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Abstract
Sheep are often neglected and limited research has been done to raise them intensively and provide protection from the effects of extreme heat, like the average temperature (38 °C to 42 °C) recorded in Sindh province during summer months. This study evaluated the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Kachhi lambs under hot climatic conditions. Fifteen male Kachhi lambs with the same age and weight were randomly allocated into three groups (n=5): a control (KCC) kept intensively at 35°C to 45°C, positive control (KCPC) at 30°C to 35°C, and (KCAA) supplemented group receiving 1g/day of ascorbic acid at 35-45°C. Over 90 days, body weight, conformation (chest girth, body length, height at withers), carcass traits, and meat quality were assessed. The lambs were weighed using a weighing machine and conformation measurements were recorded using a measuring tape in centimeters. At the end of the experimental trial, the lambs were slaughtered to estimate carcass characteristics and meat quality. The results indicate that supplemented lambs showed significantly improved growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality attributes compared to both control groups. These results suggest that ascorbic acid supplementation enhances the productivity and meat quality of sheep under thermal stress.
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