Farm animals
“Avoidable” pain, fear and significant distress – pig slaughter methods must change, say experts
Around 90% of UK pigs are stunned using CO2 before slaughter – a method that causes the animals “avoidable” pain, fear and significant distress. Now, experts are calling for a ban, but what are the alternatives? James Fair reports
It's big, docile – and known as the Cotswold Lion
Countryfile presenter Adam Henson explains why the docile Cotswold is a favourite among the rare breeds on his Gloucestershire farm.
“It makes them look like a living breathing hat stand.” Meet the bizarre farm animal that looks more deer than sheep and doesn’t need shearing
This rare breed is native to the Isle of Man and is now considered 'at risk'. Here's why we need to show them some love, says Adam Henson
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It's carried by midges and can lead to difficulty breathing and abortion in pregnant animals: The noticeable disease farmers dread
Bluetongue is a disease caused by infection with bluetongue virus. Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales Richard Irvine offers expert advice on how to spot signs of bluetongue, which animals it affects and how to report it.
160 woolly pigs were released on a Scottish farm – and they’re disrupting the landscape in a very significant way
Pigs are environmental engineers, not architects of destruction, says BBC Countryfile's Adam Henson
How much milk do cows produce?
How much milk does a cow produce each day? As Fergus Collins explains, the breed really does make a difference.
Better than tractors, tougher than cows: The huge, horned, exotic animal that's saving our wetlands and wild landscapes
Once a surprising choice for conservation, water buffalo are now proving their worth by helping to restore wetlands and boost biodiversity around the UK
Alpaca vs llama – what’s the difference between these two members of the camel family?
These members of the camelid family are easily confused, but there are key differences between the alpaca and the llama. From size and temperament to fleece quality and role in farming, here’s how to tell them apart
Should Britain be eating more goat? Why this common farmyard animal could be a more ethical alternative to beef
The dairy goat industry is linked to thousands of billy goats being slaughtered each year as wastage – so is it time to add the meat to supermarket shelves?
Adorable images of newborn lambs capture the beauty and vulnerability of lambing season in Lakeland
Farmer and photographer Amy Bateman captures the new life and hard labour of lambing season in Cumbria.
How long do cows live?
We take a look at the lifespan of a cow and discover one that broke several world records.
How scaremongering about the cattle feed additive Bovaer is leading to people pouring gallons of milk down the toilet
What's the real truth about the additive Bovaer? Fergus Collins investigates
These are the biggest cow breeds in the world
From the muscly Belgian blues to the elegant Swiss simmentals, these giant bulls are large and in charge – and many of these large cow breeds are found in British farms today
Be on the alert for foot and mouth, Wales' chief vet warns, after German outbreak
We are ready if foot and mouth comes to Wales and the UK, says chief vet, but urges farmers and livestock owners to be vigilant
Highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease detected in Germany for first time in more than 30 years
Restrictions on transporting animals are in place after a herd of water buffalo was found to be infected
Can beef ever be carbon-friendly or do we all have to go vegan? Meet the farmer making cows' farts better for the planet
Should the world stop eating meat to tackle the climate crisis? Chris Baraniuk meets an experimental farmer who says we don’t all have to become vegetarians.
Meet the extraordinary sheep that had to eat seaweed to survive
Adam Henson explains why the sheep on a tiny Orkney Island had to turn to seaweed to survive
How much room do pigs need?
Pigs are best kept outside, where they are happiest says Adam Henson
What should you feed pigs?
Thinking about keeping pigs? Here is some feeding advice from Adam Henson
Goat breeds of Britain – and how to recognise them
A beginners guide to 10 goat breeds found in Britain, by the British Goat Society
The truth about cows and methane: How much cattle farming contributes to the climate crisis and what can be done about it
Cattle farming is cited as a major contributor to climate change - but how bad is it? Here is everything the experts know right now
Is it true that if a sheep lies on its back it will die?
Why a sheep rolling onto its back to ease an itch could cause its death
Herdwick sheep guide: meet these resilient mountain dwellers
Find out about their unique characteristics, history, and the challenges Herdwick sheep face in their rugged mountain habitat
Why do lambs get their tails docked?
Wondering why lambs have their tails docked? Adam Henson explains