Section 10. Slaughter lambs

A. Blue O. U.S. Choice and Prime (7 CFR 54.121 through 54.127), mostly Yield Grades 2 and 3 ewe and wether lambs weighing 95-125 lbs. and estimated to dress 50% or better, hot weight. These lambs are thick-muscled and moderately wide through the back and loin. The legs are moderately thick and plump. These lambs have at least a moderate covering of finish over the back and loin and down over the ribs.

B. Blue O Bucks. Ram lambs meeting the requirements of the Blue O Lambs.

C. Blue Double O. U.S. High Choice and Prime, mostly Yield Grades 3 and 4 lambs meeting requirements of Blue O that weigh 126-150 lbs.

D. Red O. U.S. Choice, Yield Grades 2 and 3 ewe and wether lambs weighing 85-125 lbs. and estimated to dress 47% or better, hot weight. These lambs are slightly thick-muscled, and they are slightly wide through the back and loin. The legs are slightly thick and plump. These lambs have a moderately thin covering of finish over the back and loin and down over the ribs.

E. Red O Buck. Ram lambs meeting the requirements for the Red O Grade.

F. Red Double O. U.S. Choice, Yield Grades 3 and 4 lambs meeting requirements of Red O that weigh 126-150 lbs.

G. Triple O. U.S. Choice and Prime lambs weighing over 150 lbs. will be marked triple circle, whether Blue O or Red O, with the appropriate estimated dressing percentage.

H. Red Shoulder. U.S. Good and Choice, mostly Yield Grade 2 ewe, wether, and ram lambs weighing 75-90 lbs. and estimated to dress 44% or better, hot weight. These lambs usually are thinly muscled, and they are slightly narrow through the back and loin. The legs are usually slightly small and thin. These lambs have a thin finish over the back, loin, and down over the ribs.

I. Heavy Red Shoulder. U.S. Good and Choice, mostly Yield Grades 2 and 3 ewe, wether, and ram lambs weighing 90-125 lbs. which meet the requirements of Red Shoulder lambs.

Some factors affecting yield or dressing percentage for slaughter lambs which should be taken into consideration when grading are:

1. Finish - degree of finish

2. Fill

3. Length of wool

4. Rams

5. Wet fleece

6. Tags or mud

7. Long tails

8. Pregnant

Historical Notes

Derived from VR115-03-06 § 1, eff. March 18, 1987.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-4302 of the Code of Virginia.