The Brexit ‘Trade and Co-operation Agreement’ of 2020 increased trade friction, red tape and costs for trade in animals and animal products between UK and EU. The ‘reset’ announced in May 2025 included immediate agreements on energy and fishing, and identified further areas to negotiate, including an Animal and Plant Health or ‘Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Agreement’ (SPS). Issues for the ongoing negotiations include the extent of the ‘short list’ of exceptions in UK alignment with EU rules (and ‘dynamic alignment’ with future rules) and the fee the UK must pay. Animal welfare could be impacted by a SPS and by alignment with/ exceptions to EU rules.
Previously, calves born on dairy farms, but which were not required for rearing to replace animals in the milking herd (so called ‘surplus’ calves, or ‘non-replacement’ calves) were slaughtered early in life. However, many factors in both the dairy and beef sectors have changed. New research shows that the use of female sex-sorted semen on dairy farms has reduced the number of unwanted male calves born, while the use of beef semen allows production of calves for the dairy-beef market. High beef prices and efficient procurement through integrated schemes means that the majority of calves are valued, leading to better welfare outcomes.
Authors: Marie Haskell and Holly Ferguson