Beef and Lamb Quality
Assurance Scheme
Producer Standard
Revision 01
Growing the success of Irish food & horticulture
Growing the success of Irish food & horticulture
Beef and Lamb Quality
Assurance Scheme
Producer Standard
Revision 01, November 2010
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Contents
1
2
3
Introduction
1.1
Development
1.2
Objectives
1.3
Participation
1.4
Framework References for this Standard
1.5
Definitions
1.6
Cautionary Notes
Scheme Rules
2.1
Membership Requirements
2.2
Control and Monitoring
2.3
Requirement Categories and Application of Non-Compliances
2.4
Recommendations for Best Practice
2.5
Certification Decisions
2.6
Appeals
2.7
Complaints
2.8
Revision Updates
2.9
Notification of Change
Producer Requirements
3.1
Overview and Retention of Records
3.2
Identification and Traceability
3.3
Animal Remedies
3.4
Animal Feed and Water
3.5
Best Practice Guidelines
3.6
General Stockmanship
3.7
Specified Management Tasks: Cattle
3.8
Specified Management Tasks: Sheep
3.9
Animal Health
3.10
Biosecurity
3.11
Pest Control
3.12
Housing
3.13
Transport
3.14
Environmental Protection
3.15
Farm Health and Safety
Contents
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Contents
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
4
Producer Appendices
1
Producer Reference Information
2
Producer Declaration Form
3
Supply and Sale of Animal Remedies
4a
Animal Remedies Purchases Record
4b
Animal Remedies Usage Record
5a
Feed Purchases Record
5b
Own Farm Feed Record
6
Recommendations
7
Animal Health Plan: Beef and Lamb
8
Zoonoses
9
Medicine Storage
10
Space Requirements
11
Farm Safety Risk Assessment / Farm Safety Statement: Guidelines
12
Safe Handling of Chemicals
13
Food Chain Information
14
On-Farm Slaughter of Healthy Animals
1 Introduction
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Introduction
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Introduction
1.1
Development
The Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme (BLQAS) was developed
by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) representing Bord Bia – the
Irish Food Board, Teagasc, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI),
the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (DAFF), industry
(Producers and Processors) and technical experts.
It replaces the previous Standards: Beef Quality Assurance Standard
(Producers) Rev 03 and Lamb Quality Assurance Standard (Producers)
Rev 02.
1.2Objectives
The primary objectives of the Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme are:
1.3
•
To set out the requirements for best practice in beef and lamb
production at farm level;
•
To provide a uniform mechanism for recording and monitoring
beef and lamb quality assurance criteria on the farm with a view
to achieving continuous improvement in production standards;
•
To provide a means of demonstrating best practice at producer level;
and
•
To underpin the successful marketing of quality assured beef and
lamb.
Participation
The Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme is voluntary and application
for membership is open to all beef and / or lamb producers who wish to
participate. Certification to the Standard, however, will only be granted
to Producers who meet the relevant requirements.
1.4
Framework References For this Standard
This Standard incorporates the key legislative requirements relevant to beef
and lamb production and animal welfare. However, it is also recommended
that Producers consult other best practice guidelines and legislation
referenced in Producer Reference Information, Appendix 1.
Note: Compliance with this Standard does not guarantee compliance
with all relevant legislation.
1
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Introduction
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1.5
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Definitions
AIM: the DAFF Animal Identification and Movement computer based
system for recording cattle and sheep movements.
BHR: Bovine Herd Register.
Bord Bia: the Irish Food Board.
BLQAS: the Bord Bia Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme.
Register / Database: the Bord Bia register / database of the current
certified members indicating their membership status.
Certification Committee: the Committee to which the Bord Bia
Quality Assurance Board has devolved responsibility and authority for
all certification decisions with regard to membership of the Scheme.
Certification Period: this will be 18 months from the date of certification
under the Scheme or until the next audit.
DAFF: the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
FSAI: the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Farm Auditor: the independent auditor carrying out the farm audits.
Herd Number: a unique number assigned to the herd / flock / holding
of the keeper of animals.
Member: a Producer that is certified under the BLQAS and is shown
on the Bord Bia register / database.
NSIS: National Sheep Identification System.
Producer: a beef or lamb producer with a valid Herd / Flock Number.
Producer Standard: this consists of the requirements as set out in Sections
1-4 of the Bord Bia Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Standard: Producer.
Scheme: the Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme consists of two
elements:
•
The Producer Standard; and
•
The process for ensuring that the requirements as set out in the
Standard are met (through auditing, certification, etc.).
Quality Assurance Board: an independent subsidiary Board within Bord
Bia which has overall responsibility for policy in relation to the operation
of the Quality Assurance Scheme.
Teagasc: The Agriculture and Food Development Authority of Ireland.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
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Introduction
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1.6Cautionary Notes
Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this
Standard, Bord Bia cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.
Bord Bia is not liable for any costs, potential or estimated loss of earnings
resulting from having to comply with any requirement of this Scheme or
in regard to the consequences of being found to be in breach of any
requirement.
1
2 Scheme Rules
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Scheme Rules
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Scheme Rules
This section contains important general information for Producers.
It is crucial that Producers take sufficient time to read and fully
understand this section of the Standard.
2.1Membership Requirements
Membership of the Scheme is voluntary and open to all beef and lamb
producers who have a valid herd / flock number.
2.1.1
Application Process
Producers seeking membership must initially apply in writing, either
directly to the Bord Bia or through a participating Meat Processor using
the application form provided with this Standard.
(Producers should also note that a separate Producer Declaration Form
will also be completed at the audit: see Appendix 2).
The application will then be evaluated and, where appropriate, a full
independent audit of the Producer will be carried out to determine the
capability of the applicant to meet all the requirements of the Standard.
When the Producer is deemed to comply with the requirements of the
Standard as determined by independent audit, the Producer will be
considered for certification under the Scheme.
If certified, the Producer will be issued with a membership
certificate and will be listed on the Bord Bia register / database.
2.1.2
Database Information
A Bord Bia database / register indicating the status of all certified Producers,
will be maintained.
Bord Bia records all relevant data from the farm audits and may also record
other information relating to the farm as part of the audit.
2.1.3
Producer Eligibility
Producers that have been convicted of an offence under legislation
relating to animal health, animal welfare, animal remedies, animal
identification, animal feeds, animal carcase disposal, environmental
protection or farm safety in the previous 3 years will not be eligible
for certification to this Standard. In addition, if, during the period of
validity of the certificate, the Producer is convicted of such an offence
the Producer is obliged to advise Bord Bia. The Certificate will be revoked
and the Producer will be withdrawn from the Scheme. Failure to inform
Bord Bia of a conviction will also be deemed as not having met the
conditions of membership.
2
2
Scheme Rules
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
2.2Control and Monitoring
2.2.1
Control
Overall control of the Scheme will be exercised by the Bord Bia Quality
Assurance Board. This Board is representative of the relevant sectors of
the food industry and collaborates with the Technical Advisory Committee,
which is responsible for drafting the Standard and formulating required
amendments.
The decision of the Quality Assurance Board on any matter relating
to the control or operation of the Scheme is final.
2.2.2
Monitoring
After the initial successful application, monitoring of the Producer’s
compliance with the full requirements of the Standard will be carried
out through audit by Bord Bia or its nominated agents.
Each Producer will be independently audited at defined intervals and
the maximum interval between successive audits will be 18 months.
Auditors with appropriate sectoral experience will carry out these audits
against the full requirements of the Standard and a report will be issued
to the Producer.
Bord Bia reserves the right to carry out supplementary audits for the
purposes of verifying ongoing compliance with the requirements of the
Standard and / or to determine that where relevant, agreed actions have
taken place.
Producers must, on request, supply any relevant information requested
by the auditor including relevant regulatory reports.
The full onus of responsibility for compliance with the requirements of
this Producer Standard is on Producers participating in the Scheme and
not on Bord Bia or its agents or any other third party.
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Scheme Rules
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2.3Requirement Categories and Application
of Non-Compliances
2.3.1
Categories
For audit purposes non-compliance with the requirements of this Standard
(see Section 3, Producer Requirements) are classified as Critical, Category 1
and Category 2.
Critical: A critical non-compliance is raised when, because of a breach
of a requirement of the Standard, a serious food safety hazard exists or
is likely to occur. These requirements are printed in bold, underlined
typeface and are identified in the text as (Critical).
Category 1: A category 1 non-compliance is raised when there is evidence
that core best practice is not being observed. These requirements are
printed in bold typeface and are identified in the text as (Category 1).
Category 2: A category 2 non-compliance is raised where best practice
has not been fully complied with, but where departure from best practice
will not immediately compromise the operation of the Beef and Lamb Quality
Assurance Scheme. These requirements are printed in normal typeface.
2.3.2
Certification
Requirement
Full compliance with all critical requirements is an essential preliminary
requirement for certification.
Category 1 and 2 requirements will be scored as follows:
•
Compliance
=
2 points;
•
Compliance but improvement is required
i.e. Area for Improvement (AFI)
=
1 point; and
•
2.3.3
Application of
Non-Compliances
No compliance
=
0 points
or score N.
Critical:
Producers against whom a critical non-compliance has been raised cannot
be certified to this Standard and cannot supply product under the Quality
Assurance Scheme.
Category 1:
Producers must obtain a minimum score of 75% on category 1
requirements, and comply with all requirements.
Category 2:
Producers must obtain a minimum score of 70% on category 2
requirements, and comply with all requirements.
This means that a 0 (zero) score against any category 1 or 2 requirement
automatically excludes the Producer from certification under the Scheme.
2
2
Scheme Rules
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
2.3.4
Application of Areas
for Improvement (AFI)
Where any AFI (score = 1) was noted in the previous audit, the Producer
is required to implement improvement prior to the next audit.
2.3.5
Minimum Compliance
Requirement
The minimum percentage (%) compliance required to be eligible for
certification will be reviewed by Bord Bia annually in conjunction with
the Technical Advisory Committee and may be amended.
However, for certain requirements (identified with 4 ), evidence must
be available to demonstrate the Producer’s commitment to achieving
compliance.
