The objective of this study was to compare Corriedale and Polwarth breeds as to morphologic and carcass characteristics, as well as, to evaluate liveweight and liveweight components variation. Forty wethers (castrated at 30 days of age), were used (19 Polwarth and 21 Corriedale), weaned at 70 days, and slaughtered with one year of age. Animals were raised under extensive native pasture conditions at Embrapa Pecuária Sul - CPPSUL, Bagé, RS. Laboratory measurements were carried out at the Animal Science Department of Universidade Federal de Pelotas, in Pelotas, RS. Corriedale breed showed higher values (P<0.05) for in vivo body conformation, body condition, body length and leg length. Other morphological carcass characteristics did not show significant differences (P>0.05). Corriedale breed presented higher slaughtering weight and higher hot carcass weight. Polwarth showed lower cooling losses, both in weight and percentage (P<0.05). Cold carcass weight and yield were not different between breeds (P>0.05). Corriedale wethers presented higher weight for feet and lungs and lower weight for internal fat. In relative values, Polwarth wethers showed higher proportion of liver and internal fat. It is concluded that morphological differences are observed only in live animals. Liveweight components showed quantitative and qualitative differences for both breeds.
liveweight components; carcass; meat; wethers; breeds
