Rule 901:12-12-02 | Management.
(A) The following livestock management procedures are acceptable and, if performed, must be performed in a humane manner:.
The responsible party in determining the method of castration, tail docking and use of pain management must take into consideration the animal's age and weight, environmental conditions, and facilities available as well as human and animal safety.
(B) The following livestock management procedures are required and must be performed in a humane manner:
(1) Breeds of sheep that do not naturally shed their hair/wool must be shorn regularly; and,
(2) The responsible party must seek to minimize the risk of fly strike by utilizing such methods to include, but not limited to, shearing and crutching.
(C) All housing must meet the following requirements:
(1) Must provide a clean and safe environment that promotes the health, welfare and performance of sheep at all stages of their lives;
(2) Must provide access to facilities or natural features that provide reasonable protection from adverse weather conditions and predators;
(3) Enclosures, including fencing, must be designed and maintained so as to minimize bruising and injury and provide for the safety of humans and other animals;
(4) During lambing there must be sufficient space to enable ewes to separate themselves from other animals ; and,
(5) Light intensity must be adequate for observation during inspection.
(D) Indoor housing systems must meet the following requirements:
(1) Have a stocking density that allows for all sheep to easily lie down at the same time in a normal resting posture and be able to easily stand back up at all stages of production, and in addition all animals must be able to access feed and water without excessive competition;
(2) Housing must be designed and maintained in a manner which:
(a) Seeks to minimize the effects of adverse weather; and,
(b) Provides ventilation to reduce concentrations of ammonia and dust;
(3) Feeding, watering areas and alleys must be cleaned on a regular basis so as to be free of continual standing water and excess manure that may compromise the animal's health and safety;
(4) Alleys must be designed and maintained so as to minimize the potential for injury and bruising; and,
(E) Outdoor housing systems must meet the following requirements:
(1) Must seek to minimize prolonged exposure to adverse environmental conditions that compromise the animal's health and safety;
(2) If open lots are used, they must be maintained to promote proper drainage away from resting areas and feed and water; and,
(3) During prolonged periods of wetness, the responsible party must ensure that sheep have access to feed and water.
Supplemental Information