Thursday, September 02, 2010 -- 04:05 PM e.s.t.

Education - Publications - General Information

Lamb and Goat Marketing - Terminology

Hot House Lamb: Young lamb weighing from 25 to 50 pounds live.

Feeder Lamb: Lambs weighing from 60 to 90 pounds that go on feed to be finished for market.

Market Lamb: Finished lamb weighing from 90 to 150 pounds live. Currently, the most desirable lamb is one that will grade choice, with a 2 or 3 yield grade. The yield grades go from 1 to 5 (see specifications under specifications and charts section), with 1 having the least fat cover and 5 having the most fat cover. Most wholesalers and retailers prefer leaner animals with good confirmation.

Sheep: Cull ewes and rams that are no longer useful for production.

Kid Goats: Young goats (under 12 months) weighing 20 to 35 pounds live. In some parts of the country, a kid goat can weigh up to 80 pounds live.

Yearling Goat: Approximately 12 to 24 months old with two permanent incisor teeth.

Adult Goats: Animals over 24 months with 4 or more permanent incisor teeth.

Halal Slaughter: A Muslim slaughter, where the lambs, sheep, and goats must be slaughtered under certified Muslim inspection. With the increasing number of Muslims in the United States, this is becoming a very important market for goats and sheep. For goats, animals with a live weight of 50 to 70 pounds are preferred; they must have their baby teeth and almost no excess fat to obtain top dollar.

Kosher Slaughter: Named for Jewish "Kashruth", which are the dietary laws of the Jewish faith as set forth in the Old Testament and other Rabbinical rulings. Kosher meat may come only from cloven-hoofed (split-hoofed) animals such as cows, sheep, and goats that graze and chew their cud. The size is not important, only the animal's health. For an animal to pass as Kosher, it must be healthy, which is determined by a rabbi during slaughter. Usually the front or forequarter only is sold as Kosher.

*** Note: It is important to understand and be aware of the various ethnic and religious periods that are celebrated or worshipped during the year. Be aware that at times, meat consumption will increase or decrease during these periods.