2.4Recommendations for Best Practice
There are a number of recommendations for best practice included in
this Standard (see Appendix 6). Compliance with these recommendations
is not mandatory for certification; however, during audit, these issues may
be evaluated and the result recorded. This may be revised at a future
date in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee in which
case amendment notices will be issued to all participants.
2.5Certification Decisions
The decision regarding certification for each Producer will be made by
the Certification Committee. This decision will be made primarily on the
basis of the audit findings, but other factors, which may be recorded by
the auditor or may come to light after the audit (including failure to meet
regulatory requirements, other food safety requirements, or previous audit
history) will be taken into consideration in arriving at the certification decision.
The following certification decisions can be made:
Grant / Extend: the Producer is issued with a first certificate, or the
existing certification is extended; and
Not Eligible / Suspend: the Producer’s existing certification is withdrawn
or the Producer’s application is refused (new Applicants). In the event that
certification is withdrawn, the membership certificate must be returned
and the Producer will be removed from the register of certified Producers.
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Scheme Rules
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2.6Appeals
The Producer may appeal decisions regarding certification status by writing
to the Quality Assurance Manager, Bord Bia within 14 days of being
notified of a certification decision.
The request to appeal will be acknowledged and investigated by Bord Bia.
2.7Complaints
The Producer may complain with regard to the audit or any other aspect of
the operation of the Scheme. All complaints must be in writing and must be
addressed to the Quality Assurance Manager, Bord Bia. All such complaints
will be acknowledged and followed up.
2.8Revision Updates
Users should note that only this latest edition now applies. When future
changes occur, updates will be issued to all participants in whole or in part
and the obsolete sections will no longer apply.
2.9Notification of Change
In the event that the ownership, structure or management of the Producer
changes, Bord Bia must be immediately informed.
2
3 Producer Requirements
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Producer Requirements
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Producer Requirements
This section (Section 3) of the Producer Standard is presented in two
main panels in each sub-section.
•
The first panel (blue text on blue background) sets background
information that is relevant to the sub-section.
•
The second panel (blue text on white background) sets out
the specific production related requirements against which
the Producers will be audited.
3.1Overview and Retention of Records
Background Information
This Standard reflects the current requirements of customers of Irish
beef and lamb; including abattoirs, cutting halls, manufacturing plants,
retailers and eventual consumers. These requirements relate to production
standards, animal health, animal welfare requirements, food safety
requirements and traceability.
Applicants will be audited against the requirements of the Standard
and, if certified, will be re-audited on a periodic basis (see Section 2:
Scheme Rules). During the audit, the auditor will seek to establish
through observation, questioning and the assessment of relevant
records that the Producer meets all the requirements of the Standard.
The retention of good records is therefore a vital prerequisite to
participation in the Scheme.
a)
All records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years, however
prescriptions and animal remedy records (both purchase and usage)
must be retained for 5 years.
b)
Records must be readily available at all times and must be complete
(i.e. without gaps) since joining the Scheme.
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3
Producer Requirements
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
3.2Identification and Traceability
Background Information
The BLQAS (Producer and relevant processor Standards) seek to assure
the retailer and consumer regarding traceability of the meat back to
the source farm. Participating Producers will be therefore aware of the
importance of being able to establish full traceability for all cattle and
sheep on their farm(s). The central systems for ensuring identification
and traceability of livestock on farms are the Animal Identification and
Movement system (AIM) and the relevant register (Bovine Herd Register
(BHR) and or Sheep Register).
a)
Each participant must have a valid DAFF herd / flock number
and a current valid herd and / or flock register (Critical).
Bovine Herd Register
b)
c)
Each participant must have a system for recording bovine
movements that meets the regulatory requirements and
includes at a minimum (all Category 1): 4
i.
The current listing of all bovines on the holding;
ii.
All animal movements onto and off the farm with AIM Compliance Certificates where relevant retained;
and
iii.
Records of all bovine births and deaths.
All cattle on the farm must (all Category 1): 4
i.
Be tagged with two (matching) official ear tags by 20 days of age;
ii.
Be registered with the DAFF AIM within 7 days of
tagging using the Calf Registration form or other
approved means; and
iii.
Have a valid passport (or approved alternative) for each animal by 40 days old.
Farmers will be aware that where animals have lost ear tags or there are missing cards,
a DAFF approved procedure must be followed to secure replacement tags / cards.
Participants should, where necessary, consult their local DVO for clarification.
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Residency Requirements: Beef
d)
Farmers must be aware of residency requirements for cattle
which will be verified at Bord Bia Approved Processor outlets.
Note: Cattle must be resident on a BLQAS approved farm(s) for a minimum
of 70 days prior to slaughter, but this residency period may be longer where
specific customer requirements apply.
Sheep Register
e)
f)
A register of all sheep must be maintained in accordance with the current National Sheep Identification System (NSIS)
requirements and be available for inspection with up to date
records of all following events (all Category 1): 4
i.
Tagging of home bred sheep as required;
ii.
Purchases / sales movements onto / off the holding;
iii.
Tagging of purchased sheep (as relevant); and
iv.
Death of sheep.
All sheep must be tagged according to the current NSIS
requirements (Category 1). 4
Residency Requirements: Lamb
g)
All lambs destined for the Quality Assurance Scheme must come
from a BLQAS assured farm and conform with one of the following:
i.
Resident on the farm from birth to dispatch for slaughter; or
ii.
Resident on the farm for minimum 42 days.
Note: Consult Teagasc or DAFF for the most recent information
on the operation of the NSIS.
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
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3.3Animal Remedies
Purchase, Administration and Records
Background Information
All animal remedies approved for use in food producing animals in
Ireland are currently authorised by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB)
or by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) and carry
a formal approval number.
Note: Farmers should be aware that remedies purchased outside
the state or over the internet may not be approved for use in Ireland
(for further details please see Appendix 3).
Care should be taken to follow veterinary instructions and / or label
instructions to ensure optimum results and avoid risks to livestock,
Producers and consumers. Farmers should note that under Irish and
EU law, there is a requirement to keep separate records of animal
remedies purchased / received AND animal remedies administered /
used. The requirement to keep records applies to all animal remedies
both prescription and non-prescription (including non-prescription
doses, drenches, anthelmintics, etc.). These and other requirements
relating to records of purchase and usage are set out below.
Producers will be aware that random and targeted testing of live
animals and carcases is routinely conducted by DAFF to check for the
presence of residues including animal remedy residues.
a)
Only authorised remedies that carry a VPA, EU or other official
approval number that were purchased from legally approved
sources are permitted (Critical).
b)
To ensure that all animal remedies purchased are clearly and
readily traceable, all the purchasing information, (including
name and address of supplier, date of purchase / receipt,
authorised name of the animal remedy, quantity) must be
recorded in one of the following ways (all Category 1): 4
i.
Retention of all invoices / purchase records provided they contain ALL the necessary detail (above);
ii.
Computer based records containing ALL the above
details and these are clearly accessible to inspection; or
iii.
ALL details entered in the Bord Bia Farm Book, Animal
Remedies Purchases Record (see Appendix 4a, Animal
Remedies Purchases Record).
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Producer Requirements
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c)
Label instructions (with respect to target species, dosage rates, and withdrawal periods) must be observed and this will be subject to verification via the Animal Remedy Records
(ARR) (Category 1). 4
d)
An up-to-date register of remedy usage, on an individual or
collective basis, must be maintained in one of the following
formats (all Category 1): 4
e)
f)
i.
The ARR section of the Bovine Herd Register. This can also be used for sheep on farm if these animals are clearly identified (by individual tag or by group)
(Note: Some of the BHR books issued do not have an
ARR section, hence other acceptable methods must be used);
ii.
The Bord Bia Remedies Usage Record in the Bord Bia
Farm Book (See Appendix 4b, Animal Remedies Usage
Records);
iii.
Computer based records, provided these are easily
accessible for inspection; or
iv.
Other approved means.
For each administration, the following information must be recorded (all Category 1): 4
i.
Date of administration;
ii.
Authorised name and quantity of the animal remedy
administered;
iii.
Identity of the animal / animals to which the remedy was administered including the ear tag number if
appropriate. Where group administrations that are
carried out, records that clearly identify which batch of animals were treated must be retained. Untagged
sheep (lambs) can only be identified on a group basis;
iv.
Date on which the withdrawal period ends;
v.
Name of person administering remedy; and
vi.
Name of prescribing veterinarian (if applicable).
Animals must not be sold for slaughter before the date of end
of remedy withdrawal period (Critical).
Note: In the event of a sale of livestock through marts, or direct from
farm to farm, Producers should be aware of their responsibility to advise
purchasers of their livestock of any recent remedy treatments and
consequent withdrawal periods (see Appendix 13 Food Chain Information).
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
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Animal Remedies – Storage and Disposal
Background Information
Correct storage and disposal of unused / empty / expired animal
medicines and veterinary waste materials (e.g. used containers, used
needles / syringes, etc.) is an essential part of good farming practice. The
correct storage requirements pertaining to all animal remedies (including
worm doses / treatments) are as detailed on the product label / package
insert. Disposal normally involves collecting and storing all hazardous
waste in a suitable and clearly labelled container that is kept away from
household waste and disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly
manner such as by:
•
Disposal at a designated hazardous waste facility provided by
the local authority;
•
Obtaining the services of a licensed private hazardous waste
collection service; or
•
The Producer’s veterinary surgeon or veterinary pharmacy /
licensed merchant may also provide a disposal service to clients
for expired / unused medicines (as distinct from empty containers).
Note: Please contact the relevant local authority for information
on proper disposal.
For further information, see Waste Management Act 1996 and 2002;
see also Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Waste Catalogue and
Hazardous Waste List available on the EPA website.
g)
A medicine store must be provided which is secured in a manner
so as to be accessible only to the person responsible for the herd.
