§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many heifers will be slaughtered at or near birth in 2001; and if she will make a statement. [21853]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 10 December 2001]It is likely that few, if any, heifers will be slaughtered at or near birth. Heifer calves are usually retained as replacement animals in dairy or suckler cow herds, or raised and fattened for slaughter at 18 months or more of age.