Comparison of predictive methods for the determination of fatness and co ndition in sheep - stage 2.

Summary

This experiment was the second stage of a comparison of fat scoring and condition scoring as predictive methods for the determination of fatness and condition in sheep. Condition scoring by manual palpation of fat and muscle over the loin (short ribs) has been used to estimate the energy status or nutritional well-being​​​​ of adult ewes. Condition scores relate to the assessed level of fat cover and underlying muscle over the short ribs or lumbar area of the sheep and can be related to the depth of total tissue (fat + muscle) at the GR site ( 110 mm from the centre of the backline) over the 12th rib. The tissue depths at the GR site for the condition scores (CS) have previously been assessed as CS1 (0 to 2 mm), CS2 (3 to 7 mm), CS3 (8 to 15 mm), CS4 (16 to 22 mm) and CS5 (23+mm). Fat scoring (FS) by manual palpation is also used to assess ewe reproductive fitness in some areas of Australia. It is commonly used to estimate the dressing percentage and carcass weight of lambs and sheep being marketed for meat. Scores 1 to 5 are related to 5 mm ranges in total tissue (fat + muscle) at the GR site. Meat and Livestock Australia, which advocates the use of fat score for prime lamb marketing and has also endorsed fat score as a method for ewe management, was concerned that the increased use of both terminologies could be confusing to producers and others.