ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacement maniçoba hay by spineless cactus on the performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of confined lambs. Thirty-two male lambs, with an average body weight of 20.8⯱â¯2.9â¯kg, were fed with different levels of spineless cactus in replacement for 0, 33, 66 or 100% of maniçoba hay (i.e. 0, 200, 400, 600â¯gâ¯kg-1 of dietary DM). The replacement maniçoba hay by spineless cactus did not influence dry matter intake (g d-1) and cold carcass weight (Pâ¯>â¯.05), but increased (Pâ¯<â¯.05) the carcass finishing fat but did not influence (Pâ¯<â¯.05) the physical characteristics of the lambs' meat. Lower values for odor, flavor and purchase intention of meat were observed with 66% of replacement. Therefore, replacement of 33% maniçoba hay by spineless cactus can be recommended as optimal level, because it improve the fattening of the carcass, without causing negative effects on performance or meat quality.
