Reading Time: < 1 minute The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII which deals with humane transportation. The most significant change would limit travel time to 36 hours (from 48 hours previously) and also increase the rest time (to eight hours). The agency says it has also […] Read more
New rules limit livestock travel time
Comments can be made until Feb. 15
Nominations wanted for livestock awards
Nominations close March 1
Reading Time: < 1 minute Nominations are open for the Alberta Farm Animal Care awards of distinction, which recognize individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions in the field of livestock welfare. There are three award categories: communication, industry leadership, and innovation. If you know an individual or organization whose contributions to animal care enhance their community and inspire […] Read more
Here’s how to assess the risk when bringing in calves
Beef 911: Mingling animals, transport times, light weights, and even weather can be factors that increase the risk of BRD
Reading Time: 4 minutes There are many factors to consider when bringing in calves to feed in order to minimize BRD (bovine respiratory disease), which is still the No. 1 cause of morbidity and often mortality in our feedlots. Knowing the history of the calves regarding weaning time, distance transported, vaccination, and health history — as well as upcoming […] Read more
Nestle pledges cage-free eggs for Canadian wares
The Canadian arm of Swiss food processing giant Nestle has promised to shift its egg supply to “cage-free” sources by 2025. Nestle Canada, whose products using eggs include some of its Lean Cuisine meals and Real Dairy desserts, said Wednesday it was “dedicated to working with Canadian farmers to make this transition.” The Canadian business […] Read more
Consumer concerns about meat are no fad
Animal welfare expert says livestock producers need to both ‘raise the bar’ and speak up about improvements they’re making
Reading Time: 3 minutes Global concerns about animal welfare are having an impact on meat purchasing, and the food industry needs to adapt to this new reality. “For the vast majority, price, taste and convenience have been key — but one of the issues that goes across the board now is transparency,” said Lesley Mitchell, international head of policy […] Read more
The revised Beef Code of Practice a win for everyone
Beef 911: Everyone involved in the cattle industry should keep a copy handy and consult it frequently
Reading Time: 4 minutes There has been a lot written about the revised Beef Code of Practice, which was released in 2013 and was the first revision since 1991. It is most definitely worth a read, whether you are a beef producer, transporter, marketer, nutritionist, veterinarian, or are involved with the cattle industry in any way. At 56 pages, […] Read more
Beef sector questions need for transport rules changes
Officials fear new rules will favour public concerns over scientific evidence
Reading Time: 4 minutes The beef industry is bracing for changes to cattle transport regulations, fearing they might be based on perceptions rather than sound science. Current rules require animals be off-loaded after 48 hours of transport for a minimum of five hours and provided with feed and water, unless they can reach their destination within 52 hours. The […] Read more
Bill to tighten cruelty laws downed in Commons
A federal private member’s bill meant to tighten animal cruelty laws in Canada — alarming farm organizations and energizing animal welfare groups en route — has gone the way of most private members’ bills. Bill C-246, introduced in February by Toronto Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and given first reading, died Wednesday in the House of […] Read more
Cattle feeders get proactive with new feedlot animal welfare audit
Rather than wait and see multiple audits imposed by packers and retailers, the National Cattle Feeders Association developed an easy-to-use tool
Reading Time: 3 minutes Last April, the Vancouver-based Earls restaurant chain announced it would no longer source its beef from Canada, opting instead for ‘Certified Humane’ beef sourced from the United States. Though pressure from customers loyal to Canadian beef eventually forced the chain to reverse the decision, those most in the know — the feedlot associations and meat […] Read more
Producers wanted for study on animal welfare
Reading Time: < 1 minute Participants are needed for a study on producer perceptions of animal welfare. The research project will examine the practices and perceptions of farm animal welfare among livestock producers, feedlot owners, and beef processors in both the beef and dairy industries of Alberta. It is being conducted in the context of the short-lived move by Earls […] Read more
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