GROWTH RATES, CARCASS GRADES, AND FAT COMPOSITION IN RAM LAMBS, WETHER LAMBS, AND INDUCED CRYPTORCHIDS

Ram lambs, cryptorchids, and wether lambs achieved approximately the same weight at weaning. The daily gain of ram lambs and cryptorchids in the feedlot averaged 0.04 kg per day more than that of wether lambs but this difference was not significant. The greater total gain of ram lambs and cryptorchids in feedlot resulted in heavier shipping weights (45.0 and 46.1 kg vs. 43.5 kg). No differences were found in carcass grades among the sex types. Fatty acid composition of fat from ram lambs, cryptorchids, and wethers did not differ significantly. There was no significant difference in growth rate or fatty acid content of fat between animals on a ration containing barley and one containing screenings.