The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Tala Orchard on March 30, 2013, 03:51:04 pm

Title: At what age to take your lambs to market
Post by: Tala Orchard on March 30, 2013, 03:51:04 pm
Probably been asked before but at what age would one take ones lambs to market?

And at what age would you consider sending a lamb to slaughter for best meat return, we have heard that September was a good idea before they ewes come into season?

But hey what do I know?  NOTHING at all about UK sheep was bought up as a child with Merinos in Oz.
Title: Re: At what age to take your lambs to market
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on March 30, 2013, 05:08:50 pm
Ideally I don't! (well haven't had to yet, maybe this year as might have 30 ish lambs)


Mine are Shetlands so they normally go to slaughter at over a year old, like most primitive types.  So spring or summer of year 2. The boys are castrated because of keeping them so long, otherwise it is a pain fencing damage wise and finding fields to separate everyone.


Commercials would either aim for the Easter / spring market with very early lambing or at the autumn market as you say. But would need a fast growing meaty element to the breed.
Title: Re: At what age to take your lambs to market
Post by: Marches Farmer on March 30, 2013, 07:56:15 pm
We lamb Southdowns and Badger Face in late March.  We sell ram lambs we don't consider good enough to register as stores in July,  Any ram lambs destined for our freezer or lamb go in November.  We also send in a couple of hoggetts for the freezer in February. 
Title: Re: At what age to take your lambs to market
Post by: Remy on March 30, 2013, 08:21:46 pm
Depends on the lamb, I go more by condition than the age they are.  I usually lamb early April and the good lambs are ready about Sept/Oct, so around 6 months, but some might need growing on a bit more.
Title: Re: At what age to take your lambs to market
Post by: SteveHants on March 30, 2013, 08:25:43 pm
When they finish is the short answer.


They want a covering of fat - different breeds will finish at different weights. You are looking at 32-40KG for commercial types.
Title: Re: At what age to take your lambs to market
Post by: Crofterloon on March 30, 2013, 08:52:18 pm
Steves answer sounds right to me.
The one thing In would add is that the Mart often have the auctioners working in the area who will drop in and advise you.
 
Title: Re: At what age to take your lambs to market
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 30, 2013, 08:59:04 pm
Absolutely, the time to send them is when they are ready.  And if you have a few, the local mart's fieldsman or -woman will call in and advise you.

Some of our best Charollais X and Texel X lambs can be ready in 12 weeks if all goes well.  Most take 16-18 weeks, a few linger on to Christmas and beyond.

My little Manx x Shetland tup lamb born today will be spending two summers here - and having his fleece harvested before he leaves.  ;) :knit: :excited:
Title: Re: At what age to take your lambs to market
Post by: twizzel on March 31, 2013, 11:48:56 am
Weight to send to market and slaughter are completely different. Sending them to market they prefer lighter lambs, whereas if you are slaughtering for your own consumption most people like them heavier (but not fatter, there is a thin line). Ours were slaughtered at about 6 1/2 months last year and were heavy but not fatty, killed out at about 21-26kg, if they were going to market they would have been too heavy and wouldn't have made a good price compared to a 35kg live lamb.