Farm Animal Welfare Certification Guide - Aspca

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FARM ANIMAL WELFARECERTIFICATION GUIDEOctober 2019A Farmer and Business Tool for UnderstandingWelfare Certification Programs

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ) is the first animalwelfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two millionsupporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animalsthroughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areasof anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit aspca.org, andbe sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .Vermont Law School’s Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS) has a dual mission: to develop the nextgeneration of sustainable food and agriculture law and policy leaders, and to create user-friendly law, policy, andmarket resources supporting the development of sustainable food and agriculture systems. For more informationabout CAFS, visit vermontlaw.edu/CAFS.AcknowledgementsLead Authors: Jamie Renner, Ellen Griswold, and Kara ShannonThe ASPCA and CAFS thank the following individuals for their efforts in producing the Farm Animal WelfareCertification Guide and 2019 update: ASPCA staff, including Daisy Freund (Senior Director, Farm AnimalWelfare); Kara Shannon (Senior Manager, Farm Animal Welfare); Suzanne McMillan (Content Director, Farm AnimalWelfare); Nancy Roulston (Director of Corporate Engagement, Farm Animal Welfare); Meredith Geoghegan andCarrie Straus (Member Communications); and Vermont Law School’s Center for Agriculture and Food Systems,including Laurie Beyranevand (Director), Claire Child (Program Manager), Pamela Vesilind (Adjunct Faculty), LaurieRistino; Jamie Renner, Ellen Griswold (LLM), and Mackenzie Landa (LLM).We also thank the following individuals for providing consultation in support of case studies and the Guide,generally: Gabe Clark (Coldspring Ranch), David Pitman (Mary’s Chicken), Beth Hodges (Echo Farm Puddings),Georgia Ranney (Kinderhook Farm), Jesse Laflamme (Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs), Angela Miller (ConsiderBardwell Farm), Jacqueline Smith (Central Grazing Co.), Nadine Rich (Teton Waters Ranch), Charles Thieriotand Don Sinnott (Rancho Llano Seco); Andrew Gunther (Animal Welfare Approved), Emily Lancaster Moose(Animal Welfare Approved), Adele Douglass (Certified Humane), Mimi Stein (Certified Humane), and Anne Malleau(Global Animal Partnership).Information contained in this guide is being provided for general educational and informational purposes only. This information in this guide is derived fromavailable information provided by Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership, and, the ASPCA has not independentlyverified any of the information contained herein. This guide is not intended to serve as the primary source of information regarding the topics discussedherein, and you should confirm any information obtained from this guide. Any reliance on any information contained in this guide is solely at your own risk.No warranty expressed or implied is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, or reliability of any information contained herein. TheASPCA provides this information on an “AS IS” basis. The ASPCA shall not be held liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information describedand/or contained herein and assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information. In no event shall the ASPCA be liable for any indirect, special,incidental or consequential damages arising out of any use of or reliance on any content or materials contained herein.The ASPCA’s reference herein to any company, product, or service herein does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by the ASPCA,and such reference shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Table of ContentsIntroduction 1How to Use This Guide 1Welfare Certifications 2Why Certify: The Triple Win 3Why Certify: The Business Benefit 4Farm Animal Welfare Certification Programs 8Overview 8Quick Compare 9Standards Comparisons 11In-Depth: Certified Animal Welfare Approved (AWA)by A Greener World (AGW) 18In-Depth: Certified Humane (CH), a program ofHumane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) 32In-Depth: Global Animal Partnership (GAP) 48Case Studies 60Certified Animal Welfare Approved (AWA)by A Greener World (AGW) 61Certified Humane (CH), a program ofHumane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) 70Global Animal Partnership (GAP) 79Transition Funding Opportunities 88USDA-FSIS Labeling Requirements 94Sources 95Additional Resources 96