(See Medicine Storage in Appendix 9.)
h)
All expired animal remedies must be removed from the medicines
store (or segregated within the store) and controlled pending safe
disposal. The quantity of unused / expired medicines returned to the
supplier for disposal must be recorded in the Animal Remedy Records.
i)
All medicines (including sheep dip, pour-on, etc.) must be retained in
their original labelled container and must be stored in isolation from
other products such as farm chemicals.
j)
Vaccines requiring refrigerated storage must be stored in a suitable
fridge.
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k)
All medical equipment must be stored separate to farm chemicals
and other hazardous products and maintained in a safe and clean
environment.
l)
All used needles and syringes must be controlled pending safe
disposal in suitable labelled receptacles / boxes / containers.
m)
Where a needle breaks in the muscle and is not recovered,
the tag number must be recorded and this information passed
to the abattoir or next keeper at the time of sale.
3.4Animal Feed and Water
Background Information
Correct nutrition of the animal is vital to good health and food safety.
In Ireland, beef cattle are largely fed on grass or grass silage, however
it is common practice to supplement this with purchased feedstuffs
particularly during the winter period. The majority of sheeps’ dietary
requirements also come from grass and consequently good grassland
management is essential.
Producers will be aware of the need to feed concentrates to sheep over
winter to supplement forages. Producers will also be aware of the special
feed requirements for the production of early season lamb and the need
for supplementary feeding of lambs pre- and post-weaning. Producers
will also provide cattle and sheep with ready access, at all times, to clean
water and will be aware of the need to ensure that the feed regime of
all animals is maintained in the event of unexpected events / unplanned
absences. Producers will also be aware that random and targeted testing
of live animals, carcases and feedstuffs is routinely conducted by DAFF
to check for the presence of residues.
a)
Cattle and sheep must derive the bulk of their feed throughout
their lifetime from grass and grass based winter forages.
b)
Only animal proteins derived from milk, egg and non-ruminant
gelatine may be used in beef or sheep feeds (Critical).
c)
Feedstuffs, other than farm-to-farm cereal / fodder purchases,
must only be sourced from DAFF approved suppliers and in
accordance with the Feed Quality Assurance Scheme (when
introduced) (Critical).
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
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d)
The use of all medicinal feed additives, including antibiotic growth promoters and digestive enhancers for non-therapeutic purposes is prohibited (Category 1).
e)
Bovine and ovine feeds must be manufactured without the incorporation of tallow (Category 1).
Note: Farmers should check feed labels, and other feed compositional
parameters or seek compositional detail from their feed compounders
to confirm that tallow is not present.
f)
Feed delivery documentation / label information must be
retained for examination for all feed deliveries (Category 1).
g)
The feed label or accompanying documentation must contain
the following information:
i.
The species of animal for which the feed is intended;
ii.
A list of ingredients or categories in descending order
of inclusion;
iii.
The name, address and licence number (DAFF or equivalent
approval number) of the manufacturer; and
iv.
A declaration of nutritional composition.
h)
For farm to farm cereal / fodder purchases, details of the purchase
(including name of supplier, herd number, date of purchase, product
purchased, quantity, and any other relevant information) must
be recorded in the Bord Bia Farm Book Feed Purchases Record
(see Appendix 5a). Other recording systems, which capture the
same information will be acceptable.
i)
Details of all feeds grown on the home farm used for feeding
to cattle or sheep must be recorded in the Bord Bia Farm Book
Own Farm Feed Record (see Appendix 5b, Own Farm Feed Record).
Other recording systems, which capture the same information will
be acceptable.
j)
Producers who carry out on-farm mixing and are incorporating
specific ingredients (e.g. anthelmintics or other additives
permitted by DAFF) must be approved for this activity by DAFF and must be approved under the Bord Bia Feed Quality Assurance Scheme (when introduced) (Category 1).
k)
Producers must be able to identify the feed storage area /
facility and this must be maintained in a clean, dry and
uncontaminated state without evidence of damage /
contamination from sources such as rodents, birds, cats, insects, moulds and dampness (Category 1).
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l)
Chemicals, oils and other potentially toxic substances (including
paints, preservatives, detergents, disinfectants, etc.) must be kept
isolated from animal feedstuffs to prevent any accidental spillage
contaminating the feeds.
m)
Producers must ensure that all feeding equipment (including
receptacles, feed troughs, bins, mixing equipment, areas where
mixing occurs) and vehicles are maintained in a clean state to
prevent cross-contamination (e.g. from chemicals, oils, other
farm wastes and manures) (Category 1).
n)
All livestock must have access to a clean water supply at
all times.
o)
Where the water supply is derived from well(s), the well-head(s)
must be sealed and the area around the well-head(s) maintained
to prevent water contamination.
p)
Watering devices including drinkers and storage facilities must
be kept clean and regularly inspected to ensure they are in good
working order and sited so as to prevent fouling and freezing in
cold weather.
q)
There must be sufficient feed and water available at all times
(grass, forage, roots, etc.) to maintain the animals’ health and
welfare status (Category 1).
Where non-ruminants (especially pigs, poultry, horses) are also present
on the farm, the following additional requirements apply.
r)
Cattle and sheep must not be fed non-ruminant feeds and
feed storage facilities must be managed so as to prevent cross
contamination of cattle and sheep rations with feed rations
intended for other species (Critical).
s)
Separate handling equipment must be used or else, the handling
equipment must be thoroughly cleaned between each use.
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
3.5Best Practice Guidelines
Background Information
Producers will be aware of their responsibility to ensure the cleanliness of
animals going to slaughter. Farmers will be familiar with the requirement
to complete a Food Chain Information Document with each dispatch of
animals for slaughter. The details of this are outlined in Appendix 13.
The Teagasc leaflet entitled “Best Practice to Produce Clean Cattle”
contains useful information. The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council
(FAWAC) publications on animal welfare also provide a comprehensive
guide to good welfare practices on farm and while transporting animals.
Producers will be aware of the need to implement best animal husbandry
practices. Animal welfare is concerned with the well-being of the animal
and complements the objectives of the Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance
Scheme that demonstrate the production of quality beef and lamb to
consumers and food chain stakeholders. Producers will also be aware
that best farm animal husbandry practices and welfare standards take
account of the Five Freedoms as detailed in the various FAWAC
publications.
a)
Producers must adopt practices appropriate to the enterprise
so as to ensure that livestock are clean for slaughter (Category 1).
b)
Producers must also be conversant with their obligations in
relation to the clean livestock declaration in the Food Chain
Information document as set out in Appendix 13 (Category 1).
c)
To demonstrate their understanding of animal welfare issues,
Producers must be conversant with the content of the FAWAC
publications:
i.
Animal Welfare Guidelines for Beef / Sheep Farmers
(as relevant);
ii.
Animal Welfare Guidelines for Managing Acutely Injured
Livestock on Farm; and
iii.
Best Practice for the Welfare of Animals During Transport.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
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Producer Requirements
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General Stockmanship and
Specified Management Tasks
Background Information
Producers will be aware of the need to produce a quality product that
meets or exceeds consumers’ requirements in terms of product safety
and quality while adhering to good animal welfare standards and the
protection of the environment.
Consumers are increasingly conscious of animal health and welfare issues
and require assurance that best practices are used in the production of
quality beef and lamb. Producers know that good housing and good
handling facilities, careful husbandry and herd health planning lead to
contented healthy animals and are vital ingredients in the production
of quality beef and lamb. Producers also realise the value of having
suitable training and experience in animal husbandry, health and
welfare. This includes having a knowledge of what is required for
the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
To maintain healthy, stress-free, and properly nourished animals;
Appropriate animal feeding and grassland management;
Good animal housing;
Good animal husbandry and handling;
Maintaining normal animal behaviour;
Implementing a planned herd / flock health programme;
The proper treatment of sick animals and use of animal remedies;
and
Knowledge of when veterinary treatment is required.
Stockmanship is a key factor in animal welfare. Producers will
therefore be experienced in cattle and sheep husbandry and be
capable of detecting the early signs of discomfort and illness including
loss of appetite, cessation of cudding, listlessness, weakness, coughing,
panting, discharge from eyes / nostrils / mouth, scratching, lameness,
swollen joints, aimless wandering, abnormal posture, frequent lying
down, loss of wool or abnormal skin conditions, loss of weight and
separation from the herd / flock.
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
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3.6General Stockmanship
a)
Producers must be able to demonstrate their experience of specific
stockmanship skills through on-farm working with an experienced
person; having a minimum of 5 years relevant on-farm experience
in beef and / or lamb production; or being able to demonstrate that
training was received in at least one of the following:
i.
Teagasc courses / seminars / public events (both national
and local);
ii.
Agricultural College certificate / diploma / degree;
iii.
Work experience on master farms; or
iv.
Farm apprenticeship courses.
b)
Producers must have a regular inspection routine for all animals,
to ensure their welfare.
c)
The frequency of inspection must be increased during vulnerable
periods including calving, lambing, adverse weather conditions
and other relevant times.
d)
Producers must have animal handling facilities appropriate to the
management of their livestock (e.g. a pen for sheep and cattle, a crush
for cattle, a skulling gate where relevant for cattle). These facilities
must permit the animal to be restrained so as to minimise the risk
of injury and stress and the facilities must be maintained in a manner
that ensures the safety of both the livestock and the stockperson.
e)
Fencing and hedges must be maintained to avoid injury to animals
and prevent entanglement.
f)
Animals must be treated and handled in a manner that avoids injury
and minimises stress and must not be lifted or dragged by the head,
horns, ears, legs, tail or fleece.
g)
Lambs in particular must be handled in a manner that avoids
damage to the carcase.
h)
Where dogs are used to assist handling of cattle or sheep, there
must be no evidence of injury or undue stress to the sheep or cattle.
i)
Animals must be handled without excessive physical force and
without the use of electronic goads.
j)
Where the destruction of an animal is deemed necessary on humane
grounds, it must be carried out under direct veterinary supervision or
by a licensed slaughter service (who may be a knackery employee).
