Lamb drafting strategy to increase killing weight

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 19, 9 October 1984, Page 7

Lamb drafting strategy to increase killing weight

It was interesting to note from last season's lamb kill, that light lambs 'L', 12.5kg and under, were the single biggest factor in reducing profitability on lamb saies. Imlay Freezing Works had from Octboer 1983 to June 1984, 36% of all lambs killed in the 'L' grade. The well publicised 'fat lamb' problem didn't appear to be a major problem, with 6% grading T' or Trimmer and 2% grading 'F' or Fat over the same killing period. From a regional point of view, effort is needed to increase the killing weight of lambs. Grazing management post weaning will play an important role in achieving this result, however lamb drafting strategies are also equally important. Farmers need to communicate better with their lamb drafter. Instructions such as "Give an average of

$22 per lamb" won't get rid of the light lambs problem. Farmers need to jbe specific in their instructions, informing lamb drafters not to draft under a certain weight, say 13kg carcass weight. To achieve this result, the drafter will be aiming to draft lambs over 34kg live weight. This brings up the point as to whether lambs can be drafted over scales. They can be, and the results are extremely good. Several farmers in the area drafted lambs over the scales last season. Lamb bruising wasn't a problem and the time taken to do the job was about the same as the traditional drafting. Lamb drafters were used to assist in identifying the second line of lambs that would be drafted in the next 3-4 weeks. Although, overall there is a light lamb problem, individual situations need considering separately. Farmers need to identify what categories their lambs graded under in the previous season and make constructive decisions to improve

returns from this information. From the example it can be seen that 30% of the lamb kill graded 'L' or 1 2.5kg and under, with an average carcass weight of 1 1 .77kg for $16.09 per lamb. Advantages for the farmer in this example are to increase the weight of the 'L' lambs to 'M' grade increasing the carcass value by $5.27 per lamb. The example also shows only 1% graded 'T' with none in the 'F' for fat grade. So there would be little risk of getting a fat problem by aiming to draft lambs at heavier weights. MAF have developed a computer programme that will analyse lamb killing

sheets and present a summary of the total kill as set out in the example. From the example it can be seen that the various weight ranges and fat cover ranges are indentified, with percentage killed, average price and average carcass weight calculated for each grade. Overall net returns are calculated at the base of the printout. This analysis provides the first step in planning a lamb drafting strategy for the coming season. Farmers wishing to adopt the package should coritact their local advisor and works drafter. Will Wilson MAF, Taihape