Impact of water restriction periods on carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot lambs in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Water restriction periods were evaluated in crossbred lambs (n = 32) distributed in one of four treatments: without water restriction, water restriction for 24, 48 and 72 h. The water restriction for 72 h reduced the water and dry matter intakes, body weight at slaughter and hot and cold carcass yields. Water restriction did not affect the weight of the carcass cuts and the chemical composition of the meat. The fatty acid EPA increased and DHA reduced with increasing water restriction period. There was an increasing linear effect for meat shear force, with less force (30.5 N/cm2) for sheep meat without water restriction and higher force (45.8 N/cm2) for those with water restriction for 72 h. The period of 24 h of water restriction was the one that promoted the highest similarities in the characteristics assessed to those in animals receiving water ad libitum. Therefore, water restriction periods should not exceed 24 h for feedlot animals in situations of severe water shortage.