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Farming Today: 28/04/2011

28/04/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 28/04/2011

Are Britain's dairy cows fit for purpose? Charlotte Smith reports.

Many of Britain's dairy cattle are 'not fit for purpose', according to one industry consultant. Can unhealthy, unprofitable herds be turned around? Charlotte Smith reports.

Are Britain's dairy cattle fit for purpose? One industry consultant believes that the health and fertility of the UK herd has declined markedly in the past thirty years. The emphasis on breeding animals that produce more and more milk per day has brought us a generation of dairy cows that are much more prone to disease and live a shorter life. 

That's bad news for the cow, but it could also be bad news for the farmer and ultimately the consumer. According to figures produced by Dr Dick Esslemont a 100 cow herd could be losing £56000 in profits per year. That affects the viability of the farm and could push more farmers out of the industry, making British milk harder to find in the future.

Charlotte Smith discusses the figures and their implications in 'Farming Today'.

Producer: Alasdair Cross.

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