IN BRIEF New lamb definition: what’s changed? Who initiated the change? The change to the definition was first announced by Sheep Producers Australia in March 2018, following extensive consultation with producers and other industry stakeholders. The change has been endorsed by the Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee. Current members of the committee include the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Australian Meat Industry Council, Sheep Producers Australia, Cattle Council of Australia, Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, and the Retail Council ofAustralia. How do I apply the change? The process for checking whether lambs comply with the new definition is via a visual inspection – the same The definition of lamb has Why did the change occur? process used to verify lambs against changed in Australia The previous definition gave producers the previous definition. The previous definition of lamb was: no warning light about when a lamb stops A permanent incisor is considered ‘A female, castrate or entire male that being a lamb – the moment a permanent ‘inwear’ if: has 0 permanent incisor teeth’. incisor erupts, the lamb was downgraded • it touches the upper pad when the to hogget. Rather, the new definition sheep’s mouth is closed From 1 July 2019, the gives producers greater certainty and • it is above the height of the lamb’s new definition is an ovine a definitive signal to make moves to milk teeth either side of the animal that: market their lambs. Producers will have permanent incisors. ■ a. is under 12 months of age; or generally less than a month from the time of eruption to when permanent For more information and b. does not have any permanent incisors are in wear. The new definition incisor teeth in wear. resources, including a video is also consistent with New Zealand’s explaining what the change means definition – Australia’s biggest lamb and how to apply it, visit: This means a lamb is able to cut one competitor in export markets. The or both of its permanent central incisor sheepproducers.com.au/ change serves to even the playing field lamb-definition teeth, as long as they are not in wear. between the two countries. No permanent incisors Permanent incisor not in wear Permanent incisor in wear ✔previous definition ✘previous definition ✘ previous definition ✔new definition ✔new definition ✘new definition 6