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Guide OverviewINTRODUCTIONThis guide is a tool for farm and ranch businesses interestedin exploring farm animal welfare certification programs(Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane , Global Animal Partnership).How to Use This GuideUnderstand whatcertification means.First, read about what it means to participatein the covered certification programs.Review programs.Second, review and compare programstandards, certification processes and costs.Explore case studies.Explore further and read first-hand farmercertification experiences.Learn more.Finally, learn about transition financing, labelingguidelines and additional resources.Back to Table of Contents1

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Guide OverviewWelfare CertificationsWhat are farm animal welfare certification programs?Independent, non-governmental organizations. Animal welfare certification programs arenot affiliated with government entities. They are independent, non-profit organizations (NPOs) orprograms of NPOs.Standard-setters. These programs develop animal welfare standards covering various aspectsof farm animal husbandry, including breeding, birth, food and water, health management, housing,pasture access, transport, slaughter and record-keeping. These standards are publicly availableonline.Certifying and labeling programs. Farm/ranch businesses that are found to meet a program’sstandards may apply for program certification. Once certified, it may use the program’s label(and animal welfare claims) on certified animal products. According to the programs, results ofaudits and other business information are treated as confidential.Beneficial to Business. These programs can benefit farm animals and businesses through marketaccess, product distinction, brand lift and as a foundation for a good animal management plan.For more on potential business benefits of welfare certification, see the next page.Why Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane and Global Animal Partnership?Transparency. Standards and certification processes are publicly available and clear.Rigor. Animal welfare standards are meaningfully better than conventional, with enriched, cagefree environments as a baseline.* According to each program, 100% of the standards arerequired to pass an audit, systems are in place to address non-compliance and standards areroutinely reviewed to reflect best practices.Independent audits. Generally, require regular, on-site audits to confirm compliance withcertification standards.National presence. Each program certifies farm and ranch businesses nationally. The standardsare applicable to all climates in the United States (not regional), marketed and recognized acrossthe country.*For GAP, ASPCA recommends Levels 2 and above.Back to Table of Contents2

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Guide OverviewWhy Certify: The Triple WinCompliance with farm animal welfare certification is a win-win-win for farm animals, farm/ranchbusinesses and consumers.Farm animals win.Farmers/Ranchers win.Consumers win.Improved animal welfaremeans higher quality of life,increased ability to performnatural behaviors andmore humane methods ofslaughter.In addition to providing astrong, welfare-focusedmanagement structure, welfarecertification can offer accessto new markets, a marketingedge against competitorsand enhanced credibility withconsumers.Welfare certificationprograms allow consumers toeasily identify products thatare certified to meet morehumane standards.Improved animal welfare conditions may also benefit the environment and public health.Back to Table of Contents3

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Guide OverviewWhy Certify: The Business BenefitConsumers are increasingly interested in, and willing to pay more for, animal products from farms using morehumane animal husbandry practices. Accordingly, retailers, distributors, institutions, food service companiesand restaurants are increasingly seeking to buy welfare-certified animal products. Meanwhile, majormedia outlets and consumer organizations are addressing farm animal welfare and helping consumersnavigate food labels. These trends present farmers and ranchers with the opportunity to independentlyverify improved welfare for farm animals and tap into the fast-growing market for animal welfare-certifiedproducts.Consumers careConsumers nationwide are increasingly interested in purchasing animal products that are certified asreflecting more humane animal husbandry practices. A 2018 survey found that 76% of consumersare concerned about the welfare of animals raised for food, with high levels of concern found acrossdemographic groups (2018 Lake Research Partners survey). Concern remained high regardless offactors such as gender, race, age, education, household income, or political affiliation. Consumerswho frequently purchase meat products are more concerned about animal welfare (83%) than thosewho purchase meat products less frequently (69%). Almost three-quarters of consumers (71%) reportpaying attention to food labels regarding how the animal was raised (2018 Lake Research Partnerssurvey). 62% of consumers place a high degree of trust in certification by an independent animal welfareorganization. Far fewer indicate trust in government, industry associations or self-reported businessrecords (Animal Welfare Institute citing 2012 Just Bare Chicken survey).Back to Table of Contents4

