The Australian sheep industry is on track to adopt a new definition for ‘lamb’ on July 1 this year.

The new definition is ‘an ovine animal that is under 12 months of age or does not have any permanent incisor teeth in wear’.

A new series of resources launched last week provides guidance to the industry on what the change means in practice and how to apply the new definition.

Sheep Producers Australia, SPA, in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia and the Australian Meat Industry Council helped develop the resources, which are available online at www.sheepproducers.com.au/lamb-definition.

The website includes a fact sheet and video featuring infographics and live lamb examples to make interpretation of the new definition easier.

SPA president Chris Mirams said the resources would help give producers confidence in applying the definition.

“These new resources clearly explain the change and ensure sheep producers have the tools to know what permanent incisor teeth in wear look like, compared with incisor teeth which are erupted but not yet in wear,” he said.

“For producers, the change means having increased confidence to finish their lambs in the best condition possible.”

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