Market Lamb Fundamentals

Question 1

Why is fat cover in lambs important?

Answer 1

More fat is usually desired because lamb is a lean meat product

Question 2

Places to read fat on lambs

Answer 2

behind shoulder, should have indent

also in chest, flank and twist

Question 3

What is the proper rib shape for sheep?

Answer 3

Round

Question 4

What areas make up the hindsaddle?

Answer 4

Rack, Loin and Hip

Question 5

Where are high value cuts located?

Answer 5

Rack and Loin

Question 6

How are most slaughter sheep marketed?

Answer 6

Live basis

Question 7

Profit in slaughter sheep is driven solely by what?

Answer 7

Weight

Question 8

What are the 5 quality grades of sheep?

Answer 8

Prime, Choice, Good, Utility, Cull

Question 9

More than 98% of carcasses are graded as?

Answer 9

Choice

Question 10

What is acceptable backfat in sheep?

Answer 10

0.1 - 0.3 inches

Question 11

Lamb is from sheep of what age?

Answer 11

Less than 14 months

Question 12

2 break joints is

Answer 12

Lamb

Question 13

1 spool joint is

Answer 13

Mutton

Question 14

What is %BCTRC

Answer 14

Percent of Boneless, Closely-Trimmed, Retail Cuts

Question 15

Influencing factors of BCTRC

Answer 15

HCW (Hot Carcass Weight)
BF (Backfat)
BW (Bodywall Thickness)
REA (Ribeye Area)