EXCESS FAT ON LAMBS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27374, 12 June 1954, Page 5

EXCESS FAT ON LAMBS

Export Competition

Entries

LONDON JUDGES’ REMARKS

An excellent future is assured for New Zealand lambs in London under free marketing if the standard of lightweight carcases is maintained, according to the report of the London judges of the District Export Fat Lamb Competition this year. The judges commend the policy of those responsible for the New Zealand trade. The judges were Messrs J. Curley, R. Garnham, and C. C. Woodward, who, after remarking on the high standard maintained by most districts in producing carcases of the type and size required by the London trade, say, “In view of the approaching freedom from control, we are sure, that" this year’s show on Smithfield Market will create an even interest than ever before. “It was noticeable that there were rather more lambs showing signs of tatness, especially on the forequarters, than have been exhibited in the last two years,” they say. “This was explained as being due to a generally good season, but we would like to see that particular attention is' paid to rectifying this tendency as many pens, whilst containing excellent ’carcases, were faulted for this failing. . “In several district.entries the dressing was much inferior to the high standard expected for show lambs. The legs were badly torn and dirty, and obvious signs of careless use of the knife were observed. Generally, the marketing of the lambs was of excellent standard, but again, several districts have room for improvement. In fact, two lambs out of three in one pen were not stamped at all. Again, we commend the Wairarapa and Nelson districts for their maintained excellence in handling and dressing their lambs.

‘ We would again emphasise that the main reason for difference between prize-winning pens in New Zealand and judging awards in London is mostly in fatness on forequarters, and thick docks. In general, points of difference were cut to a very fine margin, emphasising the nearness of perfection to London trade requirements.” The faults in dressing and marking referred to apparently occurred in the North Island, because no mention of them is made in the detailed remarks on the South Island district reports. The detailed comment on the MidCanterbury entry, which won the major award, is: “A very commendable entry of well-matched lambs ideal for the Smithfield trade, full of meat and with compact legs and shoulders. A well handled exhibit.”

Comment on the Eastern Southland entry, placed second, is: “A very nice fresh-looking run of lambs, nice \yeights suitable for the trade. A very meaty selection, but a few lambs showing signs of rather more fat than those in the winning district.” The Southland entry, placed third, was described as, “A very pleasing exhibit of good fleshed lambs. Several well-balanced pens in relation to weight and general suitability for butchers requirements.” In their comment on the six unplaced district entries, the judges single out North Canterbury for comment on good dressing. In their comment on Mr P. H. Olorenshaw’s winning individual pern the judges say, “Three excellent compact lambs full of meat and beautifully dressed. A very choice pen.”