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Guide OverviewPremium PricingConsumers are willing to pay a premium for welfare-certified products that they know havebeen independently verified to a set of higher animal welfare standards. A large majority (81%) ofthe consumers in a 2018 survey who indicated that they would like more higher welfare optionswhere they shop maintained that desire even if that meant a moderate increase in price (2018Lake Research Partners survey). A 2015 survey found that millennial consumers are the mostwilling (73%) to pay more for sustainable or socially responsible products, and represent a fastgrowing segment of the market (2015 Nielsen survey).Farmers report receiving double-digitpremiums for welfare-certified products.Committed PurchasersIn response to consumer demand, a growing number of companies, retailers, food servicecompanies, and institutions are committing to buying and selling welfare-certified animalproducts. Of particular note is the growing number of institutional purchasers who have committedto food sourcing policies that include humane sourcing requirements based on third-party animalwelfare certifications. Through policies like the Good Food Purchasing Program, the Real FoodChallenge, the Leadership Circle, and Healthcare Without Harm’s Healthier Hospitals initiative,public institutions ranging from individual hospitals and universities to entire counties and citiesare committing to more sustainable, humane sourcing. All four of these responsible sourcingprograms rely on third-party animal welfare certifications to ensure that humane sourcingrequirements are met. There are currently over 550 hospitals across the country participating inthe Healthier Hospitals program – too many to list in this guide.Good Food Purchasing Program Adopters (as of September 2019)Austin IndependentSchool DistrictChicago Parks DistrictChicago Public SchoolsCincinnati Public SchoolsBack to Table of Contents6Cook County, IllinoisCity of BostonOakland UnifiedSchool DistrictCity of Los AngelesSan Francisco UnifiedSchool DistrictLos Angeles UnifiedSchool DistrictWashington, D.C.Public Schools5

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Guide OverviewReal Food Challenge Participants (as of September 2019)Antioch CollegeThe Hotchkiss SchoolUniversity of DenverBard CollegeJohns Hopkins UniversityUniversity of Maine systemCalifornia StateUniversity systemLehigh UniversityUniversity of Massachusetts,AmherstLyndon State CollegeCase Western ReserveUniversityMacalester CollegeClark UniversityMarlboro CollegeUniversity of North Carolina,Chapel HillCollege of the AtlanticMcDaniel CollegeUniversity of OklahomaCornell CollegeMiddlebury CollegeUniversity of PittsburghColorado MountainCollege systemNorthwestern UniversityUniversity of UtahOberlin CollegeUniversity of VermontDrew UniversityOccidental CollegeWarren Wilson CollegeThe Evergreen State CollegeWesleyan UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast UniversitySaint Mary’s CollegeNotre Dame, INFort Lewis CollegeSiena CollegeWestern State ColoradoUniversityGeorge WashingtonUniversitySmith CollegeGonzaga UniversityStonehill CollegeHaverford CollegeUniversity of CaliforniasystemSterling CollegeUniversity of MontanaWestern WashingtonUniversityLeadership Circle Members (as of September 2019)AirbnbBon AppétitCase Western ReserveUniversityThe Colburn SchoolDr. Bronner’sHarvard Business SchoolThe Institute of AmericanIndian ArtsVassar CollegeThe Northwest SchoolVillanova UniversityDining ServicesPhipps Conservatory andBotanical GardensWashington Universityin St. LouisThe Thacher SchoolWillamette UniversityUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyHazonBack to Table of Contents6

