25/02/2011

The NFU livestock board has issued a survey to find out to what extent clipping cattle is causing problems for its members.

The board believes members are putting themselves at risk clipping cattle on farm before sending them to the abattoir. NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh said he is also aware that this practice has resulted in some serious injuries on farm and he wants farmers to help the NFU collect some firm evidence on this issue.

“Livestock farmers always strive to produce clean animals for slaughter,” he said.
“However, due to adverse weather conditions or a shortage of bedding materials, there are times when cattle need to be clipped.

“We know this is a serious problem for our members but we need to build some proper evidence if we are to tackle this issue. The more responses we have the more accurate a picture we can build, meaning our lobbying position will be stronger.

“Ideally, we would like to see more abattoirs provide a post-mortem clipping service. Not every animal will require clipping but when the need arises it would be much easier for an abattoir to do it after slaughter. This would also negate any health and safety issues associated with clipping on farm.”

Farmers wanting to fill in the survey can log on to NFU Online here, or contact their NFU regional office for a paper version.