Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feeder Lambs Implanted and Re-implanted with Zeranol
Keywords:
sheep, feedlot, Zeranol, carcassAbstract
One hundred-twenty Rambouillet feeder lambs (Mean BW = 29.5 kg) were used to compare the effects of double and single implanting with Zeranol hormonal implants on lamb performance and carcass characteristics. Lambs were randomly assigned to three treatments: no implant (treatment 1), single implant (treatment 2), and double implant (treatment 3). On d 0, lambs in treatments 2 and 3 were implanted. Lambs in treatment 3 were re-implanted on d 56. Lambs were weighed every 28 d and slaughtered at 120 lb BW. Backfat thickness, leg circumference, hot carcass weight, USDA yield and quality grades were recorded, dressing percentage and calculated yield grade (CYG) were calculated. Treatments 2 and 3 had higher (P < 0.05) ADG than non-implanted lambs on d 28, 56, 84, and overall. Days on feed and feed to gain ratio were lower (P < 0.05) for implanted lambs than non-implanted lambs. Treatment 3 lambs had a lower (P < 0.05) dressing percentage and a lower (P < 0.05) percentage of choice grade carcasses and higher (P < 0.05) percentage of no grades. Treatment 2 and 3 wether lambs had a higher (P < 0.05) value and profit margin than implanted ewes and control lambs.Downloads
Published
2016-04-28
How to Cite
Salisbury, M. W., May, B. J., Talley, S. J., Carr, M. A., & Engdahl, G. R. (2016). Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feeder Lambs Implanted and Re-implanted with Zeranol. Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 20, 1–9. Retrieved from https://txjanr.agintexas.org/index.php/txjanr/article/view/93
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Research Articles