The death must be recorded on the AIM database or in the relevant
bovine herd register or flock register.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Producer Requirements
Page 13 of 21
k)
Producers must be aware of the requirements for on-farm slaughter
of healthy animals that have suffered an acute accidental injury
(see On-Farm Slaughter of Healthy Animals, Appendix 14).
l)
A contingency plan, whereby the health and welfare of the animals
is provided for, in the event of unplanned absences / events, must
be in place.
3.7Specified Management Tasks: Cattle
a)
Where stock bulls are housed, they must have sight of other farm
animals / other farm activity.
b)
Calving facilities appropriate to the farming system must be available,
ideally including a calving gate or other suitable restraining facilities.
Where outdoor calving is practiced adequate dry lying areas and
shelter must be available.
c)
Calves under 8 weeks may only be housed in individual pens where
they have direct and visual contact with other calves. Calves over
8 weeks must only be individually penned where under veterinary
supervision / treatment.
d)
Calving pens must be maintained in a hygienic and safe condition
so as to minimise infection and injury during calving.
e)
Producers must ensure that newborn calves receive colostrum during
the first 6 hours of life (ideally within one hour of birth).
f)
Where castration using a clamp (e.g. Burdizzo) is carried out, it must
be carried out before 6 months of age and ideally between 2 and 3
months of age to minimise stress.
g)
Where castration using a clamp (e.g. Burdizzo) is carried out after
six months of age, it can only be carried out under veterinary
supervision using appropriate anaesthesia and pain relief drugs.
h)
Where castration is carried out using rubber rings, it must only
be carried out in the first week of life.
i)
Disbudding (where required) must be carried out before 2 weeks of
age using a heated disbudding iron and ideally using a handling crate.
j)
Where disbudding takes place after 2 weeks of age, a local
anaesthetic must be used in accordance with the current animal
welfare and animal remedy legislation relating to anaesthetics.
k)
Dehorning must only be carried out by a registered veterinary practitioner
using appropriate anaesthesia and pain relief drugs.
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
3.8Specified Management Tasks: Sheep
a)
Producers must maintain all lambing facilities (where present),
including pens, in a clean condition.
b)
Where sheep housing facilities are not available and sheep are
out-wintered, a sheltered dry lying area, ideally located in close
proximity to the stockman, must be provided to protect against
inclement weather and predators.
c)
Rams must be confined in groups with limited space to prevent
fighting particularly when mixing unfamiliar rams.
d)
All adult sheep must be shorn at a minimum once per year.
e)
Shearing of ewes in the 6 week period prior to lambing must
be avoided.
f)
Producers must have a routine for drafting lambs on the basis
of body weight and fat cover.
g)
Where castration is carried out using rubber rings, it must only
be carried out in the first week of life.
h)
Where castration is carried out using a clamp (e.g. Burdizzo) it must
only be done up to 3 months of age.
i)
Tail docking (where practised) must be carried out using rubber
rings only and in the first week of life.
j)
Where tail docking is practiced, sufficient tail must be left to cover
the vulva in the female.
k)
Flystrike must be treated in good time either by dipping or through
the use of other remedies (which cause less stress).
l)
Producers must be able to demonstrate knowledge of nutrition
requirements especially in the pre- and post-lambing periods.
m)
Producers must be able to demonstrate that they are sufficiently
experienced / trained in lambing procedures and post-lambing care
and have access to a veterinarian as required.
n)
Producers must have a sheep culling programme that takes into account
factors including general health and well-being (e.g. feet and teeth).
o)
Additional monitoring of sheep must be conducted as follows:
i.
Feet must be monitored and treated / pared / dipped as
required;
ii.
Where foot baths are used there must be a programme to
ensuring that the dip remains effective when in use;
iii.
Teeth must be monitored and if necessary appropriate
action taken (e.g. making available suitable feed); and
iv.
Sheep must be monitored regularly to minimise faecal matting.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Producer Requirements
Page 15 of 21
3.9Animal Health
Background Information
Producers will be aware that the health of the animals is crucial to food
safety and productivity on the farm. Producers have a close relationship
with their veterinary surgeon and will be conscious of the need to try to
prevent animal health and welfare problems.
Producers will also be aware that certain diseases are notifiable and
that incidences of such diseases must be reported to the local DVO.
A list of notifiable diseases (for cattle and sheep) is provided in
Appendix 8, Zoonoses.
a)
The herd / flock must be under the routine care of a veterinary
surgeon.
b)
All bovine animals must be presented for testing in accordance
with the DAFF disease eradication and control requirements
(Category 1).
c)
Each Producer must follow a documented Animal Health Plan
drawn up by the Producer (ideally in conjunction with his / her
veterinary surgeon or agricultural advisor) in the Bord Bia Farm
Book (or equivalent) which outlines the proposed preventative and /
or prophylactic treatments during the year which must be reviewed
annually (see Animal Health Plan: Beef and Lamb, Appendix 7).
d)
The producer must have a procedure for the control of internal
parasites through grassland management and dosing.
e)
Farm perimeter boundaries must be maintained so as to minimise
contact with neighbouring animals.
f)
Acutely sick animals must be segregated from others and treated
promptly.
g)
The disposal of dead cattle and sheep must be done in
compliance with the current DAFF requirements and the
required disposal evidence must be available (e.g. receipt for collection / AIM record) (Category 1).
Note: The relevant register entry must be made as per requirement
Section 3.2.
h)
Farm dogs and cats must be managed to reduce the risk of the
spread of parasites or disease to livestock and / or humans.
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
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3.10Biosecurity
Background Information
Producers will be conscious of the need to minimise the risk of diseases
which can be brought onto the farm. Providing suitable disinfecting
facilities at the farm gate, controlling access to the farm and advising
visitors of their responsibilities are good practices in this regard. Particular
attention should be paid to higher risk vehicles transporting slurry and
other animal wastes or vehicles that are likely to have been in contact
with livestock. Further information is available in the DAFF Publication
entitled “Code of Practice for Farmers and those Working with Farm
Animals”.
3.11
a)
Personnel entry and traffic movement must be kept to a minimum
and visitors to the farm must be advised of their responsibilities
regarding biosecurity through a prominently displayed notice or by
other means (see also 3.15.c Farm Safety Risk Assessment availability).
b)
The Producer must provide facilities for visitors to disinfect footwear
on arrival at the farm using suitable disinfectants.
Pest Control
Background Information
It is important to control vermin and rodents and other pests in the
farmyard to prevent disease spread particularly by contamination of
feedstuffs (including forage).
a)
Each Producer must operate and maintain an effective rodent control
programme in the farmyard.
b)
Where baiting is used, the following requirements apply:
i.
A farmyard sketch identifying the locations of the bait points
must be available;
ii.
Baits must be placed in a manner that prevents access of nontarget species and minimises the risk of cross-contamination
of feed or water; and
iii.
There must be a programme for the inspection and
replenishment of the bait points.
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Producer Requirements
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3.12Housing
Background Information
The quality of the housing provided has a significant impact on animal
health and performance and so particular attention is required with
regard to the space allowances in lying areas, feeding and watering
areas and to the overall ventilation requirement.
Producers will be aware that poor ventilation can lead to serious health
problems. Ventilation is required to prevent the build up of toxic gases.
Properly designed ventilation permits free circulation of air above animal
height while avoiding draughts at livestock level.
Producers will also be aware that artificial lighting is required to facilitate
monitoring and inspection of housed animals after dark. Specific expert
advice on the layout of buildings suitable for cattle and sheep is available
at DAFF and Teagasc offices.
a)
Housing must be designed so as to facilitate effective cleaning and
disinfection.
b)
Sheds and other facilities need to be maintained so as to facilitate
clean cattle production (see also Section 3.5) and in addition, cleaned
as soon as practical after the end of the housing season.
c)
Where bedding is provided, the bedding must be maintained in
a manner that provides for a comfortable clean environment for
the animals.
d)
All floor surfaces must be constructed to be anti-slip and the building
must be designed, constructed and maintained to avoid injury
through sharp projections, holes, and other defects.
e)
Electrical fittings and wiring must be maintained in a manner that
is safe and inaccessible to livestock.
f)
Animals must be housed so that natural daylight is available.
g)
Appropriate lighting must be provided to permit full inspection
of the animals after dark particularly in calving or lambing areas.
h)
Ventilation must be sufficient and must avoid draughts and
condensation.
i)
Housing and facilities must be designed to facilitate emergency exit
in the case of fire, flooding, etc.
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
j)
Adequate floor space must be available to allow all animals to lie
at the same time without discomfort or injury and must conform to
the requirements as detailed in Space Requirements (Appendix 10).
k)
Feeding space must be such that all animals can feed comfortably to
appetite and the space provided must conform to the requirements
specified in Space Requirements (Appendix 10).
l)
Feed barriers must be designed and positioned so as not to restrict
animal feeding behaviour or to cause any injury to the animal.
m)
The farm must have suitable facilities to isolate sick or injured stock.
3.13Transport
Background Information
Animal transport needs to be managed in a manner that ensures that
the animals arrive at their destination safely and without undue stress.
Commercial livestock hauliers (as the persons in charge of the animals
during transit) are obliged to ensure that the welfare of the animals is
safeguarded during transport, loading and unloading. Producers (when
transporting their own stock) have similar responsibilities while the animals
are in transit. Producers will be aware that the design and operation of
the transport vehicles used to transport livestock is important in ensuring
that the animals arrive clean and uninjured at their destination.
a)
Producers must ensure that the animals are fit to travel and that
the transportation is fit for purpose.
b)
Hauliers used for the transportation of animals must be registered
with DAFF.
c)
The key requirements for the Producer’s own transport are:
i.
All vehicles must be designed for ease of cleaning and cleaned
before each load;
ii.
Loading ramps must be designed to prevent animals slipping
or falling from the ramp, and must be equipped with battens,
bridges, gangways and side protection gates that are fully
operational;
iii.
Vehicle design and maintenance must be such as to avoid
risk of injuries from sharp projections;
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
d)
Producer Requirements
Page 19 of 21
iv.
Lighting must be available for loading / unloading in the dark;
v.
Ventilation must be available in transit at all times;
vi.
