GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF PUREBRED AND CROSSBRED ROMANOV LAMBS

The present study aimed to examine the growth performance and characteristics of carcass quality of purebred and crossbred Romanov male lambs (3/4 Romanov Edilbai). A total of 40 male lambs (3 months aged) from two different genotypes (20 of each genotype) were used. Lambs were reared under the same management system for 8 months of age. The growth and characteristics of carcass as hot and cold weight of carcass, dressing percentage and carcass composition were determined for each group of lambs. The results indicated a significant difference (P0.05) in growth traits between purebred and crossbred Romanov lambs. The crossbred Romanov lambs had significantly higher final body weight and weight gain per day compared to purebred Romanov lambs. Moreover, a significant increase was recorded for all carcass traits in Romanov crossbred lambs compared with purebred Romanov lambs. Due to high production and carcass traits, Romanov crossbred lambs can be used for the production of meat purposes. However, further investigations of these crossbred lambs need to be evaluated before any recommendation is given.