New standards for the humane raising of young dairy beef cattle used in veal production have been introduced by Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), the non-profit organization that certifies the humane treatment of animals raised by meat, poultry, egg or dairy producers.
Ayrshire Farm of Upperville, Va., which was previously certified by HFAC to use the “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label for its beef, pork, eggs, and poultry products, became the first producer to comply with HFAC’s new standards for the treatment of young dairy calves.
“Standard industry practices for veal production have always been controversial among consumers, and many refuse to eat veal as a result,” said HFAC Executive Director Adele Douglass. “Our scientific committee reviewed current production practices and developed standards that address the humane treatment of this specific class of animals.”
To be certified to use HFAC’s “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label on veal products, a producer must raise its young dairy beef calves without confinement, in small groups, without tethers and on a wholesome diet that satisfies basic nutritional needs, including iron and fiber.
HFAC’s Animal Care Standards for all farm animals mandate that feedstuffs must be free from antibiotics, growth-promoting hormones and mammalian- derived proteins, with the exception of milk and milk products. Calves must be given roughage by five weeks of age. Since dairy beef calves are marketed at a young age, castration and dehorning are not allowed.
Compassionate, gentle handling is a requirement throughout the production system, and the use of electric prods is prohibited. Buying calves from auction barns and sales barns is not permitted. Calves may only be purchased from the dairy where they were born and transported directly to the farm where they will be raised. Transport time is limited to less than three hours. All calves must have access to a solid-floored lying area and dry, clean bedding.
According to figures available through the USDA, over one million calves are slaughtered for food production every year. Dairy cows produce a calf each year, thus initiating the production of milk by the cow. The heifer (female) calves are usually raised to maturity and serve as replacements in the dairy herd. Since bull (male) calves have little value to the dairy industry,they are typically sold for veal production.
Most of these young dairy beef calves are raised in confinement facilities or are tethered, which limits natural behaviors such as the ability to move and turn around or groom themselves. Many newborn calves are transported to auction facilities to be marketed and transported to their final destination. During this process calves may be stressed and may not receive appropriate care.
Ayrshire Farms “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” veal can be found at the “Home Farm” butcher shop in Middleburg, Va.
Unveiled in May 2003, the “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label is now being used by 25 companies. The label assures consumers that a meat, poultry, egg or dairy product has been produced according to HFAC’s precise standards for humane farm animal treatment. Animals must receive a nutritious diet free of antibiotics or hormones and must be raised with shelter, resting areas and space that are sufficient to support natural behavior.
All producers authorized to use the “Certified Humane” label must meet HFAC’s Animal Care Standards, which were developed by a veritable “Who’s Who” of national and international animal scientists and farm-animal welfare experts. Producer compliance with the HFAC standards is verified through on-site inspections conducted annually by HFAC’s third-party inspectors.
HFAC is a national nonprofit organization supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), regional and local animal protection organizations, foundations and individuals. More information can be found at HFAC’s website, www.certifiedhumane.org.
News from Humane Farm Animal Care
P.O. Box 727, Herndon, Virginia 20172 – (703) 435-3883
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michele Wells, Humane Farm Animal Care – (303) 417-0696
Humane Farm Animal Care Introduces Standards for Young Dairy Beef Cattle Used in Veal Production
Posted: May 18, 2005 by Certified Humane
New standards for the humane raising of young dairy beef cattle used in veal production have been introduced by Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), the non-profit organization that certifies the humane treatment of animals raised by meat, poultry, egg or dairy producers.
Ayrshire Farm of Upperville, Va., which was previously certified by HFAC to use the “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label for its beef, pork, eggs, and poultry products, became the first producer to comply with HFAC’s new standards for the treatment of young dairy calves.
“Standard industry practices for veal production have always been controversial among consumers, and many refuse to eat veal as a result,” said HFAC Executive Director Adele Douglass. “Our scientific committee reviewed current production practices and developed standards that address the humane treatment of this specific class of animals.”
To be certified to use HFAC’s “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label on veal products, a producer must raise its young dairy beef calves without confinement, in small groups, without tethers and on a wholesome diet that satisfies basic nutritional needs, including iron and fiber.
HFAC’s Animal Care Standards for all farm animals mandate that feedstuffs must be free from antibiotics, growth-promoting hormones and mammalian- derived proteins, with the exception of milk and milk products. Calves must be given roughage by five weeks of age. Since dairy beef calves are marketed at a young age, castration and dehorning are not allowed.
Compassionate, gentle handling is a requirement throughout the production system, and the use of electric prods is prohibited. Buying calves from auction barns and sales barns is not permitted. Calves may only be purchased from the dairy where they were born and transported directly to the farm where they will be raised. Transport time is limited to less than three hours. All calves must have access to a solid-floored lying area and dry, clean bedding.
According to figures available through the USDA, over one million calves are slaughtered for food production every year. Dairy cows produce a calf each year, thus initiating the production of milk by the cow. The heifer (female) calves are usually raised to maturity and serve as replacements in the dairy herd. Since bull (male) calves have little value to the dairy industry,they are typically sold for veal production.
Most of these young dairy beef calves are raised in confinement facilities or are tethered, which limits natural behaviors such as the ability to move and turn around or groom themselves. Many newborn calves are transported to auction facilities to be marketed and transported to their final destination. During this process calves may be stressed and may not receive appropriate care.
Ayrshire Farms “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” veal can be found at the “Home Farm” butcher shop in Middleburg, Va.
Unveiled in May 2003, the “Certified Humane Raised and Handled” label is now being used by 25 companies. The label assures consumers that a meat, poultry, egg or dairy product has been produced according to HFAC’s precise standards for humane farm animal treatment. Animals must receive a nutritious diet free of antibiotics or hormones and must be raised with shelter, resting areas and space that are sufficient to support natural behavior.
All producers authorized to use the “Certified Humane” label must meet HFAC’s Animal Care Standards, which were developed by a veritable “Who’s Who” of national and international animal scientists and farm-animal welfare experts. Producer compliance with the HFAC standards is verified through on-site inspections conducted annually by HFAC’s third-party inspectors.
HFAC is a national nonprofit organization supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), regional and local animal protection organizations, foundations and individuals. More information can be found at HFAC’s website, www.certifiedhumane.org.
News from Humane Farm Animal Care
P.O. Box 727, Herndon, Virginia 20172 – (703) 435-3883
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michele Wells, Humane Farm Animal Care – (303) 417-0696
Category: press