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Guide OverviewTrending IssueAs more individuals, institutions and companies examine where their food comes from anddemand more of producers, third-party certification programs play a key role in ensuringtransparency and enforcement of rigorous standards. Consumers are wary of empty, misleadingmarketing claims like “natural” and “free range” and are looking to source from producers thatcan verify their farming practices with meaningful animal welfare certifications. In addition to theASPCA, major media and consumer organizations are educating consumers about the value ofwelfare-certified foods and helping them navigate humane labeling claims. The topic has beenaddressed in well-known publications including: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal,NPR (National Public Radio), Chicago Tribune, National Geographic, Consumer Reports andMarket Watch. Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane, and GAP have consistently beenrecognized as standouts in the marketplace, with meaningful animal welfare standards andrigorous auditing schemes. Organizations that have recognized the three certifications includethe ASPCA, Consumers Union/Consumer Reports, the US Healthful Food Council, Food AnimalConcerns Trust, Farm Forward, the Center for Food Safety, School Food Focus, Compassionin World Farming and the Rodale Institute. The ASPCA’s consumer education campaign, ShopWith Your Heart, directs consumers to the three welfare certifications, using a label guide toeducate shoppers about the differences between welfare certifications and unverified claims.The ASPCA also helps connect consumers to higher welfare food by publishing a list ofwelfare-certified brands and a state-by-state directory of welfare-certified farms.Back to Table of Contents7

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDEFARM ANIMAL WELFARECERTIFICATION PROGRAMSOVERVIEWThis guide covers three animal welfare certification programs:Certified Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) by A Greener World (AGW)Certified Humane (CH), a program of Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC)Global Animal Partnership (GAP)First, this guide provides a “Quick Compare” chart highlighting key characteristics and distinctionsbetween these three programs. Following this programmatic overview chart are multiple“Standards Comparisons” charts focusing on particular welfare standard distinctions between thethree certifications. These charts are organized by species, including beef cattle, broiler chickens,dairy cattle, dairy goats, laying hens, pigs and turkeys*. After these comparative overviews, “In Depth”sections for each certification program describe: Program history Labeling rules Standards Marketing support Certification & audit processes CostsAdditionally, this guide provides case studies illustrating farmers’ experiences with programparticipation, examples of different sources of funding for transitioning farms and an overview offederal product labeling requirements.All information in this guide is derived from publicly available information from the sources listed on page 95.* These charts are not an exhaustive comparison of all the species covered by welfare certification programs. Thechosen species are those that are most commonly reared throughout the United States. Animal welfare certificationsalso have standards that cover: bison, ducks, geese, meat goats, rabbits and sheep.Back to Table of Contents8

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Certification ProgramsQUICK COMPARECERTIFIED ANIMALWELFARE APPROVEDby AGWCERTIFIED HUMANE GLOBAL ANIMALPARTNERSHIPFarmingSystem Pasture-based farms Enriched indoor and free-range/pasture-based farms Cage/crate-free, enriched indoorand free-range/pasture-based farmsWho CanBecomeCertified? Independent family farmsCooperatives of family farmsProducer groupsMarketing groupsRestaurantsRetailersDistributors Farms (family or otherwise)Producer groupsPooled product operations*Beef marketing groupsProduct manufacturing operationsRestaurantsRetailersDistributors Farms (family or otherwise) Producer groups Marketing groupsAnimalsCovered BisonBeef cattleDairy cattleBroiler chickensLaying hensDairy goatsMeat goats BisonBeef cattleDairy cattleBroiler chickensLaying hensDairy goatsMeat goats Bison Beef cattle(no dairy cattle) Broiler chickens Laying hens andpulletsCosts Application fee: 100Audit fee: 90- 120Certification fee: NoneNote: Discounts available formultiple certifications PigsDairy sheepMeat sheepTurkeysDucksGeese PigsDairy sheepMeat sheepTurkeys Application fee: 75 Audit/inspection fee: 700/day forfarm inspection and 800 per day forslaughter/processor inspection Certification fee: Based on amountof product processed and/ornumbers of certified animals or animalproducts sold and paid monthly.See Fee Schedule. Annual Certification Renewal fee: 75, 125 or 300 depending onpostmark date Note: Subsidized inspection fees forsmall operations. If two farms can beaudited in the same day, those farmscan split audit fee Meat goats(no dairy goats) Pigs Meat sheep (nodairy sheep) Turkeys Application fee: None Audit/inspection fee: 1,650 flat fee Certification fee: None Other: For retail-ready labeledproducts with GAP certified meatingredients, fee of 0.05 per case Note: Audit rates for multipleoperations/locations potentiallydiscounted* “Pooled product operations” are HFAC-certified operations that buy products from individual production operations that are inspected byHFAC and meet HFAC standards but not certified individually; sell the pooled product under the PPO’s name; and pay HFAC for theinspections and certification fees for the pooled product.Back to Table of Contents9

