Authors : Zhang Zi-Jun, Ren Chun-Huan, Guo Xiao-Fei, Huang Ya-Feng, Luo Jian-Chuan, Zhao You-Zhang, Li Fadi, Yao Jun, Zhang Xiao-Rong and Ling Ying-Hui
Abstract: The Borderdale and Poll Dorset rams were introduced from New Zealand to intercross and improve local sheep breeds in Gansu province in North-West China. The research showed that the F1 lambs have quick speed of live-weight gain, high dressing percentage, high meat yield and with good economic efficiency; their carcasses contain plenty of essential and nonessential amino acids with fresh colour of red and clear fatting strip, ideal rib-eye area and thickness of fat. The results also indicate that Borderdale and Poll Dorset are perfect paternal breeds to improve local sheep breeds in North-West China and necessarily to be extended during lamb production; the Borderdale F1 is better than the Poll Dorset F1 in meat gaining ability, ratio of investment to output and economic efficiency. It is better to fat the male F1 lambs without castration from 5 months old. The high quality of lamb meat that produced in the testing plot is up to the standard of soft food.
Zhang Zi-Jun, Ren Chun-Huan, Guo Xiao-Fei, Huang Ya-Feng, Luo Jian-Chuan, Zhao You-Zhang, Li Fadi, Yao Jun, Zhang Xiao-Rong and Ling Ying-Hui, 2012. Intercrossing and Improving Chinese Local Sheep in Gansu with Meat Sheep Breeds from New Zealand. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 4668-4672.