Become an AFU

BECOME AN AFU

Bovine TB

As the most significant animal health problem facing cattle farmers in England, the impact of Bovine TB on dairy farmers, their families and the farming communities can be devastating. Due to the restricted movement of animals from TB affected farms, producers are often unable to find a market for their surplus young stock. Historically, producers would often find no other option other than euthanising calves on farm.

Buitelaar have worked hard over the last five years to overcome the TB issue facing UK farmers, by providing calf outlet for dairy farmers coming under TB restriction in the form of our 'Orange' Calf Collection.

This gives TB restricted herds the ability to sell calves into the supply chain through licensed Approved rearing and Finishing Units (AFUs), as opposed to sending calves direct to slaughter due to space restrictions.

What is an AFU?

AFUs provide a route for rearing and / or finishing cattle from TB-restricted herds in the same higher welfare systems as non-restricted holdings. These farmers are able to purchase and house calves from TB restricted herds before sending cattle either direct to slaughter or to another AFU.

In addition to improving animal welfare and alleviating financial difficulties on TB restricted farms, AFUs help control the wider incidence of TB. The tight regulations surrounding AFU licensed holding, heavily decrease the likelihood of TB restricted cattle coming into contact with other herds.

Flexible Design of the AFU

AFUs can either be built to the required specification or existing buildings can be adapted in order to meet the essential criteria. Our Tech Team are available to assist producers in creating unit proposals for AFU licensing and provide guidance and advice in converting cattle housing to meet the required AFU specification.

To find out more about becoming an AFU producer for Buitelaar, please contact us.