Live-animal measurements and carcass characteristics of Sudan Desert and Australian Merino sheep

Abstract

Sudan Desert sheep and Australian Merino sheep were compared for 
live-animal measurements, carcass conformation and composition. The 
Desert sheep had significantly longer trunks (p < 0.05) and higher wither 
heights (p < 0.001) than Australian Merino. Carcass length, circumference 
of chest and the length of leg, tibia, fore-limb and tail were significantly (p < 
0.001) greater in the Desert sheep than the Merino. The Desert sheep 
dressed lighter, had significantly (p < 0.05) more muscles, less fat, heavier 
bone and significantly (p < 0.001) more trim than the Merino.