Animal welfare

The Feed Management Plan  is intended to assist the producer with documentation of those practices that affect animal welfare. Providing animals with a balanced and species appropriate diet of nutrients is essential for their overall health and well-being. This includes providing them with adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. 

Shepherding is a traditional agricultural practice involving the movement of grazing livestock between certain areas depending on the season. Specifically, this refers to open spaces, and between permanent crops, as well as transhumance and common grazing land. Transhumance is a seasonal movement of grazing animals between lowland and highland pastures with different climates, while common grazing land allows farmers to share a common area for grazing their livestock.

Livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas that allow the animals to exercise, preferably pasture, whenever weather and seasonal conditions and the state of the ground allow.

This refers to the practice of allowing livestock to graze in open fields during certain times of the year. It is a form of pasture management that helps to ensure the health of the animals and the health of the land.

Animal health prevention and control plans are strategies created to protect the health of animals and prevent the spread of diseases. These plans can include vaccinations, quarantines, inspections, and biosecurity protocols to prevent infectious agents from entering animal populations. They can also include routine health checks, parasite control, nutrition plans, and other strategies to ensure optimal health for the animals.

Selective breeding can help increase robustness, fertility, longevity and adaptability in animals. This can be done by selecting animals that are genetically predisposed to having good health and traits that are desirable for the particular species.

An enriched environment for livestock is a living space that provides animals with extra stimulation or resources to enrich their environment, such as access to fresh grass, hay, or natural sunlight. This type of environment is designed to promote better health, well-being, and overall quality of life for the animals by giving them more space to roam, access to natural resources, and opportunities for socialization (e.g. rooting for pigs, perching, nest-building materials, etc.)

Reduced stocking density for livestock is a management practice that involves reducing the number of animals that are kept in a given area. This can help to prevent overgrazing and improve the health of the soil, vegetation, and animals. It can also help to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

Friendly housing conditions for livestock refers to the necessary elements to safely and humanely housing and care for animals on farms, such as providing adequate living space, access to clean food and water, and protection from the elements. This would include making sure the animals have adequate shelter, are not overcrowded, and have proper ventilation. Additionally, friendly housing conditions for livestock would include access to medical care and vaccination, as well as making sure the animals are not subjected to inhumane treatment.

Friendly housing conditions for livestock refers to the necessary elements to safely and humanely housing and care for animals on farms, such as providing adequate living space, access to clean food and water, and protection from the elements. This would include making sure the animals have adequate shelter, are not overcrowded, and have proper ventilation. Additionally, friendly housing conditions for livestock would include access to medical care and vaccination, as well as making sure the animals are not subjected to inhumane treatment.