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HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

Version 5.0 (modified)

Click to view all HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

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Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

DG.HF.1 Key

Standards

Housing must be constructed and maintained to provide a safe and secure environment for livestock

How you will be measured

DG.HF.1.a

Housing secure to prevent straying/escaping

DG.HF.1.b

There are no sharp edges, projections or other features presenting a hazard to livestock

DG.HF.1.c

Electrical installations are inaccessible to livestock

DG.HF.1.d

Lights over feed troughs are shatterproof/protected

DG.HF.1.e

Surfaces goats can reach are free from harmful chemical compounds, preservatives and paints

DG.HF.2

Standards

Effective ventilation of housing to minimise high humidity, build-up of odours and maintains a comfortable temperature must be provided

How you will be measured

DG.HF.2.b

Minimise signs of heat stress and goats are not exposed to draughts/extreme cold

DG.HF.3

Standards

Floor surfaces are sound, well constructed and maintained and livestock can walk at ease without slipping or risk of injury

How you will be measured

DG.HF.3.a

Design of any slats are suitable for the species and do not cause livestock to slip or cause foot injuries. Non slatted lying areas provided to goats

DG.HF.4 Key

Standards

Conditions in housing must be maintained in a manner that ensures livestock are able to keep clean

How you will be measured

DG.HF.4.a

Lying areas are well-drained and regularly cleaned out to avoid a build-up of dirty bedding

DG.HF.4.b

All livestock sent to slaughter meet abattoir cleanliness specifications

DG.HF.4.d

No accumulation of excess water, urine, dung or slurry

DG.HF.4.1

Standards

Safe, suitable, and legal bedding is provided in lying areas

How you will be measured

DG.HF.4.1.a

Bedding (used in lying areas including cubicles, loose housing, non-slatted lying areas, and corrals) is non-injurious, non-toxic and is absorptive

DG.HF.4.1.b

Where slatted flooring is used for newborn and young kids, bedding is provided

DG.HF.4.1.c

Delivery records of waste materials used for bedding are kept e.g. recycled woodchip, paper

DG.HF.4.1.d

Waste exemptions to use such materials are registered with the Environment Agency and kept.
  • Delivery Records

– Waste transfer notes
– Waste exemption records

DG.HF.5

Standards

Housing must be lit during normal daylight hours (natural or artificial) to allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of livestock

How you will be measured

DG.HF.5.a

Adequate lighting (whether fixed or portable) is available to enable inspection of stock at any time

DG.HF.5.c

A period of rest from artificial lighting is provided daily

DG.HF.5.d

Fixed lighting is provided in all milking goat housing

DG.HF.6

Standards

Housing must be of sufficient size

How you will be measured

DG.HF.6.a

Group yards and loose housing systems allow space for them all to lie down simultaneously, rise without difficulty, turn around and stretch

DG.HF.6.b

Loose housing provides at least 1.5m2 per adult goat

DG.HF.6.1 Key

Standards

Tethered housing systems are not permitted.

DG.HF.7

Standards

Livestock grouped according to age, size and production status (exception cow/calf, ewe/lamb, and goat/kid)

How you will be measured

DG.HF.7.b

Livestock (including stock bulls/bucks) allowed the sound and view of other livestock (except where segregated/isolated)

DG.HF.7.c

Fractious or fully horned cattle/goats are not mixed with unfamiliar groups or are removed from the group if there is evidence of injury or bullying

DG.HF.7.d

Sexually mature male and female livestock kept apart (unless breeding is planned)

DG.HF.8

Standards

Handling facilities (fixed or portable systems) must be in place or easily accessible

How you will be measured

DG.HF.8.a

There are no sharp edges, projections or other features presenting a hazard to livestock or handlers

DG.HF.8.c

A crush or restraining gates, if applicable, is structurally sound and stable

DG.HF.9

Standards

There must be appropriate facilities for livestock to give birth which are mainatined in accordance with scheme standards

DG.HF.10

Standards

Facilities must be available on-farm that enable the loading and unloading of livestock with minimal stress

How you will be measured

DG.HF.10.a

Adequate lighting to inspect stock at point of loading

DG.HF.10.b

Structurally sound and stable gates/barriers to prevent livestock escaping

DG.HF.10.c

Facilities are free from sharp edges or other projections which may cause injury to livestock and handlers

DG.HF.10.d

If loading ramps are used they are designed to minimise risk of slipping and have secure side guards. - ramp angles do not exceed 26.6o for adult goats, 20o for kids.

DG.HF.10.e

The use of tailgating to overcome site access issues and minimise journey lengths is only permitted if it occurs within the loading site boundary, with suitable facilities (as defined in legislation)

DG.HF.11

Standards

Livestock kept outdoors must have access to shelter (natural or man-made; hedges, trees, walls) and well-drained lying areas

DG.HF.12

Standards

There must be controls in place to minimise overgrazing and poaching

How you will be measured

DG.HF.12.a

Outdoor feeding areas are situated so that they do not become excessively poached or allow a large build-up of dung

DG.HF.12.b

Tracks and gateways are maintained to reduce the risk of foot damage or injury
  • HF.6.1 – Definition of tethered housing: a housing practice used throughout the housed period whereby the stock is fed, watered and sleeps within the area defined by the reach of its restraining method