Volume 12: Livestock Farming
4. Cattle production and movement
Introduction

4.1 Movement of cattle from farm to farm is likely to have been a significant factor in the geographical spread of BSE from the south, where it appears to have emerged, to the rest of the UK. Between 1986 and 1995, there was widespread cattle movement from farm to farm over long distances. This included movement both within the beef sector and between the dairy and beef sectors. This chapter provides a brief overview of the UK cattle industry's structure, including the size and geographical distribution of cattle holdings. It goes on to look at the close interrelationship between the dairy and beef sectors, and at patterns of livestock movement. Finally, it describes the statutory background to movement recording systems in place when BSE emerged, and new requirements placed on farmers in response to the epidemic.

4.2 Further details on policy development and national cattle-tracking systems relevant to BSE are found in vol. 5: Animal Health, 1989-96. Vol. 9: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should be consulted for further details on cattle production in those countries.