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<p>The Department does not collate information on the number of pregnant cows slaughtered
annually.</p><p> </p><p>The Government encourages the highest standards of welfare
at both slaughter and during transport. It is illegal under the welfare in transport
legislation to transport any pregnant animal where more than 90% of the gestation
period has elapsed; this includes transporting pregnant animals to slaughterhouses.
For TB infected cattle, most are removed from farms within 10 working days of disclosure.
However, since September 2015 owners of heavily pregnant TB affected cows have had
the option of keeping the animal on farm until it has calved, up to a maximum of 28
days.</p><p> </p><p>The slaughter of pregnant animals is not itself currently covered
by additional specific welfare requirements. The European Food Safety Authority is
due to release a scientific report on this issue in the near future.</p>
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