Before livestock arrive you need a County Parish Holding (CPH) number from the Rural Payments Agency and, for sheep, goats, pigs and cattle, a herd or flock mark. Movements are recorded and followed by a standstill period, so plan dates before you agree a sale.
Work out grazing per head, winter housing, water supply and stock-proof fencing before buying. Goats test every gap, pigs root out weak fencing, and alpacas and sheep need shelter and safe handling space for shearing, foot care and worming.
Ask what the animals have been tested and vaccinated for — CAE and Johne's in goats, maedi visna and enzootic abortion in sheep, TB status for cattle and camelids. Buying from an accredited health scheme reduces the risk of importing disease onto your holding.
See the animals on the seller's holding with the rest of the group. Check feet, teeth, condition, eyes and udders, confirm tags match the paperwork, and ask about age, breeding history and temperament. Never buy sight-unseen or agree to a roadside handover.
