A pair of Angus farmers are facing charges of cruelty towards more than 200 animals.
George and Allison Pattullo, who traded as G&A Pattullo from Middle Coul Farm in Lintrathen, are denying all charges.
It is alleged that between December 1 and April 25 they caused unnecessary suffering to 19 bovine and approximately 250 ovine animals.
It is claimed that they failed to seek veterinary attention for animals that were suffering from liver fluke, parasitic gastroenteritis, lice root and which were lame from foot rot.
The case also alleges the couple, who are 63 and 58, failed to provide animals with adequate supplies of nutrition and water over winter, causing them to become emaciated or in very poor body condition, causing there to be a very high mortality rate at the farm, located outside Kirriemuir.
It is also claimed that they failed to remove the carcases of dead cattle and sheep from the farm, which were left to decompose, placing live animals at risk of infection.
A separate charge alleges that the Pattullos failed to follow the good practice guidelines set out in the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Among the guidelines allegedly not followed was the lack of dry bedding and a well-drained area for the animals, a failure to provide adequate grazing and a failure to provide a suitable diet and fresh drinking water.
It is also alleged that between December 1 and May 2 the couple, as keepers of bovine animals, failed to inform Scottish ministers of the death of eight bovine under the Cattle Identification (Scotland) Regulations.
They are also charged with failing to provide flock records requested by an officer when asked to do so, contrary to the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Scotland Order 2009.
The case was continued at Forfar Sheriff Court on Thursday, with the next hearing set for January 23.
The trial is currently set to take place on February 4.