Formula farming came to continental Europe much later than to Australia or America. Nineteenth century science and technology were put together into farming formulas that were then used over vast areas of these continents. In Europe modern technology was used from an early period in some regions such as the Po valley of Italy and a great deal of Britain, but traditional systems persisted widely until the postwar period. Now most food is produced under the formula system. Black and white cattle dominate milk production.
White pigs are for pork and ham.
Half a dozen varieties account for virtually all of the wheat production. Intensive livestock systems based on grain are dominant, and cereals are produced with standard formulas of fertilizer and herbicide. The epidemic is explained at one level as an unfortunate accident compounded by bureaucratic incompetence and government cover up, but the underlying system of formula farming provided the environment for it to thrive. The formula developed from scientific research that showed calves and lambs grew faster if they were fed protected proteins that survive digestion in the rumen. Common protected proteins include meat and fish meal.