Growth performance and carcass classification of pure Pelibuey and crossbred lambs raised under an intensive production system in a warm-humid climate

The effect of breed on growth, characteristics, and carcass classification was investigated using 11 Charollais x Pelibuey (ChP) lambs, 10 Dorper x Pelibuey (DP) lambs, and 18 Pelibuey (P) lambs in an intensive production system in a warm-humid climate. A significant effect of genotype (P<0.05) was observed on birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and daily weight gain (DWG), all of which were higher in the ChP genotype. ChP and DP lambs reached commercial weight 35 and 23 d earlier, respectively than P lambs. Genotype has a marked influence on the carcass characteristics, affect conformation and classification of carcass. The probability of obtaining a carcass with good conformation and MEX 1 classification (good: MEX 1) is 72 % higher for the ChP genotype than for the P genotype. The loin and leg yields of the ChP genotype were higher than those of the other genotypes. The pH, temperature, and instrumental color of the carcass, meat, and subcutaneous fat were affected by genotype. ChP lambs showed better growth, characteristics, and carcass classification than lambs of the DP and P genotypes.