Estimates of the prevalence of calves, stores/fatteners and cows carrying E. coli resistant to ampicillin, apramycin and nalidixic acid were estimated using a structured survey. The survey provided unbiased estimates of individual and farm prevalence for each antibiotic and age group combination. It also provided some information on the geographical distribution of antibiotic resistance, but was limited as a tool for understanding the relationship between increased risk and farm management factors.