Foot and mouth disease in the UK in 2001 exposed the complex nature of the structure and relationships in the fat lamb chain and has drawn attention to the poor logistics mechanisms and practices that prevail

• Project Dates: 2001 - 2002 (10 months)
• Project Leader: Michael Bourlakis
• Staff: Michael Bourlakis and Johanne Allinson
• Sponsors: PHARE/ACE

The analysis examined the liveweight and deadweight movements across the U.K. fat lamb chain and identified the exact role of each chain member. Furthermore, it identified the “best transportation practices” across that chain that were assessed on cost efficiency, animal welfare and consumer safety issues. Finally, the analysis revealed the optimum location for both auctions and abattoirs based on the aforementioned variables, i.e. cost efficiency, animal welfare and consumer safety. 

Related publications:

Bourlakis, M. and Allinson, J. (2003) Agricultural Logistics in the Aftermath of the Foot and Mouth Crisis: the Case of the Fat Lamb Chain, Centre for Rural Economy Research Report 39

Bourlakis, M. and Allinson, J. (2003) 'The Aftermath of the Foot and Mouth Crisis in Agricultural Logistics: The Case of the UK Fat Lamb Supply Chain', International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications, Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 211-228.