AHDB news release
For immediate release
06 June 2017
New guide helps producers reduce livestock losses
A new guide has been developed to help beef and sheep producers use disease information
recorded during inspection at the abattoir as a tool for assessing the health and welfare of
their livestock on farm.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has produced the abattoir
post-mortem conditions guide to give livestock producers more information about the
conditions inspected in the abattoir of their carcases and offal. It will also help them use the
data, together with their vets, to identify and address problem areas, especially when
animals do not show any symptoms.
AHDB, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and industry have been working in partnership to
improve the collection of post-mortem data at abattoirs in England and Wales. The
rationalised conditions, recorded at post-mortem, for sheep and cattle are covered in the
abattoir guide.
Ouafa Doxon, AHDB Beef & Lamb Collection and Communication of Inspection Results
Project Manager, said: “Good use of post-mortem data can lead to better returns for
producers by improving productivity and minimising the losses of saleable meat and offal.
The guide gives an in-depth overview of the conditions, such as liver fluke, liver abscess and
pneumonia. The booklet also contains information on the possible impact on productivity,
and how to minimise future losses.
“Producers are encouraged to discuss post-mortem results received from the abattoir with
their vet, so they are able to develop a strategy that helps protect the health of their herd or
flock and reduces production losses both on farm and throughout the supply chain.”
Producers can download a copy of the leaflet from the AHDB Beef & Lamb website or
request a hard copy by emailing [email protected]
Ends
Notes to editors:
AHDB is a statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain. Its
purpose is to equip levy payers with independent, evidence-based information and tools to grow,
become more competitive and sustainable. Established in 2008 and classified as a Non-Departmental
Public Body, it supports the following industries: meat and livestock (cattle, sheep and pigs) in
England; horticulture, milk and potatoes in Great Britain; and cereals and oilseeds in the UK. AHDB’s
remit covers 72 per cent of total UK agricultural output. Further information on AHDB can be found at
www.ahdb.org.uk
Contact
For further information contact Gemma Pamment, AHDB Marcomms Executive on 024 7647 8716 or
[email protected]
@AHDB_BeefLamb
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beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk