Lamb carcass quality declined in 2012
Difficult weather in 2012 led to a decline in sheep carcass quality, said EBLEX.
Data gathered by AHDB from classifications taken independently by Meat and Livestock Commercial Services revealed only 57.5% of British lambs slaughtered in 2012 met the market target classification of “R3L or better”, compared with 58.4% in 2011.
New season lambs maintained 2011 performance levels, with 60.1% meeting market specification.
“This is extremely encouraging considering the wet weather the industry faced in 2012,” said EBLEX senior livestock scientist Dylan Laws. “The effects of the poor weather were, however, evident in a 1.5% increase in leaner lambs from 2011.” Some 75% were classified as “3L or leaner” in 2012, compared with 73.5% in 2011.
There was greater concern about old season lambs, as the number being slaughtered at fat class 3H or above had increased by 4.5% to 29.3% in 2012, compared with 24.8% in 2011, added Mr Laws.
“While some producers have been holding on to lambs in order to send a full load and minimise transport costs, evidence suggests others were delaying sending lambs to slaughter while they waited for market prices to rise,” he said.
Producers were urged to try and meet market requirements, as lambs sent for slaughter in the correct condition would maximise returns and benefit from higher end prices within the SQQ average.
“Frequent, careful handling of stock is essential to ensure each animal is sent to slaughter once it has reached its full potential and target specification,” said Mr Laws.
Beef and lamb prices remain strong