|
With our Meatmasters we are
fully aware of the fact that it
is no good just to breed a very
tough hardy and fertile sheep
that grows well. We also have to
deliver to the market an
acceptable carcass able to
obtain the best grading
possible. We are very excited
that in a relatively short while
we have managed to achieve
results that are much better
than expected.
Not only do we get a good
grading on the big numbers we
have slaughtered monthly, but
have also for interest sake
entered some lambs for the
National Slaughter Lamb
Competition held at Bethulie.
We were very pleasantly
surprised with the results as we
never expected we would compete
with breeds known for their good
conformation such as the Dorpers,
Mutton Merinos, Dormers etc.
There where 59 groups entered
and our Meatmasters managed a
9th place.
There where also 236 single
carcasses entered, and here the
Meatmasters managed a 22nd, 23rd
and 55th placing. The Lambs
averaged 41.5 kilograms live
weight. Although on the hoof
their weights surprised
everyone, as they where
obviously off their mothers,
they where still ignored by the
judges as it was never realized
that once slaughtered their
carcasses would look so good.
It is never our intention to win
this competition as we realize
that, to breed a truly
profitable sheep, we have to get
the balance just right between a
conformation suited for easy
lambing and very high fertility
and a carcass acceptable to the
market. With the placing we
received we are convinded we
have got the balance just right. |
