Tool 3.5 MSA production requirements and recommendations for lamb and sheepmeat

Meat Standards Australia™ (MSA) lamb and sheepmeat is a supply chain management and assurance program designed to improve the eating quality of lamb, hogget, young mutton and mutton. The program began its commercialisation phase in 2006 by engaging with processors and is gaining significant momentum.

Lamb and sheep producers can register for or access their MSA information through myMLA, available for free to all MLA levy payers. If you have any questions or require assistance, you can call 1800 111 672 or email msaenquiries@mla.com.au.

MSA Sheepmeat Program carcase and supply standards

On farm requirements

• Producers registered with MSA prior to sheep leaving property of origin to be MSA eligible.
• Minimum two weeks off shears (wool length ≥5 mm).
• Fat score ≥2.
• HSCW ≥16 kg for Milk fed Lamb/ Young Lamb.
• HSCW ≥18 kg for all weaned lambs, hogget and mutton.
• Total time off feed not greater than 48 hours before slaughter.
• Animals to have access to water at all times while not in transit.
• Minimum of two weeks at consignment property before dispatch.
• Maximum time in transit 24 hours.
• National Vendor Declaration (Sheep and Lambs) to be correctly filled out and accompany consignment to saleyards or processor.
• Entire males or animals showing secondary sexual characteristics are not eligible for MSA grading.

Recommended growth rates

• First and second cross - a minimum of 100g/day for 2 weeks prior to consignment
• Greater than 50% Merinos and pure Merinos at least 150g/day for 2 weeks prior to consignment

Selling methods

• Direct consignment – all categories eligible.
• Saleyards – first cross and second cross – eligible.
• Saleyards – greater than 50% Merino or pure Merino – eligible, providing processor can demonstrate that animals through this pathway meet pH/temperature window requirements as outlined in MSA Standards Manual.

 Source: Meat Standards Australia sheepmeat information kit, adapted by AWI and MLA