Following the good weather conditions of last summer, EBLEX has warned sheep producers against letting lambs get over fat.

Over January, seven per cent fewer lambs were sold through GB auction markets compared with the previous year. This reflects a broader trend, according to levy-board Eblex, as estimated slaughterings in the first four weeks of 2014 were down five per cent on the previous year. 

However, the proportion of animals falling into the two heaviest weight bands (45.6 kilograms and over) increased by eight per cent on the previous year; conditions this year could lead to lambs becoming over-fat, according to the industry group. However, Eblex noted that last year's conditions meant lambs were particularly slow to finish.

Even so, this year, with ample feed supplies available, the expectation that there are fewer lambs still on farm and the later Easter, all have the potential to combine to create problems. There is potentially an incentive for producers to hold on to lambs for longer, meaning that they add extra weight. The concern is that this could lead to a recurrence of the same issue the industry experienced in early 2012, with significant numbers of over-fat lambs coming to market.

Eblex selection specialist Steve Powdrill said, "Heavier lambs are less in demand from processors and often attract a significantly lower price per kilogram, particularly if they are over-fat. Added to that, the proportion of fat that a lamb puts down increases as the animal ages, and adding fat is more costly than adding lean tissue, therefore producers should not necessarily assume that holding on to lambs will help them get the best returns.

"The key message to producers is to handle lambs regularly, rather than making marketing decisions based purely on weight, and focus on ensuring that lambs meet target specification."

"It’s essential that producers know what the processors require, as such I would advise that they attend one of EBLEX's Live to Dead marketing days, available for free through the Better Returns Programme."