Rule 901:12-7-02 | Management.
(A) The following livestock management procedures are acceptable and, if performed, must be performed in a humane manner:
(1) For horn removal, disbudding prior to eruption is permissible without pain management; for dehorning after eruption, pain management must be used; and,
(2) The responsible party in determining the method of castration 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) All housing systems must meet the following requirements:
(1) Must provide a clean and safe environment that promotes the health, welfare and performance of beef cattle 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 calving, there must be sufficient space to enable cows to separate themselves from other animals; and,
(5) Light intensity must be adequate for observation during inspection.
(C) Indoor housing systems must meet the following requirements:
(1) Have a stocking density that allows for all cattle 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) If bedded pack is used, it must be bedded regularly;
(5) Alleys must be designed and maintained so as to minimize the potential for injury and bruising; and,
(6) If tie stalls are used, the animals must be provided with the opportunity for exercise, weather permitting.
(D) 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 cattle have access to feed and water.
Supplemental Information