Latest figures released by EBLEX show British lamb carcase quality was maintained in 2011, with 58.4% of lambs meeting the target ’R3L or Better’ specification required by the main markets.

This is a modest improvement on the 57.8% of animals meeting the target in 2010, according to Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) data taken from a sample of 128,500 lambs slaughtered in British abattoirs last year.

More thorough analysis of the data shows that the year-on-year quality improvement across both old and new season lambs was driven solely by a rise in the percentage reaching the ’R or better’ conformation target. Looking specifically at the finishing results, the proportion meeting the ’R3L or Leaner’ target has declined slightly across both categories, indicating an increase in the number of overfat animals coming to market.

There is evidence suggesting that some producers are holding on to their lambs and waiting for them to gain extra weight in order to get the best prices, however the data shows that these heavier lambs are much more likely to be overfat. 15.8% of lambs slaughtered at a carcase weight of 16-19.9 kg were overfat, with this figure rising to 35.8% of those carcases weighing 20kgs or more.

Sending animals to slaughter at the right conformation and fat score is the best way to maximise returns and benefit from the higher end prices hidden within the SQQ average. Frequent, careful handling of stock is essential to ensure each animal has reached its full potential and target specification.