Effect of feeding whole cottonseed levels on carcass quantitative characteristics of feedlot Santa Inez sheep

This work was carried out with the objective to evaluate the effects of different levels (0.0 20.0, 30.0 and 40.0%) of whole cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L.) of the diet (% DM) on carcass characteristics, cut yields and carcass muscularity of feedlot Santa Inez sheep. Twenty- four sheep with average initial and final body weight of 19.0 and 32,2kg, respectively, and allotted to a completely randomized design, with four diets and six replications. No effect was observed for the inclusion of whole cottonseed (WCS) levels to the diets on quantitative characteristics. The average true carcass dressing yield was 56.46%. For the cuts weights based on half carcass, there was a decreasing linear effect for shoulder, while for the cut yields there was not effect of the inclusion of WCS levels in the diet. The estimated of carcass muscularity index presented decreasing linear effect for the muscle: bone ratio and loin eye area. Among the tissues that compose the leg, the muscle percentage a decreasing linear effect was observed. The levels of whole cottonseed provided smaller carcass muscularity, without however affect characteristics and yields of carcass cuts the Santa Inez lambs and could be included in termination diets.