Table 1 as follows gives the number of live sheep recorded as exported from the UK in 2008 as recorded in HMRC official overseas trade statistics. These are provisional figures and subject to amendments.
Please note these figures are obtained using VAT records and will exclude some EU trade for businesses which are below the VAT threshold. As a result, actual trade levels may be higher than those given, particularly for trade with mainland Europe.
Table 2 gives information on GB exports in cattle from the GB Cattle Tracing System. The Cattle Tracing System is updated on a daily basis and hence these figures can be subject to amendments.
It is not possible to identify those animals which are for slaughter or further fattening from either data source.
Short description Long description Destination Number Sheep live Lambs (up to a year old) Irish Republic 8,767 sheep other than pure-bred breeding animals and lambs up to a year old Irish Republic 33,607 Note: 2008 data is subject to amendments. Source: HM Revenue and Customs. Data prepared by Trade statistics, ESP, DEFRA.
Country of destination Calves (under 12 months) Adult cattle (12 months and over) All bovine Belgium 13,881 241 14,122 Denmark 4 3 7 France 11,935 54 11,989 Germany 35 85 120 Hungary — 16 16 Italy 986 1,830 2,816 Netherlands 17,424 69 17,493 Poland — 50 50 Republic of Ireland 285 3,065 3,350 Spain 1,924 170 2,094 Total 46,474 5,583 52,057 Note: 2008 data is subject to amendments. Source: GB Cattle Tracing System.