A visual assessment of the animals must be possible at any
time during a journey; and
vii.
Where vehicles are decked, they must be designed to
minimise seepage onto lower deck animals.
Ensure that loading densities for cattle and sheep meet the
minimum transport density requirements as per Space Requirements
Appendix 10.
(Note: The DAFF leaflet entitled “Guidelines for Animal Welfare During
Transport Within Ireland” has been previously circulated to all Producers
by DAFF. In addition producers should note the availability of the FAWAC
document: Best Practice for the Welfare of Animals During Transport.)
3.14Environmental Protection
Background Information
In Ireland, beef and lamb is typically produced from grass under extensive
grazing conditions. This contributes significantly to the reputation and
market position enjoyed by Irish beef and lamb.
Producers will be aware of the need to manage their enterprises in
an environmentally friendly manner and also to improve biodiversity.
Producers who already participate in schemes such as the Rural
Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS), Agri-Environment Options
Scheme (AEOS) demonstrate their commitment to good environmental
management practices. In addition, the DAFF Cross-Compliance
requirements are available on the DAFF website for consultation.
a)
Raw or treated sewage sludges are prohibited from being used
on Bord Bia certified farms (Category 1).
Note: This includes all forms of sewage sludges that arise from sewage
treatment plants either in slurry, cake or dried forms.
b)
Adequate facilities for collecting and storing of all manures
and effluents (including farmyard manure, slurries and
effluents arising from silage storage and dirty water / yard run-off) must be in place in order to prevent pollution and
disease (Category 1). 4
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3.15
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
c)
Where stock is outwintered, the Producer must avoid placing
livestock on poorly drained land and steps must be taken to prevent
excessive poaching particularly near watercourses. Producers must
also comply with the regulatory requirements / restrictions relating
to areas of special conservation under their control.
d)
Producers must be aware of the restrictions applying to manure
and fertiliser spreading on the farm.
e)
Fuel / oil storage and dispensing facilities must be managed in a
manner that minimises risk of spillage and / or contamination during
fuelling.
f)
Waste oils and lubricants must be collected and controlled pending
disposal through a specially provided Local Authority approved facility.
g)
Farmyards must be maintained in a tidy, ordered fashion.
h)
All waste plastic sheeting and bags must be collected and controlled
pending disposal.
i)
Farm machinery must be maintained in good condition and stored
in a manner that minimises both the biosecurity risk and the risk
of injury to animals.
Farm Health and Safety
Background Information
Producers with less than 3 employees will be aware of their legal
responsibility to have a completed Farm Safety Risk Assessment (FSRA)
on the farm. Where there are more than three employees, a Farm
Safety Statement (FSS) is required. Producers will be aware that the
FSRA or FSS assessment needs to be reviewed on an ongoing basis
and communicated to staff and visitors.
There are many agencies which provide a service to assist with the
writing of FSRA / FSS. In addition, publications are available from various
sources (Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA), Teagasc, Farming
Organisations, Insurance providers, etc.) giving guidance in this area.
Farmers who require a replacement copy of the FSRA can download
it from the HSA website or alternatively, use the facilities / links on the
HSA website to create a new FSRA (see information in Appendix 1).
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Producer Requirements
Page 21 of 21
a)
An up to date FSRA / FSS must be available that identifies specific
hazards on the farm, assesses the risk of injury and specifies how
these risks are to be controlled (see guidelines in Appendix 11). 4
b)
The FSRA / FSS must be available to all people who visit and
work on the farm such as Farm Workers, Farm Relief Personnel,
Contractors, etc.
c)
If the FSRA / FSS is not immediately available to hand, a notice
must be displayed that is visible to all visitors advising of the
availability of the FSRA / FSS on request.
d)
Where there are three or more employees on the farm, a full
FSS must be available.
e)
Farmers must ensure that all avoidable hazards (for both livestock
and humans) are eliminated: these include open / unfenced lagoons,
open wells, excessively low or insecure electric wiring, poorly fenced
land bordering roads and railways, inadequately protected machinery,
access to / gridding of agitation points, etc.
f)
Farmers must have basic first aid supplies, including eyewash,
disinfectant, etc.
3
4 Producer Appendices
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 1
Page of 4
Appendix 1:
Producer Reference Information
Note: This is a list of the main Irish and EU legislation relating to
beef and lamb production. It is not intended as a definitive list of all relevant legislation and does not replace any applicable statutory
requirement. It is the duty of Producers to keep fully up to date with legislation and any changes relevant to their farming activity.
Producers need to be aware that legislative documents are liable to be changed / amended over time.
Hygiene of Foodstuffs
•
Regulation (EC) 178/2002 laying down the general principles and
requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety
authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.
•
Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs.
Regulation (EC) 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules
for food of animal origin.
•
S.I. No. 432 of 2009 European Communities (Food and Feed
Hygiene) Regulations 2009.
Clean Livestock
•
Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs.
Identification and Traceability
•
Regulation (EC) 1760/2000 Establishing a system for the
identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the
labelling of beef and beef products (and implementing Regulations).
•
Regulation (EC) 21/2004 Establishing a system for the identification
and registration of ovine and caprine animals.
•
S.I. No. 276 of 1999 European Communities (Identification and
Registration of Bovine Animals) Regulations, 1999.
•
S.I. No. 258 of 1999 European Communities (Supply of Information
on the Origin, Identification and Destination of Bovine Animals)
Regulations 1999 and other acts.
•
S.I. No. 77 of 2009 European Communities (Identification of Bovines)
Regulations 2009.
•
National Beef Assurance Scheme Act 2000.
4
4
Appendix 1
Page of 4
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Transport
•
Regulation (EC) 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport
and related operations.
•
S.I. No. 98 of 1995 and S.I. No. 326 of 1997 Diseases of Animals
(Protection of Animals during Transport) Orders, 1995 and 1997.
•
S.I. No. 675 of 2006 European Communities (Animal transport
and Control Post) Regulations 2006.
Animal Remedies
•
Directive (EC) 23/96 on measures to monitor certain substances and
residues thereof in live animals and animal products.
•
Regulation (EC) 2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for
the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal
products in foodstuffs of animal origin.
•
S.I. No. 786 of 2007 European Communities (Animal Remedies)
(No.2) Regulations 2007.
•
S.I. No. 183 of 2009 European Communities (Control of animal
Residues and their residues) Regulations 2009.
•
Diseases of Animals Act, 1966.
•
The Animal Remedies Act, 1993.
Animal Welfare
•
Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965.
•
Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purpose Act, 1984.
•
S.I. No. 14 of 2008 European Communities (Welfare of Farmed
Animals) Regulations 2008.
Animal By-Products
•
Regulation (EC) 1774/2002 as amended of the European Parliament
and of the Council laying down health rules concerning animal byproducts not intended for human consumption.
•
S.I. No. 252 of 2008 European Communities (Transmissible Spongiform
Encephalopathies and Animal By-Products) Regulations 2008.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 1
Page of 4
Feedstuffs
•
S.I. No. 432 of 2009 European Communities (Food and Feed
Hygiene) Regulations 2009.
•
S.I. No. 88 of 1999 European Communities (Approval and Registration
of Establishments and Intermediaries operating in the Animal Feed
Sector) Regulations, 1999.
•
S.I. No. 335 of 1999, European Communities (Approval and
Registration of Establishments and Intermediaries Operating
in The Animal Feed Sector) (Amendment).
•
S.I. No. 283 of 1998, European Communities (Feedingstuffs)
(Tolerances of Undesirable Substances and Products) Regulations,
1998.
•
S.I. No. 390 of 1999, European Communities (Putting Into
Circulation Of Feed Materials) Regulations, 1999 (information
regarding feeding meat and bonemeal or fishmeal).
Farm Safety
•
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
Sewage and Sludge Application
•
S.I. No. 148 of 1998 Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge
in Agriculture) Regulations 1998.
Environment
•
Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 and 1990.
•
Waste Management Act, 1996 and 2002.
•
Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.
4
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Appendix 1
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Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Useful References and Codes of Practice
•
Teagasc: Best Practice for Clean Cattle (www.teagasc.ie/
publications/2009/BestPractice_CleanCattle).
•
DAFF: Guidelines for Animal Welfare During Transport Within
Ireland (www.agriculture.gov.ie/fawac).
•
Joint publication by Department of Environment and DAF: Code
of Good Agricultural Practice to Protect Waters from Pollution
by Nitrates, 1996.
•
Fertiliser Association of Ireland: Code of Good Practice for the
Environment and Quality Food Production, 2nd Ed. 1999.
•
Teagasc: Managing Phosphorus in Farming, Nov. 1997.
•
Teagasc: Prevent Silage Pollution, Jan 1994.
•
EPA: Waste Catalogue and Hazardous Waste List (see the EPA
Website).
•
DAFF Publication: Code of Good Farming Practice for farm mixing
of ingredients.
•
HSA Guidelines on Farm Safety Statements and Farm Safety
Assessment documentation.
Useful websites
•
Department of Agriculture and Food: www.agriculture.ie.
•
Food Safety Authority of Ireland: www.fsai.ie.
•
Teagasc: www.teagasc.ie.
•
Irish Statute Book: www.irishstatutebook.ie.
•
Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.ie.
•
Health and Safety Authority: www.hsa.ie.
•
The Fertiliser Association of Ireland: www.fertilizer-assoc.ie.
•
The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council: www.fawac.ie.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 2:
Producer Declaration Form
Appendix 2
Page of 4
4
Appendix 3
Page 1 of 2
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 3:
Supply and Sale of Animal Remedies
Marketing Authorisation
Animal remedies may not be placed on the market prior to the granting of
the marketing authorisation number. The types of authorisation acceptable
are as follows:
1.
VPA (Veterinary Product Authorisation) number. The VPA number is
given to the product by the Irish Medicines Board when the product
is approved for sale and supply in Ireland;
2.
TSA (Therapeutic Substances Act) number. The TSA number was
given to vaccine product by the Department of Agriculture when
they were originally approved. This number will be replaced by the
VPA as the products come up for review in the future; and
3.