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Certification ProgramsQUICK COMPARE continuedCERTIFIED ANIMALWELFARE APPROVEDby AGWCERTIFIED HUMANE SlaughterInspection? Yes, Certified AWA farms mustuse AGW-inspected and certifiedslaughter facilities Yes, CH farms must useCH-inspected and certified slaughterfacilities No, GAP farms may use anyslaughter facility so long as it hasan existing third-party animalwelfare audit that covers GAP’s coreslaughter criteria and is from anapproved third-party audit company.SplitOperationsCertified? Yes, but not within 1 species Yes, including within 1 species.However, 1 species split operationsmust keep animals at differentgeographic locations Yes, including within 1 species.1 species split operations may be atsame geographic location if animalsare appropriately segregated andidentifiedWhoAudits? AGW employee(s) CH independent contractor(s) GAP-accredited independentverification companies Within US: EarthClaimsExtent ofAudit inMulti-farmOperations All farms in supply chain ofcertified product every 12 months All farms in supply chain of certifiedproduct every 12 months, exceptwith Producer Groups Producer Groups may auditthemselves using Internal ControlSystems, as determined by HFAC,but HFAC still audits at least 10% ofall producers every 12 months All farms in supply chain of certifiedproduct every 15 months (in orderto see a farm in each season)MarketingSupport Yes, offers promotional support,technical assistance andmarketing materials Yes, offers promotional support,technical assistance and marketingmaterials Yes, offers promotional support,technical assistance and marketingmaterialsBack to Table of ContentsGLOBAL ANIMALPARTNERSHIP10

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Certification ProgramsSTANDARDS COMPARISONSBeef Cattle StandardsCERTIFIED ANIMALWELFARE APPROVEDby AGW (2018)CERTIFIED HUMANE (2014)GLOBAL ANIMALPARTNERSHIP (2009)No Tier 3 for BeefOutdoorAccessContinuous pasture access requiredwhenever the welfare of the animalwould not otherwise be affectedContinual outdoor access requiredTiers 1-2: 2/3 of life on range/pasturewhen conditions permitTier 4: 3/4 of life on range/pasture when conditions permitTiers 5-5 : Continuously on rangeor pastureFeedlotsProhibitedPermitted, with requirements forspace, dry mounds, sun shades andwind breaks and drainage slopesTiers 1-2: Permitted, with space andweather protection requirementsTier 2: Permitted, with requirementsfor space, shade and enrichmentTiers 4-5 : ProhibitedWeaningNatural weaning recommendedCalf must be 6mo, with averageof 8moAverage weaning age of calves mustbe 6mo averageTiers 1-4: Calf must be 6moTier 5: Calf must be 8mo; fenceline or 2-stage weaning requiredTier 5 : Natural weaningrequiredDehorning/DisbuddingDehorning prohibitedDisbudding permitted using causticpaste 7d or by hot iron w/ anestheticand analgesia 2moDehorning/DisbuddingDisbudding and dehorning permittedbetween 2-6mo using pain control.Disbudding permitted using causticpaste 7d or by hot iron w/ paincontrol 2moDehorning/DisbuddingAll Tiers: Dehorning & routinetipping prohibitedTiers 1-4: Disbudding permitted 6wks, with pain control for hot iron.If disbudding is practiced, musthave breeding program to select forpolled cattle.Tiers 5-5 : Disbudding is prohibited.PhysicalAlterationsBrandingAll branding is prohibited, unlessotherwise required by law, financialinstitutions or breed societies. Ifrequired, freeze branding shouldbe used.Castration 7d using rubber bands/rings or 2mo using scalpel/emasculatorFeederCattleBrandingFace branding prohibitedCastration 7d using rubber band/ring or 7dusing burdizzo clamp, emasculator orsurgical castration w/ pain controlBrandingAll Tiers: Face branding prohibitedTiers 5 - 5 : All branding prohibitedCastrationTier 1: 6mo using rings, surgeryor burdizzo; high tension bandsmay be used 3moTiers 2-4: 3mo using rings, surgeryor burdizzoTiers 5-5 : ProhibitedMust come from Certified AWA farmsNo restrictions on originAll Tiers: Cannot come from saleor auction barns8hr limit8hr limitTier 1: 25hr limitTier 2-4: 16hr limitTier 5: 8hr limitTier 5 : Transport prohibitedSlaughterTransportDurationBack to Table of Contents11

