Breeding: use only high performance LAMBPLAN
tested meat breed rams that are faster growing,
leaner and heavier muscledthan average.
Source ewes of high genetic merit.

Record LAMBPLAN figures and monitor yearly purchases.

Marking and vaccination: mark lambs between
3 and 6 weeksof age. Minimise carcase and
pelt damage by vaccinating
behind the head or ear.

Vaccinate only on the head or neck. Record date, volume and vaccine used.

Pastures: graze lambs on high-quality pastures
to achievetarget growth rates from birth to sale.
Manage stock to achieve constant growth rates
in lambs

Weigh a sample of lambs at marking, weaning and prior to sale.

Management: draft lambs into three weight ranges
so the growth rates of different mobs can be monitored.
Assess mobs close to target sale weight and
fat score.

Record weaning weights and segregation dates.

Mustering: avoid excessive stress on lambs
and move themcarefully in hot weather. Muzzle
all dogs and use low stress stock handling
methods (see procedure 11.5 in Healthy and
Contented Sheep).

Watch the weather. Use well trained dogs and adopt low stress stock handing techniques.

Assessment for sale: weigh all lambs 2-3 hours
off feed and draft  those meeting target specifications.
Use an estimated dressing percentage to calculate
carcase weight.

Fat score about 20% of each weight category at
the GR site. If the processor has a strict grid
that rewards targeted GR ranges
then fat score all lambs.

Take care when forcing lambs, to avoid skin
and pelt damage.Complete National Vendor
Declarations for each consignment.

Record all liveweights, fat scores of sale lots and the estimated carcase weights.

Make comparisons to feedback sheets.

Do not use spray marks on the main body area.

Health treatments: observe the correct with holding
periods for any drenches, dips or antibiotics used.

Keep a record of treatment dates and application rates. Supply records on request.

Crutching and shearing: ensure sale lambs are free of faeces
and stain. Bung-hole crutch only to maximise skin value.
Crutch at least four daysbefore sale to avoid stress.
Do not send lambs to market with unhealed
or infected wounds.

Record dates of crutching and shearing.

Loading transport: move lambs quietly to avoid stress. Use muzzled dogs. Do not lift lambs by the wool. Keep
lambs off feed and water for at least  12 hours prior to
trucking. Observe recommended
trucking densities.

Watch the weather. Use accredited livestock carriers. Agree to a loading time.

Marketing: use market coordinators or agents to trade
lambs on a Hot Standard Carcase Weight basis,
preferably within a marketing alliance or agreement.
Seek feedback on each consignment.

Apply a professional approach to marketing and use feedback in a continuous improvement program.