EMEA (European Medicines Evaluation Agency). The EMEA assigns
a number to the product when the product is approved for sale and
supply in EU. However, a VPA number should also be available for
the product when sold in Ireland.
Buying Animal Remedies Generally
Where can I buy animal remedies?
This depends on the sales category (route of supply) given to the product
when it was licensed:
•
If it is a ‘Licensed Merchant’ (LM) product, you can buy it from any
Licensed Merchant outlet, from a pharmacy (which stocks animal
remedies) or from the vet who looks after your animals – you do
not need a prescription for such products;
•
If it is a ‘Pharmacy Only’ (PS) or ‘Prescription Only Exempt’ (POM(E))
product, you can buy it from a pharmacy or from the vet who looks
after your animals – you do not need a prescription for such
products; and
•
If it is a ‘Prescription Only’ (POM) product, you first have to have
a written prescription for the product from the vet who looks
after your animals and you are then free to purchase the medicine
from that vet, or, for certain ‘POM’ products from a pharmacy.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 3
Page 2 of 2
How will I know the sales category of an
animal remedy?
Licence holders are required to show the route of supply (in the above
format) on the labelling and associated packaging. Product without this
information on the label is likely to be not licensed for the Irish market;
if you are supplied with such incorrectly labelled product, you should
contact your local District Veterinary Office as possession of such a
product may be an offence.
Can I buy animal remedies from salespersons
calling to my farm?
Salespersons are not allowed to call to farms selling and supplying animal
remedies. However, certain suppliers have licences under which their
salespersons are allowed to call to farms to take orders for ‘non-POM’
animal remedies which are supplied subsequently through a separate
delivery service. These salespersons are required to carry a copy of their
‘solicit order’ licence and farmers should ask to see a copy of the licence.
Can I buy animal remedies from a mail order
catalogue?
Yes, but only if the seller is authorised to do so. A limited number of
suppliers are licensed to sell ‘non-POM’ animal remedies by mail order.
Before buying from any such supplier, you should look for confirmation
that the seller has a mail order licence, or if, in any doubt, you should
contact DAFF.
Can I buy animal remedies on the internet?
In general, farmers should be very careful about buying medicines
on the internet, because of the risk of buying unauthorised products.
DAFF licenses suitable Irish-based internet sites to sell ‘non-POM’ animal
remedies. Such sites are required to display a DAFF authorisation reference.
If in any doubt about a particular site, you should contact DAFF.
(Source: DAFF Website, March 2010)
4
Date of
Purchase
Medicine
Name
Quantity
Purchased
Supplied By (you
must record the full
name and address of
the supplier the first
time you record it)
Medicine
Batch
Number
(optional)
Expiry Date of the Animal
Remedy (use
before)
(optional)
Withdrawal
Period (Meat)
(optional)
Tick (when
product is all
used up or is
passed expiry
date)
(optional)
Comments
(optional)
4
Appendix 4a
Page 1 of 1
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 4a:
Animal Remedies Purchases Record
Entry
No
Date of
Administration
Remedy
Name
Quantity
Name and Quantity of Animal Remedy
Administered per
Animal
Identity of Animal
Given the Remedy
(including the Ear
Tag No. or a clear
reference to it
and state number
of animals if
batch treatment)
Date of End
of Withdrawal
Period If Any
Name of Person
Administering the
Remedy
Name of
Prescribing
Veterinary
Surgeon (if
applicable)
Comment (optional)
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 4b:
Animal Remedies Usage Record
Appendix 4b
Page 1 of 1
4
Date of
Purchase
Description (Straight, Fodder, Roots,
By-Products, Other)
Feed Batch or Invoice (Where available)
Quantity Purchased
Supplied By (you must record the full name
and address of the supplier the
first time you record it)
Comment (Optional)
4
Appendix 5a
Page 1 of 1
Appendix 5a:
Feed Purchases Record
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Other (specify)
Rapeseed
Linseed
Triticale
Wheat
Oats
Barley
Peas
Field Beans
Carrots / Parsnips
Potatoes
Turnips / Swedes
Sugar Beet
Beet Tops
Fodder Beet
Straw
Hay
Wholecrop Silage
Arable Silage
Maize Silage
Grass Silage
Fresh Grass
(Tick all relevant boxes)
Year
Cattle Sheep Cattle Sheep Cattle Sheep Cattle Sheep Cattle Sheep Cattle Sheep Cattle Sheep Cattle Sheep
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 5b
Page 1 of 1
Appendix 5b:
Own Farm Feed Record
4
4
Appendix 6
Page 1 of 4
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 6:
Recommendations
Recommendations are presented in the order of the relevant section
in the Requirements (Section 3 of the Standard).
Section 3.3 Animal Remedies
1.
Ensure that the withdrawal period and expiry date are clearly legible
on the medicine container.
Section 3.4 Animal Feeds and Water
2.
Keep the feed label information with the BLQAS Record book.
3.
For 3.4.j, record these registration / approval numbers in the
Feed Purchases Record in the Farm Book (See Appendix 5a,
Feed Purchases Record).
4.
Have a programme in place to control noxious weeds (ragwort,
dock, etc.) and to prevent the encroachment of invasive species
(e.g. furze, briars).
5.
Mineral supplementation should only be used to meet animal
requirements (e.g. pre-calving / pre-lambing period; in areas with
a history of mineral deficiency).
Section 3.6 General Stockmanship
6.
Keep all animals in appropriate social groups so as to minimise
bullying and competition for resources.
Section 3.7 Specified Management Tasks: Cattle
7.
When males are kept entire, graze and pen them separately from
females once they reach 7 months of age or, if behaviour dictates,
earlier.
8.
Siring (either by stock bulls or AI) should be managed to minimise
calving difficulties particularly for heifers.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 6
Page 2 of 4
Section 3.8 Specified Management Tasks: Sheep
9.
Use breeding stock from genetically superior animals that
are suitable for the geographic / farming conditions.
10.
Select rams to ensure high quality carcase, high growth rate
and a scrapie resistant genotype.
11.
Producers should be familiar with the market requirement
of their regular factory outlet.
12.
Producers should be aware of the importance of good handling
and drafting facilities that help avoid damage to the carcase
during drafting.
13.
Lifting is best achieved by using one hand in the neck region, one
hand in the groin region while using the knee as a lever to gently
lift the lamb. Catching lambs by the wool is likely to result in carcase
damage and discomfort to the animal.
14.
Ensure that ewes are in the appropriate body condition at lambing
(2.5-3).
15.
Give particular attention to the appropriate disposal of afterbirth.
(See “Scrapie – Guidance notes for farmers” published by DAFF,
a copy of which has already circulated to flock owners by DAFF.
16.
Where lambing outdoors, separate the castration and tail docking
operations to prevent mis-mothering.
17.
Take special care with dips. Wear protective clothing. Handle the
animals so as to avoid stress and dip ingestion (see Safe Handling
of Chemicals in Appendix 12).
18.
Request contract shearers to disinfect their equipment between
farms.
19.
Maximise the rotation gap to reduce bacterial contamination on
pastures and to reduce foot rot bacteria (which will not normally
survive on pasture without sheep longer than 12 days).
20.
Avoid poorly drained land, rough concrete surfaces, rough ground
around gates, troughs, etc.
21.
Only introduce sheep with healthy feet to field root crop feeding
and carry out foot checks and paring prior to introduction and then
carry out frequent checks for ‘mud-balling’.
22.
The main foot dip solutions recommended are copper sulphate
(10% solution), zinc sulphate (10% solution) and formalin
(3% of 40% formaldehyde).
4
4
Appendix 6
Page 3 of 4
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Section 3.13 Transport
23.
Transport animals in production groups to avoid stress.
24.
Minimise transport times through planning and arranging booking
in time.
25.
Provide suitable loading facilities (non-slip ramps and gangways
with side protection gates and use straw, where necessary).
26.
Observe the maximum recommended slope of the ramp for sheep
and cattle (slope 1:2) and calves (slope 1:3).
27.
Load and unload livestock at their own pace.
28.
Do not transport the following: newborn, freshly calved / lambed,
about to calve / lamb, infirm or fatigued animals unless the move
is to sick quarters or to the Vet.
29.
Make provision to enable covering of vehicles in inclement weather,
and to prevent the escape of slurry.
30.
Provide a wheel dip or wheel wash / disinfection facility at the farm
entrance. Note: A list of approved disinfectants is available from
Teagasc or DAFF.
Section 3.14 Environmental Protection
31.
Carry out soil sampling on a regular basis to monitor levels of major
nutrients in the soil and ensure that applications of fertiliser follow a
balanced nutrient plan that takes account of soil fertility, contribution
from slurry and stocking rates. The target is to balance application
of nutrient (slurry and fertiliser) with off-take to avoid unnecessary
residues in the soil or pollution from over application.
32.
Withhold cattle and sheep for the recommended period from
grazing areas where manure has been spread. This is usually
a 28-day period unless otherwise advised by the farm advisors.
33.
Protect watercourses by fencing. Where it is not feasible to supply
piped water for the animals, drinking points in the watercourses can
be provided. Fence such points so as to prevent animal movement
up or downstream and prevent animals standing in the water.
34.
Land spread spent sheep dip as soon as practicable after use
(diluted 1 part dip with 3 parts water or slurry) and apply at a rate
not exceeding 20 m3 per hectare and exclude farm animals from
the disposal area for at least 28 days.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 6
Page 4 of 4
35.
Apply herbicides / pesticides as recommended by the manufacturer,
mixing in a sheltered area well removed from wells and watercourses
and protecting field margins and wildlife habitats from contamination
either from direct application or from spray drift.
36.
Ensure that all chemical containers are disposed of in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations and / or legislative
requirements.
Section 3.15 Farm Health and Safety
37.
Farm chemicals are potentially lethal. Handle and store them in a
safe and fitting manner (see illustrative information in Appendix 12,
Safe Handling of Chemicals).
