Effect of Induced Cryptorchidism at Different Weights on Performance and Carcass Traits of Lambs

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Abstract
One hundred and sixteen crossbred male lambs were used in two trials to determine the effect of cryptorchidism induced by scrotal ablation on performance and carcass characteristics. The optimum weight to induce cryptorchidism was also studied. Results of the trials indicated that cryptorchid lambs gained faster than wethers and were equal to rams in gain. The amount of fat in the carcass was also reduced by either inducing cryptorchidism or by leaving the lambs as rams. No reduction in carcass quality was observed as a result of treatment. The improvement in performance of the induced cryptorchids over the wethers appeared to be independent of the weights at time of scrotal ablation.