Allometry in carcasses of lambs of the Pantaneiro genetic group slaughtered with different subcutaneous fat thickness

Twenty-four female lambs of the Pantaneiro genetic group, with approximately 100 days of age, average body of 16.24 ± 1.78 kg, were slaughtered with 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness, measured by ultrasound in the Longissimus, to evaluate the allometric growth. Lambs fed a complete pelleted diet calculated to ensure a daily weight gain of 0.30 kg. Slaughtering was performed as the female lambs reached the pre-established fat thickness. After 24 hours in a cold chamber at 4ºC, chilled carcasses were cut in half and weighed. The right side was separated into five sections to determine the allometry of carcasses and cuts. Neck and rib showed isogonic growth in all treatments. Loin has remained late growth to 2.0 and 3.0 mm. Shoulder and leg were isogonic growth in the treatments 3.0 and 4.0 mm. The leg in relation to half carcass showed the greatest correlation. The cuts exhibited differentiated development in the growth rates of tissues. It is recommended to slaughter female lambs when they reach 3.0 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness, since the carcass has already reached physiological maturity. Shoulder and leg cuts are best suited for dissection for presenting the highest correlation with the carcass in females of the Pantaneiro group. Keywords: growth, females, sheep, loin, shoulder, leg. Alometria em carcaças de cordeiras do grupo genético Pantaneiro abatidas com diferentes espessuras de gordura subcutânea RESUMO. Foram utilizadas 24 cordeiras do grupo genético Pantaneiro, com aproximadamente 100 dias de idade e peso corporal médio de 16,24 ± 1,78 kg, abatidas com 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0 mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea, avaliadas por ultrassonografia sobre o Longissimus, para avaliar o crescimento alométrico. As cordeiras receberam ração completa peletizada para ganho de peso diário de 0,30 kg. Os abates ocorreram à medida que as cordeiras atingiam a espessura de gordura pré-determinada. Após 24 horas refrigeradas a 4ºC, as carcaças frias foram seccionadas ao meio e pesadas. O lado ...