Farm animals breeds

Cattle

Cattle have been farmed in the UK since the first farmers settled over 6, 000 years ago. Initially, they were a dual purpose animal, but in recent years, cattle have become specialised and farmers have concentrated on either the supply of beef or milk. A sample of each of our cattle breeds is normally on display at the Farm Park on any one day. All the cattle leave the Farm Park site each night to go onto large grazing fields and are waiting to come back into work each morning!

Goats

Goats are an ancient part of the British farming scene, however during the late 19th and early 20th century many goats were imported and as a result our native goat was almost eliminated. The imported goats were mainly dairy breeds, but they cannot tolerate the British climate and need to be housed. In many parts of the world goats digest herbs and shrubs not palatable to other farm animals and are a vital source of meat, milk, fibre and natural fertiliser.

Pigs

In pre-historic times domestic swine were herded through the forest, often mating with wild boars. Our native stock was gradually improved by importing more prolific and productive strains from the Far East. Over the years local breeds became fixed, each with their own particular merits, but since the Second World War demand for a standard bacon carcase has produced long, lean hybrid breeds from a limited number of specialist strains. The large breeds, which tended to lay on surplus fat were no longer wanted.

Sheep

We have over 40 different breeds of sheep in the UK each suited to different regions and types of production – this is called stratification. Particular breeds occupy specific environments to which they have become adapted; the hills, uplands or lowlands.

Horses & Ponies

The big and powerful Clydesdale and Suffolk Punch breeds used to plough our fields, whilst the little Welsh Mountain pony was perfect on postal routes or pulling carts down the coal mines. Horses and ponies played a huge part in British working life. Over the last century, industries have been transformed and very few equines are now used.