The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance in feedlot and the production of carcass and non-carcass components of lambs from the genetic groups Texel x Hampshire Down (THD), Texel x Ile de France (TIF) and Texel x Suffolk (TS). Seventeen castrated lambs were used, being six THD, six TIF and five TS. The average age and weight at the beginning of the experiment were, respectively, 120 days and 31.0±3.2kg. Lambs were fed lot for 51 days, where they received a daily commercial concentrate ration (18% CP and 74% TDN), in the proportion of 1.5% of body weight, and had free access to chopped in natura sugar cane. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) for weight gain, final weight and body condition score among the genetic groups. However, TS lambs presented greater (P<0.05) dry matter intake than THD and TIF lambs. Averages for DM intake as percentage of body weight were 3.9, 3.6 and 3.2%, respectively, for TS, THD and TIF. There was no difference (P>0.05) among genetic groups for feed conversion. Weights and dressing percentages of hot carcass were also similar among genetic groups. There were few differences among genetic groups for non-carcass components. TS lambs presented greater (P<0.05) percentages of intestines and weights of heart than the other lambs. It can be concluded that in the lamb production any of the genetic groups studied can be used, for their performance and the production of live weight components were quite similar.
body condition; carcass; crossbreeding; sheep; true revenue; weight gain
