The quality of over half the lambs slaughtered and classified in English abattoirs continues to meet the preferred target market specification, according to the latest carcase classification results from the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX). But there remains plenty of room for improvement.

For the second year in a row, MLC classification reports compiled for EBLEX from a representative sample of lambs slaughtered in 2004 reveal just under 60% of all English carcases classifying 'R3L or better'* to deliver the market's preferred combination of  conformation and leanness.

The figures show the conformation of lambs classified in English abattoirs improving encouragingly last year, with slightly over 84% of lambs classifying 'R or better' compared to 82% in 2003. 

At the same time, however, with the wet summer and constant grass growth posing particular challenges in selecting stock for slaughter, only just over 70% of lambs classified '3L or leaner' in 2004 as against 73% in 2003.

On a national scale, the proportion of English lambs meeting the target market specification remains noticeably higher than those slaughtered in Great Britain as a whole.

At an average 19.7kg, lambs slaughtered in English abattoirs also continue to be heavier than those across Great Britain, although the weight gap narrowed slightly over the year.

British Lamb Carcase Performance 2004 (MLC)

With an average price difference between an R2 and a 4H carcase amounting to as much as £6.30 for a 21 kg lamb, many English producers have plenty of scope to improve cash returns.  A 15% increase in lambs in the target sector, for instance, is estimated to increase the total annual value of the English lamb crop by £1.4 million.

To help producers take full advantage of the many improvement opportunities available, the EBLEX Better Returns Programme (BRP) is running a series of practical demonstration days and events throughout the country with advice and guidance. Further information is available on 0870 241 8829 or at www.eblex.org.uk.