Slurry gas warning after unusual cattle deaths

The unusual circumstances causing the recent death of four cattle from toxic gas produced by a slurry store has caused the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) to issue a hazard warning to farmers.

While the danger posed by stored slurry has been well-documented, and is well-understood by farmers, the unusual events that led to the fatalities are worth highlighting.

During a recent dry spell, a beef producer in the Scottish Borders took advantage of the conditions to begin emptying some of the slurry stored under the slatted floors of his beef sheds.