Relationship of subcutaneous fat depth and weight changes
induced by stocking rate of 4 lines of lambs
G.L. Bennett, J.N. Clarke, P.V. Rattray, K.S. MacLean
Ruakura Animal Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1984, 44: 215-218
Industry Coopworths, industry Perendales and closed lines of
Romneys intensely selected for (HFR) or against (LFR) twinning, were
raised in individual farmlets with ewe stocking rates of 26 (H), 21 (M)
and 16 (L) ewes/ha. Lambs were slaughtered at 16, 20 and 24 weeks of
age. The correlated response to selection for twinning was decreased
fat depth at equal ewe stocking rates and birth-rearing status. HFR
compared to LFR also increased fat depth less when weight was increased
by a reduction in stocking rate. Perendales compared to Coopworths had
less fat depth and increased fat depth less, when weight was increased
by a reduction in stocking rate. The results suggest that fatter breeds
will be comparatively leaner at high stocking rates.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Sheep; carcass; weight; fat; twinning; stocking rate; breed by
environment interaction
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Last Updated 03-05-1997
