Comparison of growth performance and carcass traits of native lambs in Bangladesh

The aim of this study was to compare the productive and carcass traits of native region lambs of Bangladesh. A total 30 lambs were taken for productive performances from three regions (Jamuna basin, Barind region and Coastal belt) and total 27 lambs were considered for evaluating carcass traits parameters for 3 treatment groups (T1= 6 months, T2= 9 months, T3=12 months). Statistical analysis was conducted by SAS where statistical model was 3×2(growth performance) and 3×3 (growth performance and carcass traits) factorial experimental model in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Both sex and lamb types had significant effect (p<0.05) on body weight at different ages. Among all lamb types, Coastal belt lamb(CBL) had the highest body weight (1.65, 6.55, 12.81, 15.59, and 19.97) kg followed by Jamuna basin lamb (JBL) (1.45, 6.51, 9.48, 13.86 and 17.21) kg and Barind region lamb (BRL) (1.5, 5.69, 8.88, 11.44 and 13.24) kg at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. The ADG was significantly higher in JBL and CBL (59.07 and 61.17g/d) than BRL (53.15 g/d). Dressing % was higher in later ages; 9 and 12 months (47.38 and 47.04%). Lamb types and slaughter ages had significant effect (p<0.05) on blood, skin, viscera, head, leg, pluck, neck, shoulder, rack and loin wt. % except shank where only slaughter ages had significant effect but effect of lamb types was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Lamb types (T), slaughter ages (L) and its interaction (T×L) had significant effect (p<0.05) on kidney, liver, heart, lung and spleen wt%. The CBL showed superior performances over JBL and BRL in terms of overall body weight and their carcass traits parameters largely varied in different lamb types for different slaughter ages were the core findings of the present study.