Carcass traits of culling ewes from Texel and Polwarth breeds submitted to two feeding systems were evaluated. Twenty ewes (10 from Polwarth breed and 10 from Texel breed) were randomly distributed according to its genetic group, in two feeding systems (feedlot and cultivated pasture). The slaughter was carried out when the animals reached body condition score of 3.5 points. Hot carcass (HCW) and cold carcass (CCW) weights and hot carcass (HCD) and cold carcass (CCD) dressing of Texel ewes were higher than those of Polwarth ewes: 27.85 and 19.04 kg, 27.08 and 18.43 kg, 47.25 and 45.20 and 45.95 and 43.72%, respectively. The absolute weights of cuts for leg, shoulder, neck and rib, and absolute weights for muscles, bones and leg fat of ewes from Texel breed were higher than those obtained by Polwarth breed. When evaluated as relative weights, however, these characteristics did not differ between the two breeds. The feeding system did not constitute a change factor for carcass traits of culling ewes. Texel ewes breed showed cuts with higher weights than those obtained by Polwarth ewes breed.
culling ewe; dressing percentage; feeding management; genotype; sheep
