Impact of Rearing Systems on the Carcass Characteristics and Composition of Meat of Nellore Brown Lambs

Abstract

To know the carcass quality and proximate composition of Nellore brown lambs under three systems of rearing i.e. intensive, semi-intensiveand extensive system.36 Nellore brown lambs of 3 months age from Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Warangal district were randomly allotted to three rearing systems i.e. Intensive (G1), Semi-intensive (G2) and Extensive (G3) system of each 12 animals. The mean dressing percent of lambs on pre slaughter and empty body weight was 52.23 ± 0.56, 47.29 ± 0.33 and 44.13 ± 1.27; 62.63 ± 0.66, 59.19 ± 0.29and 56.57 ± 0.88, respectively in G1, G2 and G3 groups.  The dressing percentage of the lambs had significant (p < 0.05) effect between G1 and G3 group and had no significant (p < 0.05) effect between G2 and G3 group. The mean weight (kg) of skin was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in G3 (2.07 ± 0.03) group than G1 (1.76 ± 0.06) and G2 (1.73 ± 0.05) group.  The total non- edible offals weight (kg) was higher in G3 than G1 and G3 group and had no significant (p < 0.05) effect between the three groups of the study.