4
Respiratory diseases
Move Lambs
to Clean Grass
Stomach Worms
Vaccination
Programme:
Beef Animals
Parasite
Control: Lambs
Move Calves
to clean Grass
Stomach worms
Stomach Worms / Hoose
Stomach Worms / Hoose
Fluke
Lice
Parasite
Control:
Weanlings at Housing
Parasite Control: Stomach Worms /
Store / Finishers Hoose Treatment
Fluke
Lice
Cows /
Stomach Worms /
Replacement
Hoose Treatment
Heifers
Fluke
Lice
Parasite
Control: Calves at Grass
Stomach Worms
Parasite
Fluke Treatment
Control: Sheep Maggots / Blowfly
and Lambs
Sheep scab / Lice
Respiratory diseases
Clostridial
Calf scour
Respiratory diseases
Precalving scour
Clostridial / Respiratory
Leptospirosis
Animal Health
Activities
Vaccination
Programme:
Weanlings
Vaccination
Programme:
Calves / Lambs
Vaccination
Programme:
Cows / Sheep
Year
Jan
Feb
Tick relevant boxes
Mar May Jul Sep
Apr Jun Aug Oct
Nov
Dec
Comments or
Observations of Vet or Farm Advisor
Veterinary
Tests
Clean, check and
repair feed storage
Take water samples
Farm
Management
Practices
Jan
Feb
Tick relevant boxes
Mar May Jul Sep
Apr Jun Aug Oct
Nov
Dec
** Note these entries may only be necessary in specific situations
depending on previous herd health, specific environmental
conditions or specific veterinary advice.
Note: The blank spaces can be used for additional entries
Brucellosis
**Metabolic Profiles
(trace elements)
**Faecal samples
for worm eggs
TB
Clean and disinfect
all animal housing
Clean and disinfect all
animal handling
Check Cows / Heifers:
Summer Mastitis
Check Cows for Mastitis
Preventative Measures
for Grass Tetany
Check for Lameness
**Take Precautions
Against Red Water
**Take Precautions
Against Bloat
**Treat for __________
Mineral Deficiency
**Treat for __________
Mineral Deficiency
Grass Tetany
Lameness
Other Health
Issues
Animal Health
Activities
4
Appendix 7
Page 1 of 1
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 7:
Animal Health Plan: Beef and Lamb
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 8
Page 1 of 3
Appendix 8:
Zoonoses
Zoonoses are diseases or infections which are naturally transmissible from
vertebrate animals to man. Over 200 zoonoses have been described. If you
work with animals you may be at risk. Micro-organisms such as bacteria,
viruses, parasites and fungi can cause illness by infecting the body when
they are swallowed; breathed in or when they penetrate the skin.
Good management practices associated with the care of sick animals, the
use of protective clothing, the covering of all exposed cuts and grazes and
good personal hygiene should all form part of the prevention programme
on all participating farms in the BLQAS. Hands should be washed and dried
before eating, drinking or smoking.
Producers should request advice from their veterinary surgeon in relation
to the prevention of zoonoses and should immediately consult their medical
practitioner should they become ill with suspected zoonoses.
The most common zoonoses (source FSAI, 2010):
Disease
Causative
Organism
Principal
Animals
Involved
Probable Means
of Spread to Man
Brucellosis
Brucella abortus
Cattle
Occupational
and recreational
exposure
Campylobacter
enteritis
Campylobacter
jejuni
Campylobacter
coli
Cattle, pigs,
poultry,
dogs, cats,
wild birds
Mainly food borne;
also waterborne,
in milk, or
occupational
Clostridium
perfringens,
type A
Domestic
and wild
animals
Food borne;
occasionally
wound
contaminant
Cattle,
humans
Ingestion of
undercooked
ground beef,
or food or water
contaminated with
bovine faeces
Clostridial diseases
C septicum, C
novyi
Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
infections
E coli O157:H7;
also implicated are
types O26:H11,
O111:H8, O104:
H21, and O48:
H21
4
4
Appendix 8
Page 2 of 3
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Disease
Causative
Organism
Principal
Animals
Involved
Probable Means
of Spread to Man
Leptospirosis
Leptospira
interrogans (200
serovars) in 23
serogroups
Domestic
and wild
animals,
common
in rodents,
dogs
Occupational
and recreational
exposure; water
and food borne
Listeriosis
Listeria
monocytogenes
types 1 / 2a,
1 / 2b, 4b
Numerous
mammals,
birds
Ingestion of raw
contaminated
milk, cheese,
mud, water,
and vegetables
Louping ill
Flavivirus
Sheep,
goats,
grouse, small
rodents
Tick (Ixodes
ricinus) bites
Q fever
Coxiella burnetii
Sheep,
cattle, goats,
cats, dogs,
rodents,
birds, ticks
Mainly airborne;
exposure to
placenta, birth
tissues, animal
excreta;
occasionally ticks
and milk
Salmonellosis
Salmonella
enterica
(2,000 serovars)
Poultry,
pigs, cattle,
horses, dogs,
cats, wild
mammals
and birds,
reptiles,
amphibians,
crustaceans
Foodborne
infection,
especially in the
elderly, infants,
or the immunesuppressed;
occupational
and recreational
exposure
Tetanus
Clostridium tetani
Principally
herbivores,
but all
animals may
be carriers
Wound infection
and injections
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 8
Page 3 of 3
Disease
Causative
Organism
Principal
Animals
Involved
Probable Means
of Spread to Man
Tuberculosis
Mycobacterium
bovis
Cattle, pigs,
and other
animals
Ingestion,
inhalation,
occupational
exposure
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasma gondii
Mammals,
especially
cats, food
animals,
birds
Ingestion of
oocysts shed in
faeces of infected
cats or found in
meat or raw milk
Ringworm
Dermatophytosis
Microsporum,
Trichophyton, and
Epidermophyton
spp
Dogs, cats,
cattle,
rodents,
other
animals
Direct contact with
infected animals,
fomites
Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidium
parvum
Cattle, other
animals
Occupational
contact and
ingestion;
waterborne
4
4
Appendix 9
Page 1 of 1
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 9:
Medicine Storage
Note: This is a recommendation for the safe storage of animal
remedies as set out in Requirement 3.3.g. It is not intended as
a definitive guide to the safe handling and storage of animal
remedies and does not replace any applicable statutory
requirement.
The medicine store should be of a sufficient size and strength to hold all
animal remedies, whether unopened or partially used that may be in stock
at any one time.
Only animal remedies recommended to be stored at room temperature
should be kept in the medicine store.
The medicine store should be located indoors and should be out of reach
of children.
The medicine store should be kept locked at all times. The key should be
kept in a safe location. This location should be informed to all relief farm
workers.
The medicine store should contain a clear warning label.
The medicine store should not be located in direct sunlight or adjacent
to any source of heat or cold.
The medicine store should not be located in a building that contains
animal feedingstuff.
All spillages should be removed immediately from the medicine store
and disposed of in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 10
Page 1 of 5
Appendix 10:
Space Requirements
Cattle Housing Guidelines
Recommended Space Allowances (m2 per head) for Growing /
Adult Cattle (Source: Teagasc)
Housing
System
Liveweight Range (kg) / Animal Type
Dry
Lactating
200- 301- 401- 501- 601Suckler Suckler
300 400 500 600 700 700+ Cow
Cow
Wholly
bedded shed
2.02.9
3.03.4
3.53.9
4.04.4
4.54.9
5.0
4.0-5.0
5.0-6.0
Combination
bedded and
slatted floor
2.02.9
3.03.4
3.53.9
4.04.4
4.54.9
5.0
4.0-5.0
5.0-6.0
Part bedded / outdoor feeding
• Indoor
lying area
2.0
2.02.3
2.42.7
2.83.2
3.33.6
3.7
2.8-3.6
3.7-4.6
• Outdoor
feeding /
exercise
area
1.0
1.01.1
1.11.2
1.21.2
1.31.3
1.4
1.3-1.4
1.3-1.4
Fully Slatted
sheds
1.61.8
1.81.9
1.92.0
2.12.2
2.32.4
2.5+
2.6-3.0
3.0-3.2
Note: The above recommendations are given as a broad guideline. On farm
requirements may exceed, or can be lower, than the above depending on:
animal size, amount of bedding provided, shed design / ventilation, calving
dates, diet, and animal cleanliness requirements. Requirements for pedigree
stock may have to be adjusted significantly from those outlined above.
4
4
Appendix 10
Page 2 of 5
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Recommended Space Allowances for Young Calves (m2 per head)
(Source: Teagasc)
Dairy Calves
Dairy Calves
Housed Suckler Calves
*Individual Calf Pen
*Group Pens
Calf Creeps
Pen Length: at least
equal to 1.1 times
actual calf length
(1.1 times nose
to tail length)
For calves < 150 kg
provide a minimum
1.5 m2 per head
Newborn suckler calves
should have access to a
designated, comfortable,
solid floor, draught
free calf creep. This
requirement is particularly
important for cows and
calves housed in slatted
houses and cubicle houses.
Pen Width: at least
equal to calf height
(to withers)
For calves: 151 to
219 kg, provide a
minimum 1.7 m2
Calves are not to be confined to
individual pens after 8 weeks of age
(unless for disease
control / treatment
purposes)
For Spring born calves,
allow 0.9 to 1.1 m2
creep area.
For Autumn born calves:
allow from 1.5 m2 creep
area (depending on calf
size / turnout date).
* EU Welfare of Calves Regulations 1995 and 1998
Recommendations on Feed Space Allowances (mm per head)
(Source: Teagasc)
Suckler
Cows
Finishing
Cattle
Light
Store
Cattle
Weanlings
• Ad lib roughage
300-400
300-350
250-300
225-300
• Restricted
roughage
600-700
600-650
500-600
400-500
• Concentrates /
roots
600-700
600-650
500-600
400-500
Feeding Regime
Note: Above recommendations are a guideline, actual requirements may
vary depending on animal, feeding system, feed barrier design, etc. Also,
where concentrates are fed ad-lib or where complete diet feeding systems
are used, space requirements may be significantly lower (check with farm
advisors / Teagasc for full information).
