Effect of suckling management on productive performance and carcass traits of Comisana lambs

Abstract

The effect of restricted suckling on productive performance and carcass traits of growing lambs was determined. Twenty-one naturally sucked male Comisana lambs were divided into three equal weight groups with differing suckling management systems: 1) only maternal milk (C); 2) only maternal milk until 15 d of age and, from 16 d of age to slaughter, maternal milk, concentrate and hay ad libitum (T1); 3) only maternal milk until 15 d of age and, from 16 d to 30 d of age, maternal milk, concentrate and hay ad libitum, and, from 31 d of age to slaughter, only concentrate and hay ad libitum (T2). Average daily weight gain (ADG) and milk and feed intake were calculated. Ewe milk was collected from each group. At slaughter (63 d) live weight and carcass measurements were recorded. The overall mean of total milk collected was 22.7 and 41.6 kg ewe-1 for T1 and T2, respectively. Suckling management system significantly affected ADG, milk intake, dressing percentage, and percentages of intestines, stomachs, offals, and kidney fat. Suckling management appears to be an important factor affecting lamb growth and carcass quality.