Adopting Improved Prime Lamb Production Production and Marketing Systems

Summary

Members submitted lambs for sale direct to a processor four times throughout the trial. Lambs were targeted to processor specifications and assessed by breeders and group members prior to delivery. Group members were encouraged to follow lambs through the slaughter process, and collect carcase information and feedback from the abattoir. By the fourth assessment, group members were achieving consistent weights and reaching processor specifications. The time spent together during the Paddock to Plate tour (including some bus travel time) was used to reflect on what participants experienced, and reinforce the messages delivered during each visit. Producers were enthusiastic about sharing experiences and using the new information to improve their own operations. Although not all lambs were scanned during the LAMBPLAN trial, the VIASCAN results obtained indicated a 2kg live weight gain in the high muscled group and 0.8kg dressed weight increase in the high muscled group. There also appeared to be a 3 percent increase in lean meat yield per index point of EMD increase.