| Class of sheep |
Minimum condition score |
Target condition score |
| Dry ewe at joining |
2.5 |
3 |
| Pregnancy |
2.5 |
3 |
| Lactation |
2 |
2.5 to 3 |
| End of growing season |
3 |
3.5+ |
| Wethers (minimum feed supply) |
2- (winter) |
2+ |
| Rams at mating |
3 |
3.5–4 |
| Weaners (wool) |
Prefer to weigh, but generally >2.5 |
| Lambs (meat) |
Assess growth targets to meet market specifications |
In normal seasons, the target condition score enables sheep to meet production targets. Draft off low condition score sheep and give them good quality feed or a supplement. Minimum condition score targets ensure welfare targets are met and are also the standard in drought conditions. Note that one condition score ranges from 7 kg for a small-framed Merino to 10 kg for large-frame British breed sheep and their crosses.
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