The carcasses of the Dorper crossbred lambs also showed greater weight for all primal and sub primal carcass cuts, except for the neck. The lamb carcasses of Santa Inês had higher yields of shoulder and neck primal cuts and the carcasses of Dorper crossbred lambs showed higher loin yield. The carcasses of the crossbred lambs had higher yield of sirloin, rump steak, and frenched rack cap. The genetic group influences the linear and circular measures of the lamb carcasses and the weight of primal and sub primal cuts.