8 
The average weights of the dressed carcases ascertained in 
connection with the present inquiry are also founded upon a 
much broader basis than in any earlier inquiry. Actual carcase 
weights were obtained from butchers in respect of over 200,000 
cattle and calves, about 700,000 sheep and lambs, and 700,000 
pigs, and the returns were well distributed throughout the country: 
The results may consequently be regarded with a greater degree 
of confidence than was possible with the figures used in earlief 
calculations of the home-produced meat supply, with the possible 
exception of the estimates made during the period of food control: 
The estimates made during the control period, however, are 
useless for the purpose of estimating carcase weights and meat 
supplies during either earlier or later years, owing to the sub 
stantial reduction in average weights caused by the abnormal 
conditions of the times. 
It was evident shortly after the termination of food contro) 
that the return toward more normal conditions of feeding and 
slaughter of stock had not entailed a return to the pre-war average 
carcase weights of fat cattle and sheep slaughtered. Even before 
the war there was evidence that the earlier age at which animal 
were brought to maturity was responsible for a gradual decline 
in carcase weights. 
The dressed carcase weights as ascertained in 1925 in respect 
of England and Wales were as follows : Cattle, 628 1bs.; calves: 
87 Ibs. ; sheep, 60 lbs. ; lambs, 39 lbs. (average sheep and lambs: 
52 Ibs.) and pigs, 160 lbs., as compared with the following figure$ 
in 1908, which, however, were applicable to Great Britain’ 
Cattle, 672 lbs.; calves, 98 lbs.; sheep, 67 Ibs.: lambs 38 Ibs 
and pigs 160 Ibs. 
In the following tables are shown the estimated number © 
animals sold off the farms of England and Wales for slaughte! 
and the quantity of meat provided by these animals in the five 
years 1908-09 to 1912-13, and in each year since 1920-21. The 
birth rates and death rates and average dressed carcase weight 
used in previous calculations of the meat supply have bee! 
revised* in the light of the more extensive information obtainet 
in 1925. It should be noted, however, that no figures relating 
to England and Wales alone have hitherto been published. 
* The birth and death rates as ascertained in 1925 have been used fo 
pro-war years, and the average dressed carcase weight of sheep and amb? 
In pre-war years has been reduced from 61 Ibs. to 56 Ibs.