Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for the Care of Farm Animals DRAFT January 20162017 Michigan Commission of Agriculture & Rural Development PO Box 30017 Lansing, MI 48909 (877) 632-1783 www.michigan.gov/mdard In the event of an agricultural pollution emergency such as a chemical/fertilizer spill, manure lagoon breach, etc., the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development and/or the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality should be contacted at the following emergency telephone numbers: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development: 800 405-0101 Michigan Department of Environmental Quality: 800 292-4706 If there is not an emergency, but you have questions on the Michigan Right to Farm Act or items concerning a farm operation, please contact the: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Right to Farm Program (RTF) P.O. Box 30017 Lansing, Michigan 48909 (517) 284-5619 (517) 335-3329 FAX (877) 632-1783 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERALLY ACCEPTED AGRICULTURAL AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE CARE OF FARM ANIMALS PREFACE……………………………………………………………………….iii OVERVIEW........................…….................................................................1 BEEF CATTLE and BISON....................................................................... 4 DAIRY ...................................................................................................... 10 VEAL ........................................................................................................ 17 SWINE ..................................................................................................... 23 EQUINE ................................................................................................... 31 PRIVATELY OWNED CERVIDAE ........................................................... 42 SHEEP and GOATS ................................................................................ 46 LAYING CHICKENS ................................................................................ 52 BROILERS, TURKEYS & GAMEBIRDS…………………………………… 57 DOMESTIC RABBITS .............................................................................. 62 FARM-RAISED MINK AND FOX ............................................................. 66 AQUACULTURE SPECIES ..................................................................... 72 SOUTH AMERICAN CAMELIDS …………………………………………….78 BEEKEEPING AND APIARY MANAGEMENT..…………………………….83 2 PREFACE The Michigan legislature passed into law the Michigan Right to Farm Act, (Act 93 of 1981, as amended), which requires the establishment of Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). These practices are written to provide uniform, statewide standards and acceptable management practices based on sound science. These practices can serve producers in the various sectors of the industry to compare or improve their own managerial routines. New scientific discoveries and changing economic conditions may require revision of the Practices. The GAAMPs are reviewed annually and revised as considered necessary. The GAAMPs that have been developed are as follows: 1) 1988 Manure Management and Utilization 2) 1991 Pesticide Utilization and Pest Control 3) 1993 Nutrient Utilization 4) 1995 Care of Farm Animals 5) 1996 Cranberry Production 6) 2000 Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Facilities 7) 2003 Irrigation Water Use 8) 2010 Farm Markets These practices were developed with industry, university and multi-governmental agency input. As agricultural operations continue to change, new practices may be developed to address the concerns of the neighboring community. Agricultural producers who voluntarily follow these practices are provided protection from public or private nuisance litigation under the Right to Farm Act. This GAAMP does not apply in municipalities with a population of 100,000 or more in which a zoning ordinance has been enacted to allow for agriculture provided that the ordinance designates existing agricultural operations present prior to the ordinance’s adoption as legal non-conforming uses as identified by the Right to Farm Act for purposes of scale and type of agricultural use. The website for the GAAMPs is at http://www.michigan.gov/gaamps. iii GENERALLY ACCEPTED AGRICULTURAL AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE CARE OF FARM ANIMALS OVERVIEW These voluntary Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (Practices) are intended to be used by the livestock industry and other groups concerned with animal welfare as an educational tool in the promotion of animal husbandry and care practices. The recommendations do not claim to be comprehensive for all circumstances; but attempt to define general standards for livestock production and well-being on farm operations. Scientifically derived guidelines and handbooks for species care are referenced in each section of the GAAMP for the purpose of providing more detailed guidance when required. Certain references used within this document must also be carefully considered based on production objectives. The National Research Council (NRC) publishes various documents containing the nutrient requirements of domestic animals. These documents are referenced frequently herein. In general, NRC requirements are for growing and reproducing animals experiencing different levels of productivity or performance. That level of productivity or performance may not be sought or required in all situations. Thus, referral to NRC herein is meant to serve as a guideline or resource, and not intended to be used as the minimum acceptable practice. In all cases, the animal’s nutritional needs for health and well-being must be met. The assistance of a nutrition consultant in recognizing these needs in a given production situation and subsequently