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  1. Keeping rare breeds
  2. Getting started

Getting started

When considering whether rare and native breeds of livestock are suitable there are many elements to consider, these vary across species. If you are looking for advice then you are able to contact your local field officer.

If you have land or are looking to acquire some land there are a number of basic things to consider:

  • Fencing
  • Water Supply
  • Access
  • Neighbouring Livestock
  • Shelter
  • Soil Type (if the ground is heavy clay then it would make it more difficult to graze the land during the winter)
  • Former use of the land
  • Disease Risk (e.g. TB is more of a problem in some areas)

Turkeys

Turkeys are fantastic birds with our native breeds now in very low numbers. We work closely with the Turkey Club UK to promote these breeds. Read more

Published: 9th February, 2018

Updated: 8th May, 2018

Author: Tom Blunt

Related topics:
  • Getting started
brown and white cow in daffodils

What is Pedigree and Registered?

The RBST look at the numbers of registered animals, these are with the relevant breed society. Read more

Published: 8th February, 2018

Updated: 23rd April, 2018

Author: Tom Blunt

Related topics:
  • Getting started

Rules and regulations

How to get started with livestock. The rules and regulations required for keeping farm livestock vary across species and can be different depending on your location. Read more

Published: 11th September, 2017

Updated: 8th February, 2018

Author:

Related topics:
  • Getting started

Species and Breed Selection

Once you have made the decision to purchase livestock it can be a tough decision when deciding what species and breed to select. Read more

Published: 11th September, 2017

Updated: 9th February, 2018

Author:

Related topics:
  • Getting started
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Showing 10 of 4

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    4th December 2019

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    At the dawn of the 20th Century, 2.6 million heavy horses were working in the UK. But now, less than 10,000 remain.

  • Danger List 2018

  • Combined Flock Book

    Combined Flock Book

  • Watchlist overview

    Find out more about the RBST Watchlist

  • big barn logo

    Find my nearest

    Find local native breed products near you!

  • Our Mission

    Securing the future of our rare and native breeds of livestock

  • Rare Albion cattle recognised on the RBST Watchlist

    RBST is excited to announce that it has just welcomed the rare Albion cattle onto the Watchlist, as a recognised UK native rare breed

  • UK Working Class Horse Heroes Facing Extinction

  • RBST Watchlist

    Current and past Watchlists

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Rare Breeds Survival Trust is a company limited by guarantee registered in England under number 1204694 and registered as a Charity number 269442

Registered office Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV82LG