Comparison of Live, Slaughter and Carcass Characteristics of Rams, Induced Cryptorchids and Wethers

Abstract

Forty-three male Hampshire lambs were allotted at birth to three treatments: lambs remaining as intact rams, lambs made cryptorchid, and wethers. The lambs were castrated or made cryptorchid at an average age of 35 days. The lambs were not creep-fed and remained with the ewes until an average age of 116 days. After weaning, a moderate-concentrate, ground ration was group-fed to the three types of lambs in separate pens. The lambs were slaughtered at individual unskrunk weights of from 46.3 to 48.9 kilograms. Rams gained significantly (P<.05) faster than either cryptorchids or wethers prior to weaning. Corresponding means for post-weaning daily gain were 0.296, 0.287 and 0.242 kg (P<.01). No significant differences were observed for pelt weight or percent cooler shrink. Dressing percent averaged 51.7, 54.1 and 54.6 for rams, crytorchids and wethers, respectively (P<.01). Means for fat thickness and estimated percent edible portion were significantly (P<.01) more desirable for rams and cryptorchids than for wethers. Means for kidney and knob fat percent and hindquarter specific gravity were more desirable for rams than for cryptorchids or wethers (P<.05). No significant treatment differences were observed in organoleptic traits.