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 10
Page 3 of 5
Sheep Housing Guidelines
(Source: Teagasc)
Floor Space
The recommended pen floor space for housed in-lamb ewes, unshorn
is as follows:
Slats m2
Bedded m2
Large (body weight 90 kg)
1.2
1.4
Medium (body weight 70 kg)
1.1
1.2
Small (body weight 50 kg)
1.0
1.1
Type of Ewe
Where sheep are shorn, up to 20% less floor area is required.
A ewe with one lamb requires 30% additional floor space, 60% extra
for 2 lambs.
Feeding Space
The recommended feeding space is as follows (mm):
Type of Ewe
*Meal
feeding
Roughage
(hay rack)
Easy Feed
Silage
Large
(body weight 90 kg)
600
200
200
Medium
(body weight 70 kg)
500
200
200
Small
(body weight 50 kg)
400
175
175
Lambs up to 45 kgs on ad-lib concentrates require 100 mm feeding space
and on restricted feeding require 300 mm.
* It is essential for all sheep to be able to feed meals together.
4
4
Appendix 10
Page 4 of 5
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Depth of Pens
Pen depth is limited by the trough space. Ideally, the pen depth should
be such that all sheep can be fed from feeding passages. In practice,
particularly where existing buildings are adapted, trough space may be
required on two sides of the pen. Pen depth can be calculated as follows:
The ideal pen depth
=
Floor space per ewe
Trough space available per ewe
Example:
Floor space per ewe
1.2 m2
Meal Feeding space per ewe
0.45 m
Calculation: Required Pen depth is 1.2 ÷ 0.45 =
2.6 m
Group Size
Group size of 25 ewes per pen is recommended for small flocks and
40-50 ewes per pen for large flocks. No pen should be designed for
more than 60 ewes.
Floor Type
The choice of floor, either concrete or slatted, depends on the management
and straw availability. Unless straw is readily available, slats may be installed.
The dry straw requirement to absorb urine produced is as follows:
Type of Animal
Average Ewe
Store Lamb
Feed
Dry Straw Requirement
Silage
72 kg (4 std square bales)/100 days
Hay
45 kg (2.5 std square bales)/100 days
Concentrates
24 kg (1.5 std square bales)/70 days
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 10
Page 5 of 5
Transportation Requirements
While the legislation (EC)/1/2005 establishes the space requirements as set
out below, the main concern in the BLQAS is that animals are transported
in a manner that ensures their safety and welfare at all times. This calls on
the experience of the farmer as a stockman to ensure that this concern is
addressed at all times.
Ovines
Transport: Space Requirement Ovines
< 55 kg
0.2-0.3 m2/head
> 55 kg
0.3-0.4 m2/head
Ewes
< 55 kg
0.4-0.5 m2/head
Ewes
> 55 kg
0.5+ m2/head
Shorn Sheep or Lambs
Bovines: The space requirements for bovines in transport are as follows:
Transport: Space Requirement for Bovines
Small Calves
50 kg Average
0.3-0.4 m2/head
Medium Sized Calves
110 kg Average
0.4-0.7 m2/head
Heavy Calves
200 kg Average
0.7-0.9 m2/head
Medium Sized Cattle
325 kg Average
0.9-1.3 m2/head
Heavy Cattle
550 kg Average
1.3-1.6 m2/head
>700 kg
> 1.6 m2/head
Very Heavy Cattle
4
4
Appendix 11
Page 1 of 2
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 11:
Farm Safety Risk Assessment /
Farm Safety Statement: Guidelines
The main pieces of legislation governing occupational safety and health
in the agriculture and forestry sector are the Safety Health and Welfare
at Work Act 2005 and the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General
Application Regulations) 2007.
The core of this legislation is the risk assessment approach, and the
legal duty on employers (with more than three staff) to prepare a written
health and safety document referred to as a Safety Statement.
However, since the introduction of the 2005 Safety Health and Welfare
at Work Act, employers, with three or fewer employees, can fulfil this
legal duty by complying with an approved, sector specific, Code of Practice /
Farm Safety Risk Assessment.
Recently an online Farm Safety Risk Assessment entitled “Farm Safety
Code of Practice” was launched where farmers can complete and store
their risk assessment online – see www.farmsafely.com (correct at time
of printing).
A Farm Safety Risk Assessment / Farm Safety Statement is a practical
written plan aimed at minimising the risk of injury or ill health for all who
work on the farm or are affected by the work. The duty of preparing and
implementing the document lies with the person in control of the farm.
Bord Bia strongly recommends however that a Farm Safety expert is
consulted in the preparing of the document.
The Farm Safety Risk Assessment / Safety Statement must be reviewed on
a regular basis as farming conditions and activities change, new machines
and new hazards are brought onto the farm. The document must be retained
by the farmer and brought to the attention of all who work on the farm.
The safety of all farm animals should also be a major consideration when
preparing a safety statement. A defined evacuation route for all livestock
in the case of fire should be included in the safety statement.
Reference should be made to the “Farm Safety Handbook” published by
the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland and available from any of their
offices throughout the country or through their website www.hsa.ie or
through their information phone line (see website).
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 11
Page 2 of 2
Some common issues of concern that should be addressed in the Farm
Safety Risk Assessment / Safety Statement are as follows:
•
Slurry agitation should only be done when the building is empty.
Stay out of the building for as long as possible after agitation starts,
particularly the first hour, to avoid dangers due to slurry gases.
It is recommended not to enter empty slurry tanks;
•
Electrical installations should be well maintained and protected
from water;
•
Overhead wires should be sufficiently high to avoid contact with
machinery and tipping trailers. Contractors should be made aware
of such hazards prior to commencing work;
•
Tractor PTOs should be protected with approved guards at all times;
•
Safety rails should be erected on top of side walls of open silage pits;
•
If children have access to the farm yard area then a safe and secure
play area should be designated;
•
Where applicable, fire exits should be clearly marked;
•
Fire extinguishers should be available and regularly serviced;
•
Security fencing should be erected around hazards such as open
tanks, lagoons, etc.;
•
The risk from transmissible diseases (zoonoses as per Appendix 8)
relevant to the farming enterprise; and
•
The risks associated with the use of hazardous chemicals
(see Appendix 12).
•
The risks associated with handling bulls, calving cows, rams,
ewes during lambing, or other potentially dangerous animals.
Note: Templates are available from the HSA website www.hsa.ie.
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Appendix 12
Page 1 of 1
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 12:
Safe Handling of Chemicals
Note: This is a recommendation for the safe handling of chemicals. It is not intended as a definitive guide to the safe
handling of chemicals and does not replace any applicable statutory requirement.
1.
Purchase only approved chemicals.
2.
Store in designated storage facilities, which are labelled and locked,
and well away from food.
3.
Do not transfer chemicals to other storage containers, especially
soft drinks bottles or food containers.
4.
Maintain only minimum stocks of chemicals (to avoid out of date
chemicals).
5.
Read the label before opening the chemical and observe all safety
precautions. Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturers’
recommendations.
6.
Wear the correct personal protection equipment for the chemical
and operation involved.
7.
Have a supply of clean water for washing off splashes.
8.
Wash hands and exposed skin before eating or drinking and
shower down after the job is complete.
9.
Thoroughly rinse all equipment used, and store safely.
10.
Unused chemicals should be disposed of in a safe manner and
so as not to harm personnel, animals or the environment.
Note: At all times, treat chemicals as dangerous substances and
identify the hazards associated with their use in the Farm Safety
Statement / Risk Assessment.
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 13
Page 1 of 1
Appendix 13:
Food Chain Information
The Food Chain Information (FCI) document for animals contains a
declaration from the farmer concerning the identification of animals,
observation of withdrawal periods of veterinary medicines, cleanliness
of animals, suitability of the animals for transport and information on
the health status of the animals and the farm of origin. Farmers rearing
animals must therefore take all reasonable practical steps to ensure
that their stock are acceptably clean (from faecal matter) at slaughter
to minimise the risk to consumer health from potential infection of
E. coli 0157:H7 and other potential pathogens.
Specific responsibilities are defined as follows:
1.
The FCI document must be signed by Producer, haulier, and the slaughterhouse operator;
2.
The Producer must enter his / her name, address, herd number
and the number of animals in the consignment. A series of
declarations must be signed declaring that the animals are
properly identified, are clean and are not injured to the extent
that transport to a slaughterhouse would cause them undue
suffering. The time of loading is also recorded by the Producer.
The Producer must communicate the name of their private
veterinary practitioner to the slaughterhouse;
3.
The haulier must declare that the vehicle is in a suitable condition
for transport and that the animals are not injured to the extent
that transport could cause them undue suffering;
4.
The slaughterhouse operator must request, receive, check and
act upon the contents of the FCI document. The slaughterhouse
operator must sign the FCI document to confirm they have received
and checked the requested information, and the results of these
checks must be recorded;
5.
The slaughterhouse operator must make the FCI available to the
Official Veterinarian (OV); and
6.
The OV will check and analyse the FCI document and verify that
the FCI has been received and checked by the abattoir.
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Appendix 14
Page 1 of 1
Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme:
Producer Standard – Revision 01, November 2010
Appendix 14:
On-Farm Slaughter of Healthy Animals
On-farm slaughter of healthy animals that have suffered an acute
accidental injury is permitted provided the following steps are observed:
1.
An ante-mortem examination by registered veterinary surgeon
must be carried out;
2.
Slaughter must be carried out by a veterinary surgeon or licensed
slaughterman;
3.
Prescribed withdrawal periods must have been observed;
4.
The farmer and veterinary surgeon must make signed declarations
which include details of any known treatment administered; and
5.
Prior arrangements must be made with the relevant slaughterhouse
to accept the carcase for dressing.
Producers should note that on arrival at the abattoir, the suitability of the
carcase for use in the food supply chain will be assessed by the Veterinary
Inspector.
Bord Bia, Clanwilliam Court, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2
Tel: 01 668 5155 Fax: 01 668 7521 Web: www.bordbia.ie
Growing the success of Irish food & horticulture