Namibia Adopts Standardised Livestock Carcass Weighing Standard

Namibia's livestock industry is set to implement a standardized definition of carcass and cold dressed mass starting August 1, 2026. Issued by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, this regulatory amendment applies uniform weighing and payment procedures across all national abattoirs. The updated rules establish exact guidelines for processing cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs to ensure transparent agricultural commerce.

The revised policy addresses longstanding concerns raised by local producers regarding inconsistencies in how export abattoirs handle carcasses. Under the updated framework, a carcass is formally defined as the dressed body after specific removals, including blood drainage, hide removal, and the extraction of entrails while retaining the kidneys. Furthermore, the official payment mass for unchilled carcasses will be determined by applying a standardized deduction percentage to the recorded hot mass.

The Livestock Producers' Organisation has welcomed the regulatory change, noting it promotes fairer practices throughout the agricultural sector. Abattoir operators and livestock producers must adapt to these mandatory definitions immediately to comply with the new commercial standards. The standardization is expected to provide greater financial predictability for livestock farmers across the country.