ui-arrow-rightui-button-arrowui-caret-downui-exclamationui-play-circle

HOUSING, SHELTER AND HANDLING FACILITIES

Version 5.0

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.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

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. (Revised)

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

Housing must be appropriately and effectively ventilated. (Revised)

How you will be measured

DG.HF.2.a

Ventilation minimises high humidity, build-up of odours and maintains a comfortable temperature.

DG.HF.2.b

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

DG.HF.3

Standards

Floors must be constructed and maintained in a manner that minimises the risk of injury.

How you will be measured

DG.HF.3.a

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

DG.HF.3.b

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.3.c

Manhole covers/drains that livestock have access to are maintained.

DG.HF.4 Key

Standards

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

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. (Revised)

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

Lighting in housing must allow normal behaviours, rest and effective inspection of livestock. (Revised)

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.b

Housing is lit during normal daylight hours (natural or artificial).

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. (Revised and Upgraded)

DG.HF.7

Standards

Livestock must be kept in appropriate groups.

How you will be measured

DG.HF.7.a

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

DG.HF.7.b

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

DG.HF.7.c

Fractious or fully horned goats and 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 must be in place and maintained in a condition that minimises the risk of injury and distress to livestock and handlers. (Revised)

How you will be measured

DG.HF.8.a

Well maintained, structurally sound and stable crush, race and handling pens (including portable systems) with no sharp edges and a complete floor.

DG.HF.9

Standards

There must be appropriate facilities for livestock to give birth.

How you will be measured

DG.HF.9.a

Facilities available to separate goat from the rest of the group if necessary.

DG.HF.9.b

Clean, dry bedding provided and replaced regularly.

DG.HF.9.c

Lighting allows for close inspection of livestock.

DG.HF.10

Standards

Facilities must be available on-farm that enable the loading and unloading of livestock with minimal stress and risk of injury to livestock and handlers. (Revised)

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 and well-drained lying areas. (Revised)

How you will be measured

DG.HF.11.a

Shelter provided (natural or man-made; hedges, trees, walls) to protect from inclement weather.

DG.HF.11.b

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