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Certification Programs: Standards ComparisonsBroiler Chicken StandardsCERTIFIED ANIMALWELFARE APPROVEDby AGW (2018)OutdoorAccessBreed HealthRequirementsCERTIFIED HUMANE (2014)GLOBAL ANIMALPARTNERSHIP (2017)Continuous pasture accessrequired whenever the welfareof the animal would not otherwisebe affectedNot required; free-range andpasture standards require dailyaccess to outdoorsTier 1-2: Not requiredTier 3: Continuous outdoor accessTiers 4-5 : Continuous pasture accessMust be able to thrive inpasture-based, free-rangeoutdoor systemsMax avg growth rate of0.088 lb/dayMust select for high welfare traitsand avoid genetic strains withundesirable traitsAll Tiers: Must be chosen for good leghealth and low levels of mortality1Tiers 4-5 : Must be chosen for ability torange and for good immune systemTier 5-5 : Must be able to perchthroughout their livesTiers 1-3: Max avg growth rateof 0.15 lb/dayTier 4: Max avg growth rate of0.11 lb/dayTier 5: Max avg growth rateof 0.099 lb/dayTier 5 : Max avg growth rateof 0.077 lb/dayTier 1-2: 6.5 lb/ft2Tier 3: 6 lb/ft2Tier 4: 5.5 lb/ft2Step 5-5 : 5 lb/ft2SpaceAllowanceMinimum of 4 ft2 of outdoor rangeper bird (vegetative cover mustbe maintained)0.67 ft2 per bird indoors(2.0 ft2 per bird if excluded fromranging and foraging area)At least 2.5 acres of outdoorrange per 1000 birdsIndoor stocking density6 lb/ft2Air QualityAmmonia must be 5 ppmAmmonia should be 10 ppmand must not exceed 25 ppmAll Tiers: Ammonia must be 20 ppmNatural light required, 15 lux8 hours continuous darkness inevery 24Natural light not required, 20 lux6 hours continuous darkness inevery 24All Tiers: 20 luxTiers 1-2: Natural light not required, 6hours continuous darkness in every 243Tiers 3-5 : Natural light required, 8 hourscontinuous darkness in every 24Ranging area provides foragingopportunities (denuded area 20%)If excluded from range during thedaytime, vegetative material mustbe provided to enrich indoorhousing. Raised perches orplatforms must be provided inhousing.Requires at least one type (strawbales, perches, pecking objects),guidance given on quantityTier 1: Requires at least onetype of enrichment, with one forevery 1000 ft2 (straw bales, scatteredgrains, brassicas, etc.)Tiers 2-3: Requires at least twotypes of enrichment, with onefor every 750 ft2Tier 4: Requires at least two types ofenrichment, with one for every 500 ft2Tiers 5-5 : Provided via pasturerequirement (vegetated ground cover oradded foraging materials)4hr limit10hr limit, including loading andunloadingTier 1-5: 6hr limit, including catchingand loading timeTier 5 : Transport Duration2GAP is currently reviewing its breed standards and will have new guidance by 2024.By 2020, 6.0 lb/ft2 will be the max stocking density.3By 2022, natural light will be required at Tier 2 and evidence of transition towards natural light will be required from 2019 onwards.12Back to Table of Contents12

