Carcass Measurement, Conformation and Composition of Indigenous and Crossbred (Dorper x Indigenous) F1 Sheep

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate carcass measurement, conformation and composition of local [Blackhead Ogaden (B1) and Hararghe highland (B2)] and cross breed [Dorper x Blackhead Ogaden (B3) and Dorper x Hararghe highland (B4)] F1 lambs at two levels of concentrate supplement. The two diets were native grass hay ad libtum + 150 g concentrate mix [D1 (low level), Wheat Bran (WB) and Noug Seed Cake (NSC), at a ratio of 2:1] and native grass hay ad libtum + 350 g concentrate mix (D2, high level) in stall feeding. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (four breeds and two levels of diet). B4 had (p<0.05) longer hind leg posterior buttock circumference, thoracic circumference and chest width than B2, but did not differ from B1. Lambs fed high level of concentrate supplement have longer leg length wider posterior and anterior buttock circumference, buttock and chest width than low level concentrate supplemented groups. The fat content of both cross breeds is lower compared to pure Blackhead Ogaden. Leaner carcass was harvested from lambs consumed low level of concentrate supplement compared to lambs consumed high level of concentrate supplement. Result suggests that crossing Dorper with pure Hararghe highland improved carcass measurement and conformation. However, pure Blackhead Ogaden tended to perform similar to crosses in some parameters measured indicating the possibility of improving this breed without cross breeding. The result also noted that good nutrient supply is necessary for better carcass measurement and conformation.