Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Farming Today

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

BBC Radio 4 LW

Farming Today: Campylobacter testing, poaching and coats for calves

farming-today_monday_1211_getty.jpg

22/12/2014

Campylobacter testing, poaching and coats for calves

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Campylobacter testing, poaching and coats for calves

Farmers are being offered free testing for campylobacter in their chicken flocks on farm, to try to combat the bacterium that causes 280,000 cases of food poisoning a year.

The Food Standards Agency is offering farmers free tests for campylobacter in their chicken flocks. The bacterium is responsible for 280,000 cases of food poisoning a year, including up to 100 deaths. The tests - which involve swabs on the bottom of their boots - aims to raise awareness of campylobacter and improve biosecurity.

Patrols are being stepped up to target organised gangs who are illegally killing hundreds of deer across Devon. This is the peak time of year for poaching, as criminals cash in on the 5 million pound black market for venison. According to the National Wildlife Crime Unit there were more than 300 reported incidents last year. Exmoor is one of the worst hit areas for deer poaching in the country - Anna Varle has been out on patrol with the police.

Putting coats on winter born calves helps boost their growth rate. That's according to research carried out at Harper Adams University. Last winter, 40 beef calves were split into two groups - half of them had coats put on at two weeks old - and then both sets were monitored until they were weaned at 12 weeks. This year researchers are carrying out a similar trial at the university, but using dairy calves and putting the coats on straight after birth. Lucy Bickerton has been to see the calves in coats, and Simon Marsh who carried out the research on the beef calves last winter told her what they found.
Presented by Caz Graham, produced by Sally Challoner.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Farming Today

Campylobacter testing, poaching and coats for calves

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4