in establishing a feeding program for that situation, is recommended. These Practices can serve producers in the various sectors of the livestock industry to compare or improve their own managerial routines. It should be understood that new scientific discoveries, legislation, and changing economic conditions may make necessary revision of the Practices. In addition, farm operations may be engaged in producing animals to certain specifications that are audited and certified such as the National Organic Program, animal welfare or natural programs. Farmers producing honey, meat, milk, eggs and other products should reference the program standards to adhere to animal care specifications. The Practices herein are written to address animal care across the board spectrum of farm operations in the state of Michigan. Proper animal management is essential to the well being of animals and the financial success of livestock operations. A sound animal husbandry program provides a system of care that permits the animals to grow, mature, reproduce and maintain health. Specific operating procedures depend on many objective and subjective factors unique to individual farm operations and the local environment. 1 In addition to husbandry, animal well-being is also a function of many environmental variables, including physical surroundings, nutrient intake and social and biological interactions. Environmental conditions should minimize disease, death loss and behavioral problems and enhance performance. Particular components of the environment that should be managed include housing, space concentrations, pests, nutritional factors and water. Domestic animals readily adapt to a wide range of environments. Sometimes procedures that result in temporary stress and even some pain are necessary to sustain the long-term welfare of the animals. Some of these procedures reduce aggressive behavior and injuries among animals. These practices have developed over generations of animal care and husbandry and include, but are not limited to; beak-trimming, dehorning, tail docking and castration of males. Various humane techniques are available, but at present, no technique can be recommended as ideal under all circumstances for any species. The livestock industry is involved in many activities that require the movement of animals. The handling of livestock in shows, exhibitions, fairs, and races should always be done with primary concern for handler, public, and animal safety. Animals need to be humanely trained, shown, and exhibited using safe and non-harmful devices and procedures. Animal care under exhibition conditions can differ from farm conditions; but, the basic needs of animals remain the same. Transportation by road, boat, rail and air requires careful planning to reduce adverse effects on animals. Animal should be fit and able to withstand transport. Any preconditioning of the animals to the conditions they will face will ease their stress during transportation. Vehicles should be of adequate size and strength for the animals carried. Floors in particular, should be in good repair and sufficiently solid to prevent animals from breaking through. The inside walls and lining should have no sharp edges or protrusions likely to cause injury. Vehicles should be constructed of materials that are easily cleaned and kept as clean as possible. Enclosed vehicles must have adequate ventilation, especially when stationary. A complete manure management plan is suggested when caring for farm animals. The goals of this plan should be to: • maintain acceptable levels of animal health and production through clean facilities; • prevent pollution of water, soil, and air; • minimize generation of odors and dust; • minimize vermin and parasites; • compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies. A farm or farm operation that conforms to these and other applicable GAAMPs adopted under the Michigan Right to Farm Act according to the Michigan Right to Farm Law (Act 93 of 1981, as amended), shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance. This 2 protection also covers farm operations that existed before a change in the land use or occupancy of land within one mile of the boundaries of the farmland, if before that change, the farm would not have been a nuisance. Likewise, this conditional protection applies to any of the following circumstances (Section 3): (a) A change in ownership or size. (b) Temporary cessation or interruption of farming. (c) Enrollment in governmental programs. (d) Adoption of new technology. (e) A change in type of farm product being produced. Domestication of livestock has made farm animals dependent on humans. Consequently, humans have accepted this dependence as a commitment to practice humane conduct towards domestic animals and to prevent avoidable suffering at all stages of their lives. These voluntary Practices represent a step toward meeting that commitment. The Practices include care for the major farm animals raised in Michigan. Owners of calves raised for veal, gestating sows, or egg-laying hens need to be aware of Act No. 117, Public Acts of 2009. This law identifies some specific care standards for these types of animals on farms. Requirements for veal calves become effective October 1, 2012. Requirements for gestating sows and egg-laying hens become effective in 2020 (10 years after the law was enacted). 