From 4 January 1999 only clean cattle or sheep presented for slaughter in categories 1 and 2 will be acceptable. Research results have shown that the dirtier the hide, the greater the potential for carcase contamination and the higher the risk to human health. Everyone involved in the food chain has a role to play in maintaining keeping the good image of Northern Ireland's cattle and.
Farmers initially have to produce high quality cattle which are clean for slaughter.
The aim should be to prevent cattle becoming dirty in the first place, but even so some cattle will need cleaning prior to slaughter. Cleanliness during the winter period is affected by diet, weather conditions, housing and the health of the stock. Diet Cattle fed high quality silage and supplemented with cereals for good performance tend to produce larger quantities of wet dung and are more likely to be dirtier. A silage analysis will allow a ration to be formulated with the correct protein and energy levels. The inclusion of straw either in ring feeders or included in a mixer wagon will help.