Quality lamb production - Note 4
Greenmount Campus carried out a project that investigated methods to improve Northern Ireland's competitive position in the global sheep industry. This project investigated the development of systems for the production of high quality carcases and included the production of heavy lambs to meet the requirements of processors and consumers.
The project involved the introduction of the Dutch Texel breed to a number of farms across Northern Ireland. This breed is characterised by an extremely muscular carcase and in certain circumstances, the ability to remain lean at heavier than normal finish weights. Rams were introduced to farms in Counties Antrim, Londonderry and Fermanagh, and at Greenmount and Enniskillen Colleges. Lambs with excellent conformation and carcase fat grade were produced from a wide range of ewe types. The extreme muscularity enabled producers to carry lambs to an average of 20-21KG in the case of ewe lambs, and up to an average of 23 KG for male lambs, without becoming too fat. However, ewe lambs and castrated lambs are less likely to meet heavy carcase quality specification, tending to become overfat at 19-22 KG.
Niche market
There are several niche markets available for a limited number of heavy carcases weighing up to 25-27 KG. The main outlets were found to be family butchery businesses and small to medium sized processors. The carcase conformation and leanness must be extremely good (E or U, 2 or 3 fat class) in order to meet strict specifications.
Ewe quality important
It was found that many producers do not have suitable breeding stock to produce lambs at heavier weights. In general terms, a good quality ewe of at least half Continental breeding is required.
Select ram with figures
As with all quality lamb production systems, rams should be selected on the basis of objective information for deep muscle and low fat score. For example, recorded rams with figures from either the Signet Sheep breeder Lean Index or from the Sire Reference Scheme Index should be selected.
Producing quality heavy lamb - a blueprint
- Ewe type
It is clear that the ewe flock must be at least half Continental and of a good quality type within the breed. Hence, the farmers most likely to succeed with heavy lamb production are those with: - a dedication to produce high quality stock;
- a large type with ewe of good conformation.
- Ram type
Whilst the heavy muscling and high lean content of Dutch Texel carcases is a distinct advantage when producing heavier lamb, the Dutch Texel breed is inherently small. In Holland slow growth rate and low prolificacy are being addressed through breeding programmes. Choosing rams with higher than average EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values) for growth rate and mature weight would be advantageous. - Technical ability
When compared with industry standards (1), heavy lamb production was competitive, compared to conventional systems. However, it is important to note that farmers must have the following management skills, through training or experience, in addition to sound sheep husbandry, in order to succeed with heavy lamb production. - Good grassland management skills to achieve sufficient supplies of high quality grass to maintain lamb growth rates in late season.
- Good disease management, to ensure that lambs remain healthy over a longer period of retention on the farm.
- Good marketing skills and an awareness of market trends.
Producers must have the ability to correctly grade live lambs to avoid over fatness and determine those lambs, which have the potential to be grown to heavier weights. Before producing heavy lamb, it is essential that producers identify markets and clearly agree the grades and carcase weights on which full price will be paid. - Market conditions
As identified throughout the project, a strong market for heavy lamb carcases is essential for the success of the enterprise. Heavier carcases are ideally suited to further processing, and it is envisaged that the market for processed, boneless lamb products will continue to increase. Processed product development for lamb meat has historically lagged behind chicken and pork, which are the main competitor meats. Reasons for this position includes the lower yield of lean meat per unit bone and the tendency for lamb to be presented overfat. Such fat deposits are found in areas where trimming is not possible. - Economic appraisal
The output per ewe in the heavy lamb systems was similar to the 'Excellent' producer group monitored through the Farm Business Survey. When compared with the 'Good' category, this represents an extra gross margin of £19 per ewe for the heavy lamb producers. This indicates that any additional costs associated with retaining lambs to heavier weights can be justified on a gross margin per ewe basis.
However, the overall gross margin per hectare is lower for heavy lamb systems than the conventional production systems. In the future where premiums may be linked to land area with stocking rate limitations, the economic attractiveness of heavy lamb production may improve. Currently, if larger processors were prepared to pay producers for carcase weight above 21 KG, it is likely that finishing well conformed lean lambs at heavier weights would become attractive.
1 Farm Business Survey, DARD, 1997.