Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Alexandru Gabriel VARTIC, Corneliu Ion NEACSU, Camelia Zoia ZAMFIR, Ana ENCIU, Oana Corina PRESA (DORDESCU), Petru Gabriel VICOVAN, Constantin PASCAL
Given the rising interest in sheep meat, this study aims to explore fattening technologies and improve meat production by crossing local breeds with specialized meat breeds. Research was conducted at R.D.I.S.G.B. Palas-Constanța to test the fattening performance of F1 hybrids (Palas Meat Breed x Palas Merino) compared to Palas Merino lambs. Two groups were intensively fattened for 100 days using granular feed with 87.9% dry matter, 2570 kcal, and 16% digestible crude protein. Initial body weights were similar (20.48-22.78 kg), with no significant differences (p<0.05). At the end, body weights ranged from 36.14 kg to 45.07 kg, with hybrids weighing 24.71% more (p<0.01). Average daily gain was 157-223 g, 42.04% higher in hybrids. Specific energy and protein consumption were 27.66% and 27.54% lower, respectively, in the F1 hybrid group. Conformation and constitution indices were superior in hybrids compared to Palas Merino lambs.
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