The information in this section allows Animal Welfare Approved to share the assessment and reasoning that lies behind our standards. This is very much the beginning of the journey and this section will be constantly reviewed and updated. We hope the information will help those with an interest in the program to have a greater understanding of our standards.

Technical Advice Fact Sheets (TAFS)

• TAFS1–Welfare and Belgian Blue Cattle 9-22-2009
  This technical paper provides advice on Belgian Blue cattle. It examines the breed, the phenomenon of double muscling, and the welfare implications to the animal and concludes that the pure bred Belgian Blue has no place in beef production systems that aspire to attain good welfare.

• TAFS2–Management to Avoid Tail Docking Sheep 9-22-2009
  This technical paper provides basic advice and key management techniques to minimize the risk of fly strike without having to tail dock lambs. Key topics include the pros and cons of tail docking, minimizing soiling, insecticide use and general management

• TAFS3–Urinary Calculi in Goats 9-22-2009
  This technical paper provides advice on urinary calculi in goats. This technical paper outlines best practice advice on minimizing the risk of this disease through diet and other management practices to ensure the highest levels of welfare.

• TAFS4–Reducing the Risk of Internal Parasites 10-26-2009
  This technical paper provides farmers who are participating in the Animal Welfare Approved program with basic advice and key management techniques to reduce the risk of internal parasites. Key topics include the life cycle of parasitic worms, pasture management techniques and livestock management.

• TAFS5–Injurious Feather Pecking in Laying Hens 10-26-2009
  This technical paper provides farmers who are participating in the Animal Welfare Approved program with advice on injurious feather pecking in laying hens. Possible causes of feather pecking are examined, together with extensive practical advice on methods to prevent this serious welfare issue in poultry.

• TAFS6–Range Management in Poultry 10-26-2009
  This technical paper provides farmers who are participating in the Animal Welfare Approved program with advice on range management for poultry. Information is provided on the welfare and other benefits associated with increased ranging behaviour in poultry, as well practical advice on ways to encourage birds to make better use of the range.

• TAFS7–Foot Pad Dermatitis in Poultry 10-26-2009
  This technical paper provides farmers who are participating in the Animal Welfare Approved program with advice on foot pad dermatitis in poultry.

• TAFS9–Castration of Cattle 10-26-2009
  This technical paper provides farmers who are participating in the Animal Welfare Approved program with advice on the castration of cattle. Modern research shows that certain methods of castration, castration without anaesthetic, and castration beyond a certain age, can impact animal welfare. This technical paper outlines best practice advice on castration to ensure the highest levels of welfare.

Coming Soon…these documents are currently in review with our advisors :

Reducing Mortality in Poultry