Meat production traits of Lalahan sheep: fattening, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of lambs
ARCHIVES ANIMAL BREEDING, cilt.69, sa.3, ss.431-439, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 69 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.5194/aab-69-431-2026
- Dergi Adı: ARCHIVES ANIMAL BREEDING
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.431-439
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study investigated the fattening performance, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of Lalahan-genotype lambs at different slaughter weights. The animal material of the study consisted of 36 male Lalahan-genotype lambs, randomly divided into three groups and fed intensively. Six lambs were slaughtered from each group, with average weights of 35 (Gr35), 40 (Gr40), and 45 kg (Gr45). The average daily weight gain (DWG) in each group was 241.50 +/- 17.90, 243.33 +/- 29.68, and 235.45 +/- 26.15 g, respectively, while feed conversion rate (FCR) was 3.590, 3.958, and 4.392, respectively. Cold-dressing percentages were 45.26 +/- 0.57 %, 44.66 +/- 1.15 %, and 46.11 +/- 0.85 %, respectively. Carcass lean and fat percentages differed significantly at 61.82 +/- 0.60 %, 61.04 +/- 0.47 %, and 57.53 +/- 0.74 % (P < 0.001) and 13.57 +/- 0.24 %, 14.05 +/- 0.17 %, and 19.46 +/- 0.68 % (P < 0.001). Leg, back, and loin percentages differed significantly at 31.57 +/- 0.71 %, 30.04 +/- 0.58 %, and 28.41 +/- 0.27 % (P < 0.01); 13.39 +/- 0.23 %, 12.63 +/- 0.46 %, and 14.72 +/- 0.56 % (P < 0.05); and 8.41 +/- 0.13 %, 7.88 +/- 0.26 %, and 7.19 +/- 0.12 %, respectively (P < 0.001). The lean / fat ratios in Gr35 and Gr40 were significantly higher than in Gr45 (P < 0.001), but the meat / bone ratio was similar in all groups. The findings indicate that the Lalahan genotype is similar to or better than the K & imath;v & imath;rc & imath;k breed from which its genotype originates in terms of fattening performance, slaughter, and carcass characteristics and has potential for meat production in steppe climatic conditions. Parameters such as average daily weight gain, meat percentage, and fat percentage were evaluated based on a slaughter weight of 40 kg being appropriate.