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Certification Programs: Standards ComparisonsDairy Cattle StandardsCERTIFIED ANIMAL WELFARE APPROVEDby AGW (2018)CERTIFIED HUMANE (2014)OutdoorAccessContinuous pasture access required whenever the welfareof the animal would not otherwise be affectedRegular outdoor access required, weather permittingSpaceAllowanceTethering prohibited; tie stalls permitted only for milkingand/or feeding immediately pre or post-milkingThere must be 5% more stalls than cattleSpace requirements based on weight class and rangefrom 16 ft2 of bedded lying area per 220 lb calf to 54 ft2of bedded lying area per 1100 lb cowCalves and cows must have additional loafing area whenexcluded from ranging and foraging area, ranging from16 ft2 per 220 lb calf to 40 ft2 per 1100 lb cowTethering prohibited; tie stalls prohibited asa means of housingWhen using free stalls, group size must be numberof stalls and clean, dry, comfortable beds and a loafingarea must be providedLying area must provide sufficient room for all cattle tolie down together. In loose housing, there must be atleast 60 ft2 of space per mature cow.Housing ofCalvesTethering prohibitedArtificial rearing in individual pens permitted for 28d, before transitioning to forageRaising individual calves in isolation prohibitedTethering prohibitedGroup housing of calves required once calves are 8 wksOutdoor exercise area must be provided, weather permittingWeaning 12 wks weaning recommendedNo weaning 6 wksNo weaning 5wks and weaning cannot coincide withtransition from individual pens to group housingDehorning/DisbuddingDehorning prohibitedHorn tipping permittedDisbudding permitted using caustic paste 7d orby hot iron w/ anesthetic and analgesia 2moDisbudding 2mo prohibitedDehorning/DisbuddingDisbudding and dehorning permitted. Must use paincontrol. Disbudding permitted using cautery paste 7dor by hot iron 3wks. Dehorning must not be routine andcan only be performed by a veterinarian.WeaningPhysicalAlterationsTail DockingTail docking prohibitedMarkingBranding prohibited, unless otherwise required by law,financial institutions or breed societiesIf required, freeze branding should be usedEar notching permitted, but must be carried out using anotching tool, not a knifeTail DockingTail docking prohibitedMarkingFace branding and ear notching prohibitedCastration 7d using rubber band/ring or 6mo using other bandingmethods, burdizzo clamp, emasculator or surgicalcastration w/ pain controlCastrationChemical castration prohibited 7d using rubber bands/rings or 2mo usingscalpel/burdizzoBullCalvesEuthanasia of healthy bull calves prohibitedCannot be sold to farms that have confinement, cratedor slatted veal systemsOn-farm euthanasia of healthy bull calves prohibitedNo restrictions on sale8hr limit3hr limit for calves within 7d of weaning8hr limitSlaughterTransportDurationBack to Table of Contents13

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE CERTIFICATION GUIDE Certification Programs: Standards ComparisonsDairy Goats StandardsCERTIFIED ANIMAL WELFARE APPROVEDby AGW (2018)CERTIFIED HUMANE (2014)Continuous access to pasture or browse area (ta

Notre Dame, IN Siena College Smith College Sterling College Stonehill College University of California system University of Denver University of Maine system University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Montana University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of Oklahoma University of Pittsburgh University of Utah University of Vermont

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