DEFRA has published the first of its table valuations for animals compulsorily slaughtered for bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis and enzootic bovine leukosis (see table below for February's rates).

The controversial table valuation system came in to effect on Wednesday (1 February) and the figures will be reviewed each month.

From 1 March the valuations will also apply to animals slaughtered for BSE.

The tables assign different values for non-pedigree stock using one month's previous data and six months rolling data for pedigree stock depending on the animal's age, sex and for female animals whether or not it has calved. 

Presented by DEFRA as a fairer system that offers greater value to the taxpayer there is no route to appeal a valuation. DEFRA also hopes the category system will stem the spread of bovine TB by speeding the removal of infected animals from farms.

Certain categories of animals will still receive an individual valuation for a while longer - but that is only because DEFRA needs to gather more market data to come up with a compensation figure.

Junior DEFRA minister Ben Bradshaw said: "The new compensation arrangements would better protect the taxpayer, by addressing the serious 'over-compensation' problem identified by independent reviewers, promote good industry practice, and enhance disease control by facilitating the speedier removal of diseased animals."