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MMFS Manual

Tool 3.2 Potential markets and specifications for sheepmeat

Domestic lamb

Market segment 

Carcase weight (kg) 

Preferred fat scores 

Comment 

Supermarket lamb 

18 to 22 

2 and 3 

Second cross preferred 

Food service lamb 

20 to 25 

2 and 3 

Lean and high yielding preferred 

Other domestic lamb

Variable weights 

2 to 4 

Range of lamb types depending on end user requirements 

Source: MLA, adapted by AWI and MLA

Export lamb

Market segment 

Carcase weight (kg) 

Preferred fat score 

Comment 

Heavy export

20 to 30

2 to 4

North America for prime cuts. Large volume markets for lower value cuts 

Light export 

10 to 16 

2 

Mainly Middle Eastern markets 

‘Haj’ market 

35 to 41 liveweight 

Market is for lambs (6 to 12 months). Entire male animals with ‘long’ tail intact are preferred 

Source: MLA, adapted by AWI and MLA

Domestic hogget and mutton

Market segment 

Comment 

Domestic manufacturing 

17 to 21kg carcase weight, fat class 1 to 3, for manufactured meat products

Domestic retail 

Hogget sold through meat retailers 

Domestic food service 

Cuts used in Asian and Middle Eastern style restaurants 

Source: MLA Making the most of mutton, adapted by AWI and MLA