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NUMBER 06/03 6 February 2006 |
The exceptional increase in domestic sheep meat supplies that contributed to the downward pressure on lamb and cull ewe prices over the past year look set to be reversed in 2006, providing the prospect of better new season returns for English sheep producers.
This is the encouraging outlook from the English Beef & Lamb Executive (EBLEX) in its latest annual market forecast. It is however stressed that the extent to which prices respond will be determined by carcase quality, competition from chilled imports, export opportunities and the state of the skin market.
Good lambing percentages and lamb survival rates together with lower ewe lamb retentions for breeding led to a 4% year-on-year increase in total lamb slaughterings in 2005 to over 13.5 million. At the same time, ewe and ram slaughterings at just over 2 million were 10% up on the previous year. As a result overall sheep meat production was nearly 4% higher than 2004 at an estimated 317,000 tonnes.
The higher culling rates and lower ewe lamb retentions of 2005 is expected to leave a national flock going into the 2006 season some 200,000 down on last year at around 16.1 million ewes. There is also the likelihood of a slightly lower lambing rate, based on initial scanning reports from across the country. This leads to clean sheep slaughterings for 2006 forecast to be back down to a level of just over 13 million.
Although a further modest contraction in the national breeding flock to 16 million by the end of 2006 is anticipated, lower culling rates are expected which could bring cull ewe and ram slaughterings back down to 2004 levels. Total UK sheep meat production in the coming season is, consequently, likely to be down by around 5% to just over 300,000 tonnes - or around the level of 2003.
Coupled with the increases of 2% in domestic lamb consumption and over 2% in export volumes recorded in 2005, this bodes well for a better balance between supply and demand over the coming season.
While the overall market essentials are set fair, producers are advised not to expect early new season lamb prices, in particular, akin to 2003 levels. The growth in chilled lamb imports that has resulted in a significantly flatter monthly pricing curve over the past two seasons - with both the level and duration of peak prices markedly lower than traditionally received - is expected to continue.
At the same time, the skin market which can have a major influence on overall market prices remains depressed and is considered unlikely to show much in the way of sustained recovery.
Under these circumstances, EBLEX urges English producers to focus their main 2006 season efforts on maximising returns by marketing a steady supply of finished lambs off pasture at the specific carcase qualities and weights required by the main market outlets - and, most importantly, at the least possible cost. Detailed production guidance is available in the Lamb Action for Profit resource at www.eblex.org.uk
These comments are direct quotes from MLC Policy Adviser, Mark Topliff who can be contacted on 01908 844268 for further details. Alternatively, do ring your EBLEX Regional Manager or the Press Office on 01908 844166. Further information is available at www.eblex.org.uk.
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NUMBER 04/14 12 November 2004 |
The widespread incidence of anthelmintic resistance across the country makes it increasingly important for English lamb producers to place greater priority on building genetic resistance to worms through their breeding, advises the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX). All the more so under the growing economic pressures of CAP Reform.
Latest testing reveals resistance to benzimidazole white drenches now affecting 80% of lowland flocks, with some farms seeing resistance to all three main classes of wormer. At the same time, financial estimates identify direct veterinary cost savings of more than £2/ewe/year from using rams showing high inherent levels of resistance to intestinal worms.
Add to this increased growth rates from resistant lambs as well as decreased levels of worm eggs shed on pasture to affect susceptible animals grazing alongside them, and the value of breeding for worm resistance becomes even more apparent.
Following a pilot study in 2001 and the added impetus of EBLEX subsidies through breed Sire Reference Schemes, growing numbers of Texel, Suffolk and Charollais breeders are now using faecal egg count (FEC) technology to produce and market rams with Estimated Breeding Values for worm resistance alongside other key terminal sire EBVs.
As with all Estimated Breeding Values, ram FEC EBVs are presented relative to an average. Based on the number of worm eggs recorded per gram of faeces, these typically range from -1.0 to +1.0, with a negative value indicating worm levels lower than the average (0) under equivalent management conditions.
Assuming rams with higher levels of worm resistance are used on groups of ewes of a similar breeding potential under similar conditions, their progeny will have a lower requirement for anthelmintic treatment as well as showing improved performance.
FEC EBV Implications (Signet Sheepbreeder Service)
| Ram FEC EBV |
Level of Worm Resistance | Lamb Anthelmintic Need (under similar conditions) |
Lamb Performance (Ram Index points) |
| -1.0 | High | 40% lower | +10 |
| 0 | Average | Average | 0 |
| +1.0 | Low | 65% higher | -17 |
FEC EBV evaluations are available to all Sheepbreeder members from MLC's Signet Breeding Services. They are currently not incorporated into the overall Ram Index.
For more information on the breeding component of the EBLEX Better Returns Programme ring 0870 241 8829 or visit www.eblexbetterreturns.org.uk. For further information on the sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) visit the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/control/parasite_control.htm
These comments are direct quotes from MLC's Signet Breeding Services Manager, Sam Boon who can be contacted on 01908 844207. Alternatively, do ring your EBLEX Regional Manager or the Press Office on 01908 844166. Further information, including latest pricing, is available at www.eblex.org.uk or through a dedicated helpline on 0870 243 0441.