Sheep carcase classification in Scotland

Keeping records

Slaughterhouses must keep records to show they have adhered to the rules on sheep carcase classification.

What to record

For each sheep which has been classified at your slaughterhouse, you must keep a record of:

• the date of slaughter
• the kill number
• the dressing specification used
• the cold weight of the carcase
• the conformation class, including subdivisions, if applicable
• the fat cover, including subdivisions, if applicable
• the category - new season lamb or old season lamb
• communicating the results to the supplier
• the name, and classification licence number of the person who visually carried out the classification
• the market price for each sheep purchased on a deadweight basis, if applicable
• any supplementary payment made for the carcase, if applicable

How long to keep the records

You must keep your records for a minimum of 12 months from the end of the calendar year to which they relate.