Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Growth of Human and Sheep Corneal Endothelial Cell Layers on Biomaterial Membranes
Published on: February 6, 2020
Weaning Ages Do Not Affect the Overall Growth or Carcass Traits of Hu Sheep
Huiling Mao1,2,3, Chong Wang4,5, Zhongtang Yu6
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang A & F University, Lin'an 311300, China. hlmao1983@163.com.
Abstract:
This study aimed to determine effects of weaning ages on growth, rumen development, and carcass characteristics and meat quality of Hu lambs. Thirty male Hu lambs were randomly divided into two weaning age groups: Weaned at 30 (W30) or 45 (W45) d of age. Blood samples were collected on the day of weaning before lambs (n = 5) were slaughtered, and then rumen sample was collected immediately after they were slaughtered. The intake of all feeds increased with age (p < 0.05), but were not affected by weaning age (p > 0.05). Oxidative stress indicators and immune variables, the plasma biochemical parameters did not differ between the two different weaning ages (p > 0.05). The two weaning age groups also had similar (p > 0.05) concentration of ruminal total volatile fatty acid. The two weaning age groups did not differ in body weight, carcass characteristics, or meat quality (p > 0.05) at d 120. These results indicate that weaning half a month earlier than the typical weaning age does not significantly affect the growth, ruminal development, or carcass characteristics of Hu lambs, and they can be weaned at 30 d of age to improve production efficiency.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Trait and State Self-Esteem
Polygenic Traits
Multiple Allele Traits
Traits and States
Role of Affect in Interpersonal Attraction
X-linked Traits

