PREDICTION OF THE BODY-COMPOSITION OF LAMBS FROM THE COMPOSITION OF THEIR NON-CARCASS COMPONENTS

Information on the chemical composition of Suffolk X Blackface lambs w as collected and used to predict empty body (EB) component weights fro m empty body weight (EBW) and non-carcass (NC) component weights. EBW accounted proportionately for 0.94, 0.89 and 0.95 of the variation in EB crude protein, fat and energy content. A combination of NC componen t weights accounted proportionately for 0.94, 0.95 and 0.96 of the var iation in EB crude protein, fat and energy content. EBW and a combinat ion of NC component weights together accounted proportionately for 0.9 7, 0.97 and 0.98 of the variation in EB crude protein, fat and energy content. Chemical analysis of NC components is cheaper and easier than whole body analysis and provides a viable alternative to sample joint or specific gravity analysis.