Statistic data shows improvement in Welsh lamb carcase classification
Statistic data released recently by Welsh processors for last year shows improvement in Welsh lamb carcase classification, with more and more farmers producing meat to the highest market specification. During processing, lambs are graded according to the EUROP classification grid, which denotes whether animals meet the correct conformation and fat coverage.
The statistics released by Welsh processors for 2018 show a positive performance by the industry. This includes significant reductions in the numbers of animals which were over-fat and continued increases in the numbers which hit the highest desired conformation.
68.1% of all lambs from Welsh abattoirs hit the sought-after 2 or 3L fat grades, up from 64.5% the previous year. In terms of conformation, 40.2% fell into the highest ‘E’ or ‘U’ classes (up from 37.9% in 2017) with only 11.2% classified in the lower ‘O’ or ‘P’ ranges.
"The prevalence of carcases with less fat coverage could be partly due to producers presenting their lambs earlier following the dry summer weather conditions of 2018 and limited availability of forage. However, the figures on both fat and conformation also show that Welsh farmers are focusing on what the modern consumer requires and adapting their practices accordingly. Different outlets, such as supermarkets, export and catering, may require different types of lambs. In order to achieve the highest return, farmers will ensure that the lambs sold are the correct type for those markets", explained Glesni Phillips, Data Analyst at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).
In the last couple of years, the trend was to achieve higher grades and that reflects the increased use of rams and ewes with superior genetics for conformation traits, she added. Also, farmers have benefited from HCC’s Livestock Selection courses which increase understanding of the needs of the modern consumer.
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