3 GENERALLY ACCEPTED AGRICULTURAL AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR BEEF CATTLE AND BISON MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW Because of similarities among production practices between beef cattle and bison, Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (Practices) for care of these animals will be similar in many cases. Unless specified otherwise, the term “cattle” used throughout this section will refer to both beef cattle and bison. Genetic variation among cattle species, breeds and individuals makes it possible for them to thrive in a wide range of natural conditions and artificial environments. When behavioral and physiological characteristics of cattle are matched to local conditions, cattle thrive in virtually any natural environment in Michigan without artificial shelter. Protection, however, may be beneficial, especially for newborns, during adverse weather conditions. Cattle reside on pastures and woodlots, in small drylot facilities, in a variety of different types of feedlots, and in confinement. A complete discussion of proper care and management of beef cattle can be found at the web-site for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and for bison at the web-site for National Bison Association (see references). MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Nutrition: Feed and water should be presented to cattle in ways that minimize contamination by urine, feces, and other materials. Feed bunks, where used, should be monitored and kept clean. Animals should be fed and watered in a manner consistent with one of the following publications: Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (National Research Council, 1984, or 1996, and 2016 editions); National Beef Handbook; Bison Producers Handbook (1st edition; National Bison Association); and Buffalo Producer’s Guide to Management and Marketing (Dowling, 1990) and Buffalo (Sell, 1993). Avoid feed and water interruption that lasts longer than 24 hours. Cattle may vary considerably in body weight during the course of grazing and reproductive cycles. Feeding programs should make it possible for animals to regain the body weight lost during the normal periods of negative energy balance. Cattle should have frequent access to a source of water. When continuous access to water is not possible, water should be available for 30 minutes each day, or more frequently depending on weather conditions, amount of feed consumed, and level of production of the animals. Snow has been shown to be an acceptable source of water for a short period of time (Degen and Young, 1990a and Degen and Young, 1990b). Manure Management and Sanitation: Manure management should conform to the recommendations presented in the current Right to Farm Practices (Michigan Agriculture Commission). Midwest Plan Service (1993) has a publication on 4 recommended waste handling facilities. For the pasture based systems, manure management and sanitation are less of a concern but care should be taken to protect surface waters and prevent erosion. When surface waters are used as a water source, it is recommended that cattle have restricted access to lakes, streams, and wetlands (Rector and Powers. 2009). Cattle crossings and watering sites should be constructed to minimize erosion and water pollution. Animal Handling and Restraint: Some aggressive behaviors of larger farm animals risk the health and well-being of herd mates as well as the humans handling these animals. Such behaviors may be modified and their impact reduced by a number of acceptable restraint devices (e.g., hobbles, squeeze chutes, and stanchions) and practices. Restraint should be the minimum necessary to control the animal and still ensure the safety of attendants. Proper design of the handling facility will facilitate animal movement (National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Midwest Plan Service, 1995). Roping of cattle is necessary under certain conditions (e.g., in pastures when an animal needs treatment and no restraining facility is readily available). Whenever possible, it is strongly encouraged to apply the principles of low stress handling (Bartlett and Swanson and Grandin et.al., 2015). Bison are less domesticated than cattle and require special handling facilities. Specific practices can be obtained from the Bison Producers Handbook (1st edition; National Bison Association) and Buffalo Producer’s Guide to Management and Marketing (Dowling, 1990). Bison are much more nervous and excitable in close quarters. Work bison slower and calmer than you would other stock. Handling facilities will need to be stronger and taller than pasture fences. Your facility for capturing, sorting, treating, testing, loading out, or confining your bison should be strong, long lasting, cost efficient, and most importantly, safe for you and your animals (National Bison Association). Transportation: Safety and comfort should be the primary concerns in the transportation of any animal. Week and unhealthy animals should be separated from healthy animals during transport. A delay or cancellation of transport should occur for animals that appear unhealthy, dehydrated or exhausted and unfit to withstand travel (AABP 2014). When animals are transported, they should be provided with proper ventilation and a floor surface that minimizes slipping. Animal injuries, bruises, and carcass damage can result from improper handling of animals during transport. Recommendations on facility design for loading and unloading trucks and restraint of animals have been published (Grandin, 2000). Additional information is available on the Beef Quality Assurance section of the NCBA web-site (http://www.bqa.org/resources/manualshttp://animalscience.tamu.edu/ansc/mastercattle transporter/new/manual.html). Transport and handling stresses can be aggravated greatly by adverse weather conditions, especially when the weather is changing rapidly. Water and feed should be readily available for long trips as described in Federal Regulations (the Transportation of Animals statute from the U.S. Code (49 USC Sec. 80502 Reference)). More information on handling cattle can be found at Beef Quality Assurance web-site (see references). All Michigan cattle moving to show, sale or 5 exhibition on or after March 1, 2007 are required to have an official RFID ear tag. This includes all out-of-state cattle exhibited in Michigan. 6