Growth and carcass specifications of heavyweight first and second cross feedlot finished lambs

Abstract

The average weight of Australian lamb carcasses has increased 3 kg since 1990 (Meat and Livestock Australia 2001) and there is a continuous challenge to achieve higher carcass weights without excess sub-cutaneous fat accumulating on the carcass. As demand for heavier carcasses continues, management systems to provide and then finish pasture-reared lambs to carcass weights of over 26 kg will be required. In association with the Central Progeny Test, a study was conducted to compare the ability of pasture-reared lambs from a range of sires and dams, to produce carcasses suited to the food service market when finished in a feedlot on a high-energy diet.