The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Pete2 on September 01, 2020, 09:50:10 pm

Title: Hampshire ewe lambs
Post by: Pete2 on September 01, 2020, 09:50:10 pm

What is the slaughter weight I should be aiming for on six month old  Hampshire ewe lambs?  They can run to fat which I don't want but by the same token I don't want them going under.  Thanks

Title: Re: Hampshire ewe lambs
Post by: twizzel on September 01, 2020, 10:04:34 pm

Probably around 40kg, the down breeds will lay more fat down than continentals- we draw Dorset lambs anywhere from 37kg upwards to 42kg. Ewe lambs will lay down more fat. Have a look at link below to understand how to feel their back (loin) and dock for fat levels, this is more important than weight really. We had 1 Dorset ewe lamb in particular this year fit at 36kg, if we’d let her go any heavier she would have been too fat for our lamb box scheme.
https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Imported%20Publication%20Docs/Marketing%20prime%20lamb%20for%20better%20returns.pdf (https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Imported%20Publication%20Docs/Marketing%20prime%20lamb%20for%20better%20returns.pdf)

Title: Re: Hampshire ewe lambs
Post by: Pete2 on September 01, 2020, 10:18:31 pm

Thanks for that