Predição de características de carcaça por ultrassonografia, de cordeiros terminados em confinamento.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the carcass characteristics of Santa Inês lambs, finished in confiniment, using the technique of ultrasound. For this, we used 40 lambs, whole, weaned, with originated form sheep of Santa Inês, with an average of 17 ± 1.7 kg body weight (BW) and 100 days old. The experiment consisted of two steps: Step 1: the period of food restriction, from day 1 to 42, animals divided into four treatments that corresponded to the levels 0 (ad libitum), 20, 40, and 60% food restriction compared to animals fed ad libitum; step 2: feedback period which comprised the 43 to the 84 days, during this period all animals were fed ad libitum with a daily readjustment which permited a surplus of 10%. Low and significant correlation (P <0.05) was observed between loin eye area by ultrasound in vivo and carcass after slaughter. Significant influence ocurred to correlate the AOL ultrasound at the beginning and end of the experiment and measured thickness of subcutaneous fat in the carcass. The thickness of subcutaneous fat obtained by ultrasound presented correlation and significance with the same measure assessed in the carcass. Features of the Longissumus lumborum muscle of the living animal, obtained via ultrasound exams were not a good indicator of muscle performance (AOL) and finishing (EGS) of the carcass.