The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of weaning weight on the productive performance of fattening lambs in raised pens. Data from 932 lambs from one farm over a period of two years were analyzed. The statistical model included the fixed effects of weaning weight (<11, 12-14, 15-17, >18 kg), year (2012 and 2013), season of the year (rainy, dry and northern winds) and simple significant interactions of year × season and the residual error, NID (0, σ2e) on average daily weight gain (GDP, g/d), final weight (PF, kg) and fattening period (PE, days). Weaning weight affected all the response variables evaluated (p<0.05). The weaned lambs between 12-14, 15-17 and >18 kg had a similar GDP, and in turn obtained a higher GDP than the weaned lambs with lower weight (<11 kg; p<0.05). The PF was similar for lambs weaned at 15-17 and >18 kg but higher than that...

This study aimed to determine the effects of space allowed (SA), season of the year (SY) and year (YR), and simple interactions on productive traits of hair lambs housed in raised slatted floor cage (RFC). Data from initial weight (IW, kg), final weight (FW, kg), adjusted weight at 90 days (FWA, kg), daily weight gain (DWG, g) and finalization period (FP) of 982 lambs were evaluated. Data for FW, FWA and DWG was analysed using general linear models and FP using survival analysis. The model included fixed effects of SA (0.47-0.53, 0.56-0.60, 0.64-1.13 m2/animal), SY (dry, rainy, north) and year (2012, 2013), the simple interactions and IW as a covariate. Mean IW, FW, FWA, DWG were 14.29±3.52, 35.75±3.11, 40.50±5.91 kg, and 286± 50 g, respectively, with 72.15± 14.45 of FP. The SA affected FW, FWA and DWG, SY affected only FW and YR affected significantly all the study variables. Lambs...

The aim of this study was to compare the profitability of fattening lambs under two types of housing in the subhumid tropics of Mexico. Data on production parameters and production costs of 32 lambs, 16 housed in raised pens and 16 in pens at ground level, were analysed to determine the cost-benefit relationship and profitability. The cost-benefit ratio and the profitability of fattening lambs in raised pens were superior compared to fattening lambs in pens at ground.