Since you asked

by Lynn Haley

It’s an age-old concern, but one that’s been picking up momentum in recent months. Are animals commercially raised for food (by large and small producers) being handled with care? This “Since you asked” feature tackles your questions about animal welfare.

Welcome to a new feature designed to provide information about important foodrelated issues like animal welfare, GMOs, organic foods and more. With each issue, we’ll focus on a specific topic and address questions you’ve been asking with factual information – straight up and straight from the best resources we can find.

It just makes sense

If growing membership in the Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC) is any indication, it appears that Alberta producers and processors have a solid commitment to responsible animal care. AFAC, formed in the early 90s as a voluntary organization supported by Alberta’s livestock industry, sees that commitment as a common sense approach to business. So do the many Alberta producers groups who complement AFAC’s programs with their own responsible care initiatives.

“Across the industry, people are realizing that responsible animal care is an integral part of stewardship,” says Susan Church, General Manager AFAC.“And today, stewardship is being demanded by consumers as part of the food quality equation.”

Witness recent actions by fast food giants like MacDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King. These US-based companies are responding to animal welfare issues. They’re forming science-based advisory councils to develop protocols and measurable animal welfare audits for food suppliers.

“Food quality and safety are the touchstones of Alberta’s agriculture and food industry,” says Shirley McClellan, Deputy Premier and Minister, Alberta Animal care Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. “To be competitive, we must continue to deliver world-class standards. In Alberta’s livestock industry, that includes responsible care from feeding to transportation and processing.”

Church adds that research is proving that the way animals are handled has a direct impact on the quality and quantity of meat, dairy and egg products they provide. “Beyond common sense, responsible care makes good economic sense,” says Church. “The healthier the animal, the better the quality of the product, and the more profitable the producer can be.”

It’s the law

Beyond business and ethical rationale for quality animal care, quite simply it’s the law. In Canada, federal regulations govern the care, feeding, shelter, health, transportation and processing of animals. Failure to comply is a federal offense under the Criminal Code. Alberta also has provincial animal care legislation – it’s called the Animal Protection Act.

Does everyone follow the law? “Like any industry, we have producers whose standards don’t match those of the majority,” says Church. “In reality, there are very few who do not comply.”

AFAC has a formal relationship with the Alberta SPCA whose enforcement officers monitor and enforce animal legislation in the province. In Alberta, the public can report (in confidence) any concerns regarding care of commercial farm livestock through AFAC’s ALERT line (1.800.506.CARE).

Communication is key

How do producers know what the standards are? “Communication,” according to Church. “A huge part of our mandate is sharing information about federal and provincial legislation, providing training and education and benchmarking the industry’s performance.”

AFAC’s connection with the public is another important part of their mandate. “Consumers have a right to know how their meat, dairy and egg products are produced,” she says. “If people understand the hows and whys of responsible animal care, they’re more comfortable asking good questions. And, quite frankly, questions keep us accountable.”

AFAC connects with the public through school programs, newsletters, their Alberta SPCA partnership, trade show participation, their Web site and public forums. For more information about AFAC please visit their Web site at www.afac.ab.ca

To report a commercial farm animal care concern, please call the ALERT line 1.800.506.CARE. Your call will be held in confidence.

For information about the Alberta SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelties to Animals), call the toll-free number at: 1.800.455.9003.

Creature comforts

In our research of animal care issues, we uncovered a few intriguing facts. Did you know …

Laying hens like to huddle. Scientific research has clearly shown that laying hens (those used to produce table eggs) like to be in small groups, protected from the pecking order (a natural tendency) and allowed to cluster together. The current 64 square-inch minimum cage size requirement in Canada, meets the natural needs and preferences of hens. Carefully controlled lighting, temperature, air quality, feed, water, manure management and hen health monitoring are the ongoing responsibility and daily work of egg producers.

Chickens don’t like surprises. When poultry farmers enter their barns (where chickens raised for meat are housed) they often knock on the barns doors first! This is to let the chickens know someone is coming in. Chickens are allowed to roam freely in climate-controlled barns where they have access to fresh water and feed. They are kept in barns to prevent exposure to disease, harsh weather and predators. Free-range chickens are those raised in uncontrolled conditions. Like chickens raised in barns, grain is the main ingredient of their feed, however, free-range chickens also can eat whatever they may find in their natural surroundings.

Pigs can sunburn. It’s just one of the reasons they’re raised indoors, in barns where they can be protected from harsh weather and disease. Pigs have very little body hair, and their fair skin makes it difficult for them to manage heat.

Hogs can be a little feisty. Specialized stalls are used at different growth stages within hog barns to ensure animals are not bullying each other (another natural occurrence). Sows are placed in special birthing units to prevent them from rolling over and crushing their piglets. Pork producers ensure pigs have free access to fresh water, air and balanced feed.

Cattle are naturally insulated against cold weather. When the weather gets cold, cattle respond by growing a thicker coat that gives them protection from, and a strong tolerance for, cold weather. In addition, Canada’s Code of Practice for Animal Care specifies that natural or constructed areas must be available to protect cattle from weather fluctuations. Feedlots and paddocks during cold seasons must create adequate windbreaks to reduce wind chill effect on animals. In all kinds of shelters, cattle must be free to stand up or lie down comfortably. Producers pay special attention to cattle during winter calving and ensure that adequate protection and comfort is provided.

Some dairy cattle like classical music. Soothing music is one of the ways some producers create a soothing environment for their milking cows. Like other foodproducing animals raised indoors, dairy cattle are often kept in climate-controlled barns to prevent exposure to harsh temperature changes and disease. Both of these elements can have a direct impact on the cows and on the quality, safety and quantity of milk produced. Dairy cattle are milked 2 – 3 times a day, and need access to a carefully balanced feed regime.