Livestock feed controls in Scotland review: analysis

1. Background

Livestock feed controls in Scotland protect both livestock and public health. The strict controls ensure that livestock feed is kept free from disease. The Scottish Government (SG) wish to ensure that these controls continue to be effective, proportionate, and based on the latest scientific evidence. This consultation focuses on the risk of spreading transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in livestock feed.

Our understanding of TSEs and how they are transmitted has increased greatly. Scottish livestock feed regulations no longer reflect current scientific knowledge or the level of TSE risk.

A consultation on Livestock Feed Controls in Scotland Review ran from 3 October 2024 to 26 December 2024. A total of 6 questions were asked. There were 56 responses to the consultation, 20 (36%) of which were responses from organisations and 36 (64%) from individuals.

We are therefore proposing updating TSE legislation, in line with recent changes in EU law. The changes we are proposing would allow:

• poultry processed animal protein (PAP) in porcine feed
• porcine PAP in poultry feed
• insect PAP in pig and poultry feed
• ruminant collagen and gelatine (C&G) in non-ruminant feed

These changes would allow our legislation to reflect current scientific evidence and advice, and allow business innovation in the animal feed sector, especially in the research and development of insect protein. They would also allow the Scottish Government to support industry in achieving sustainable farming goals by reducing reliance on imported soyabean and fishmeal protein for poultry and pig feed. It would also create trade opportunities with EU when new products are developed.