Livestock farming
Livestock farming for meat production has been an established industry in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales for many years. Over the years farming techniques have been altered and modernised. Animal health and welfare, and sustainability remain high priorities for farmers. Animals have been bred to produce leaner meat which has a positive impact on our diet and health.
This module contains an overview of information on how cattle, pigs and sheep are farmed.
Key Messages
The key messages of the module includes:
- Cattle, pigs and sheep have been farmed for many years in England and Wales.
- Livestock are bred to produce lean meat which benefits consumers as part of a health balanced diet.
- The different animals have different lifecycles, however the health and welfare of all animals is a top priority for livestock farmers.
- Livestock may graze outdoors in summer, however many animals are housed in sheds during the winter to protect them from bad weather.
- Livestock housing must meet certain criteria, have good ventilation and allow the animals to move and be sociable.
- Farmers also ensure that maintaining the environment is a priority.
- The Red Tractor scheme sets out strict guidelines for farming and reassures consumers about standards of production, welfare and origin.
Classroom Activities
- Use the presentation to assist the students in completing the two worksheets.
- Set students the task of creating a diary of a farmer’s day on the farm. Alternatively, set students the task of creating a diary of a cattle, pig or sheep’s day on the farm.
- Arrange the class to visit a farm, or alternatively, a farmer to visit the class.
- Challenge students to create flow diagrams of the different life cycles of cattle, pigs and sheep.
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