the best animals for self sufficiency

[uks]

(31 December 2012, 00:23)Highlander Wrote: It so depends on what area of ground you have available,... a small place then the likes of chickens or rabbits,... a larger area available, then a cow [ or two ] is a good option.

We have said No to pigs,...and I tend to agree, yet it was always an animal that they kept in Medieval times,... do we need Defra involvement for just one pig or cow?...I know that the movement of animals has to be recorded no matter what number is kept

Yes you will need to inform Defra even if you want any type of livestock. Even if they are going to be pets. Its a simple process get in touch with Defra and explain what you will be getting and they will issue a County Parish Holding (CPH) number for the land.
See Defra site for more details.