Teagasc Booklet on Animal Welfare Standards

7 August, 2003

Guidelines on animal welfare friendly practices for beef farmers are contained in a new booklet published by Teagasc.

The 24 page booklet, "Animal Welfare Guidelines for Beef Farmers" was compiled by Teagasc researchers, Dr Bernadette Earley and Dr Richard Fallon of Grange Research Centre with Tony Pettit, Teagasc Food Assurance Specialist. It brings together the full range of research and advisory information on key animal welfare standards.

Speaking at the launch of the booklet, Tony Pettit said that while good animal welfare is an integral part of Irish beef production, there are a number of procedures and activities with the potential to cause stress and injury if not managed correctly.

"Compliance with welfare legislation is now an important requirement for the National Beef Assurance Scheme and Code of Good Farming Practice".

"Research by Teagasc and elsewhere shows that consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of animal welfare issues. This research indicates the importance of high animal welfare standards to the consumers' perception of Irish beef as a safe, healthy and high quality product", he said.

"The trend towards retailers and major food service chains at home and abroad purchasing only Irish beef that originates from assured farms is likely to accelerate. This new Teagasc booklet outlines the best welfare standards and farm assurance practices that will enable beef producers to give full assurance to other stakeholders in the food chain", he added.

All beef producers participating in assurance schemes run by An Bord Bia have been sent a copy of the new Teagasc booklet. It is available to other farmers from local Teagasc offices or can be downloaded here from our website.