In general, lambs most appealing to ethnic markets – Pakistani, Hispanic, Indian, Bosnian, Mediterranean, Chinese, and Middle Eastern – are not castrated, are well muscled, small framed, and have no ear tags. Hispanics may well be the fastest growing segment of the ethnic market, with numbers expected to be at 15 percent of the total United States population by 2010. Hispanics traditionally purchase more fresh produce than other groups and make feast days special occasions with more elaborate celebrations.
Animals intended for Muslim halal (“allowed” or “permitted” in Arabic) should not be given feed that contains animal derivatives. The lamb should be lively and in good health before it is slaughtered. Stunning prior to slaughter is not usually acceptable, and a Muslim should cut the jugular vein, the carotid artery, and the windpipe in a single action. All flowing blood should be immediately drained from the carcass.
Timing to achieve recommended weights by the dates listed is a matter of good record keeping, health maintenance, and fine tuning of feed and exercise for your particular breed, location and flock.
EARLY MAY THROUGH MID JUNE 2009: At this time, explore the possibility of marketing to consumers who are celebrating the graduation of a child from high school or college. Lambs born in late winter and spring may be suitable for this market and the following two markets.
JULY 4, 2009: UNITED STATES INDEPENDENCE DAY and PUERTO RICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
AUGUST 6, 2009: JAMAICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Demand may increase for older lambs, rams or ewes, up to 65 pounds at this time.
AUGUST 22, 2009: BEGINNNG OF RAMADAN.
SEPTEMBER 21 – 22, 2009: RASH HASHANA: Select your weaned lambs between 55 and 105 pounds for this market.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2009: ID AL FITR – THE FESTIVAL OF THE BREAKING OF THE RAMADAN FAST: Sheep for this market should not be older than a year. Castrated or uncastrated males are acceptable, as are ewes. The best weight for Ramadan sheep is around 60 pounds, but weaned lambs between 45 and 115 pounds are often used. In reviewing your culling program, consider that older sheep often command higher prices during this period. Lambs born in the spring may be suitable for this market.
AUTUMN, 2009: NAVADURGARA: This is a Hindu feast that honors the goddess Durga. Female animals are typically not used for this celebration. The size of the lamb can vary widely, depending on the number of people served. Slaughter usually takes place toward this end of the holiday period. The number of Hindus in and around urban areas of the United States is estimated to be over five million. Lambs born in the late winter and spring may be suitable for this market.
NOVEMBER 7, 2009: ECUADORIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
NOVEMBER 27, 2009: EID AL-ADHA (FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE: Lambs in the range of 55 to 80 pounds are favored for this market
DECEMBER 11 - 18, 2009: HANUKKAH
DECEMBER 18, 2009: ISLAMIC NEW YEAR
DECEMBER 25, 2009: CHRISTMAS: Milk-fed lambs below 20 pounds are favored for this market. Plan to breed this spring for autumn lambs to meet demand in December.
DECEMBER 27, 2009: ASHURA: This date commemorates the martyrdom of Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein. It also celebrates Noah’s survival from the Great Flood.
FEBRURY 14, 2010: CHINESE NEW YEAR: The Chinese market is often strong after the Harvest Moon Festival and throughout the winter, favoring sheep in the 60 to 80-pound live-weight range.
FEBRUARY 16, 2010: MARDI GRAS
FEBRUARY 27, 2010: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE DAY: Areas that have a sizeable population of residents from the Dominican Republic may show an increase in sales of lambs that weigh between 20 to 35 pounds.
