Keeping livestock: registration, identifiers and movement recording
Please note that this guidance is intended to be used for general information purposes only, is not intended to be a definitive guide to the law and cannot be a substitute for independent advice. NFU members can obtain free initial legal and professional advice from NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
Keeping livestock is very time consuming. Not only does the health and welfare of the animal become the responsibility of the keeper, but so does the record keeping and adhering with legislation.
Livestock should be kept in groups. They need interaction with other animals and space to display natural behaviours.
Any keeper of livestock should be familiar with the Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the species kept. A keeper should be competent to look after the animal and know when to call a vet for help.
This guide will focus on cattle, sheep, and pigs.