RMS FOR BEEF CATTLE
Below are the Responsible Minimum Standards for Beef Cattle.
Mitigation standards
1.1 | Permanent indoor confinement systems must not be used. |
Mitigation standards
2.1 | Feedlots must not be used. |
2.2 | Cattle must be kept outdoors on grass during the grass-growing season except when weather conditions such as extreme heat or high rainfall leading to muddy ground make this detrimental for welfare. |
2.3 | Protection from the elements must be provided in the form of natural cover (trees) or artificial shading when cattle are outside during the grazing season. |
Mitigation standards
3.1 | ​Feed for beef cattle must not include high quantities of grain as this can have a detrimental impact on cattle health and welfare. |
3.2 | ​Grains, if given to cattle, must be introduced slowly and never compromise more than maximum 40% of the daily diet. |
Mitigation standards
4.1 | ​Face branding, hot-iron branding or tail-docking are not permitted. |
4.2 | The selection of polled cattle (cattle without horns) is greatly preferable to disbudding. |
4.3 | Dehorning is not permitted. |
4.4 | ​Anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia must always be used when disbudding, which must be carried out at an early age (by three weeks of age). |
4.5 | ​If castration is performed, it must be at an early age (no later than two months) with pain relieving analgesia and anesthesia. |
Mitigation standards
5.1 | ​Breeding for double muscling is not permitted. |
Mitigation standards
6.1 | ​Land transport time must be limited to a maximum of 8 hours. |
6.2 | ​Cattle transported by sea must accompanied by a veterinarian and must reach their destination by 24 hours. |
6.3 | ​Cattle must be fit for the journey. |
6.4 | Non-ambulatory cattle must never by transported, unless to a veterinarian for treatment. |
6.5 | Non-ambulatory cattle must not be dragged by their limbs, head or tail, and must only be moved if pulled on a purpose-built conveyance such as a cow sled. |
6.6 | ​Low stress handling methods must be used, with no electric prods permitted. |
Mitigation standards
7.1 | ​Facilities for handling and restraining cattle must take into account the size and age of the animals and be designed, constructed and maintained to minimize stress and risk of injury. |
7.2 | Cattle must be stunned before slaughter using a non-aversive method that causes instantaneous unconsciousness lasting until death. |
7.3 | ​Electroimmobilisation, casting or rotation of cattle must not be used. |
Mitigation standards
8.1 | ​Demonstrate compliance with the above standards via annual third-party auditing and annual public reporting on progress towards this commitment. |