Comparison between lambs and goat kids meat production of animals fed Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L. ) grass / Comparação entre a produção de carne de cordeiros e cabritos alimentados em vegetação nativa de Caatinga enriquecida com capim-buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L. )

ABSTRACT

This study compared the performance and meat production of goat kids and lambs that were fed semi-arid Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.). Twelve crossbred Boer × undefined breed goat kids and 12 Santa Inês lambs that had 20.7 kg of body weight (BW) were studied. Goat kids presented greater (P 0.05) organic matter intake and digestibility, total gain, average daily gain (ADG) and perirrenal fat compared to lambs fed Caatinga vegetation enriched with buffel grass. However, the morphometric carcass measurements (external and leg length; chest and rump width; leg perimeter and chest circumference) were higher (P 0.05) in lambs compared to those of goat kids. The crude protein and neutral detergent fiber intake and digestibility, cooling carcass loss, biological yield, empty body weight, hot carcass and cold carcass weights and yields, subcutaneous fat thickness, carcass compactness index and Longissimus dorsi area were similar (P > 0.05) between goat kids and lambs. Goat kids (crossbred Boer × undefined breed) more efficiently used Caatinga vegetation enriched with Cenchrus ciliaris L. than Santa Inês lambs; this vegetation improved nutrient intake, ADG and, consequently, feeding conversion. However, Santa Inês lambs presented higher carcass morphometric values.

RESUMO

Este estudo comparou o desempenho e a produção de carne de cabritos e cordeiros alimentados com Caatinga enriquecida com capim-buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) na região semiárida. Doze cabritos mestiços Boer × sem padrão racial definido (SRD) e 12 cordeiros Santa Inês foram utilizados pesando em média de 20,7 kg de peso vivo (PV). Os cabritos apresentaram maior (P 0,05) entre cabritos e cordeiros. Cabritos (cruzamento Boer × SRD) utilizam mais eficientemente a vegetação de Caatinga enriquecida com Cenchrus ciliaris L. que os cordeiros Santa Inês, melhorando a ingestão de nutrientes, GPMD e consequentemente a conversão alimentar. No entanto, os cordeiros Santa Inês apresentam medidas morfométricas de carcaça maiores.