Slaughter and carcass characteristics of Kivircik lambs in different rearing seasons

The aim of this study was to determine the slaughter and carcass characteristics of Kivircik lambs reared in different seasons. A Total of 36 Kivircik male lambs, which were reared in different seasons, were used in the study; autumn rearing (AR, n= 12 lambs), spring-summer rearing (SSR, n= 12 lambs), winter rearing (WR, n= 12 lambs). All the lambs in a specific rearing season were slaughtered at approximately 134 days old. Pre-slaughter live weight, hot carcass weight and real dressing percentage for WR, SSR and AR groups were 27.97, 20.65, and 21.70 kg; 12.94, 7.83, and 8.87 kg, and 55.15, 50.25, and 50.05%, respectively (P < 0.001). WR lambs had significantly higher carcass and hind limb compactness score as well as ribs percentage than SSR and AR lambs (P < 0.001). The results indicated that lambs from WR group had better carcass characteristics than lambs from AR and SSR groups.