In Britain the location of livestock farms depends on the main animal that is being kept. Sheep are usually found in the upland areas. They are suited to these parts as

• Sheep are hardier (tougher) than other animals, and can cope with the colder, wetter and windier conditions
• They are more surefooted than cattle, so don't mind the steep slopes
• The land certainly can't be used for arable farming

Dairy cattle are more common in the wetter west of Britain as the heavier rainfall helps in the milk production. Lowland areas are favoured as these have warmer temperatures. The south-west of England and Ayrshire in Scotland are particularly suited as the mild winters mean a longer growing season, which in turn means the farmers are less reliant on providing winter feed for the cattle.

Dairy farms are also located nearer the larger settlements. This was important in the past when transport was slower and milk needed to get to the market quickly to still be fresh. This location is less important today with refrigerated transport.

The total number of the different types on animals were (1995)