Matt Baker took a trip to Otter Farm on the Clinton Devon Estates in the latest edition of Countryfile. The BBC presenter spoke to Youngstock Manager Alice heading up the calving team but fans of the rural show took to social media to share their “disappointment” at one of the processes being implemented on the farm.
Alice showed Matt around the farm and introduced him to some newborn calves.
“What time were these born?” Matt asked and Alice replied: “This one was born nine o’clock last night and the other two four o’clock this morning.”
“They’re doing very well but obviously not with mum,” Matt pointed out.
Alice explained: “Ideally we take them off as soon as possible.
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“They’ll be in here for 14 weeks and then after that, they go outside and enjoy the sunshine on their backs,” she replied.
Countryfile viewers took to Twitter to slam the process of taking calves away from their mothers.
Jane Ward tweeted: “Why on earth would you remove calves from their mums? Profit? Profit? Profit? #countryfile.”
Sarah Hutchison remarked: “Very disappointed to see #countryfile showcasing the practice of removing calves at birth. Calves should be with their mothers until weaning.”
Published at Sun, 30 Jan 2022 19:24:00 +0000
Countryfile viewers infuriated by ‘cruel’ dairy farm segment ‘Very disappointed!’
