Older Cattle Disposal Scheme

Following the implementation of the OTM Rule change on 7 November 2005, all cattle born or reared in the UK before 1 August 1996 must be permanently excluded from the food chain.  

The European Commission introduced the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme (OCDS), which came into operation on 23 January 2006 and provided a disposal outlet with compensation for these older animals for three years, which are fit for human consumption but are not eligible to enter the food chain.  

For slaughter under the OCDS, these older cattle must only be sent to the abattoir at Langford Processors.  To be eligible for the OCDS, the animal must still meet the same veterinary and identification criteria as any comparable younger animal eligible for the food chain.  Cattle suffering an accident, slaughtered on farm and certified by a Veterinary Surgeon can enter the OCDS by being sent to Lisburn Proteins.  Cattle not fitting the criteria as any comparable younger animal for human consumption must be disposed of as fallen stock.

The OCDS will end on 31 December 2008.  There will be no compensation for these older animals after this date.