Animal welfare a priority
16 November 2017
LPA-accredited goatmeat producers are reminded to have a copy of the Australian Industry Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Goats on hand and be familiar with its contents following the introduction of changes to the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program in October 2017.
Animal welfare is one of two new requirements in the upgrade of Australia’s national on-farm red meat assurance program.
“The large majority of livestock producers are all well aware that livestock care is fundamental to the success and sustainability of every farm,” said Dr Jane Weatherley, CEO of Integrity Systems Company.
“The new requirements set up the minimum standard required under the LPA program. That means LPA-accredited producers must be able to demonstrate that on-farm systems have been implemented to ensure management of livestock is consistent with the requirements of the Australian Industry Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Goats.
The Standards and Guidelines were developed by industry to harmonise and streamline livestock welfare legislation in Australia, resulting in improved welfare in a way that is practical for industry.
The Standards and Guidelines cover goatmeat producers’ responsibilities in relation to:
- feed and water
- risk management in extreme weather, natural disasters, disease, injury and predation
- facilities and equipment
- handling and husbandry
- castration, disbudding and dehorning
- breeding management
- dairy management
- intensive goat production systems
- humane killing.
The Australian Industry Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Goats document can be downloaded from here.
Although animal welfare and biosecurity were incorporated into the LPA program in October, auditing of these new requirements is not scheduled to begin until January 2018.
Producers can access additional information (including PDF fact sheets covering all seven LPA elements) at www.mla.com.au/animalwelfare
