chicken farmers of canada’s animal care program 2009

Chicken Farmers of Canada’s

Animal Care Program

2009

This is the 2009 version of the Animal Care Program. Please read through the Animal Care Program manual to become familiar with the requirements. Enclosed you will find:

• TheAnimalCareProgrammanual• AnImplementationGuideforfarmersalreadyimplementingSafe, Safer, Safest• RecordForms

RecordSheet1forms(torecordstaticinformationaboutthefarm)¾¾

StandardOperatingProceduresforms(SOP;updatedannually)¾¾

FlockSpecificRecordforms(combinedrecordformsfortheAnimalCareandFoodSafety¾¾

programs)Deviationrecordforms(forrecordingdeviationsandcorrectiveactionsastheyarise)¾¾

• ACDthatincludestheprogrammanual,implementationguideandrecordforms.ProgramImplementation:• FilloutRecordSheet1withthestaticinformationforyourfarm.Thisonlyneedstobefilledout

onceandthenupdatedifarelevantchangetoyourfacility,equipmentormanagementsystemhasbeen made.

• FillouttherelevantSOPforms• FillouttheFlockSpecificRecordsforeachflock.• FillouttheDeviationRecordFormsforeachflockasneeded

ThesupplementalImplementationGuidehasbeendesignedtobeatoolforfarmerswhoarealreadyimplementingSafe, Safer, Safest.ItlistsonlythoseAnimalCarerequirementswhichcannotalreadybe found in the Safe, Safer, Safestprogram.TheImplementationGuideandtheFlockSpecificrecordformshavebeendesignedtofacilitatetheprocessofcombiningtheAnimalCareProgramandFoodSafetyprogramrequirementsforfarmers.

Moreinformationconcerningimplementationandauditscanbefoundinthemanual.Farmerscanalso contact their Provincial Board office for more details.

Animal Care Program

2009

A. Introduction ....................................................................................................1

Legend ............................................................................................................2

On-Farm Audit and Certification Process ...................................................2

Audit Frequency .............................................................................................3

Sample Audit Checklist .................................................................................6

B. Program Requirements .................................................................................8

1. Feed and Water ...........................................................................................8

a. Feed ........................................................................................................8

b. Water ......................................................................................................9

2. Environment (Temperature, Air Quality and Lighting) ........................10

a. Temperature ..........................................................................................10

b. Air Quality ............................................................................................. 11

c. Lighting .................................................................................................12

d. Back-Up Systems ................................................................................ 13

3. Stocking Density, Housing System and Litter Management ...............14

a. Stocking Density .................................................................................. 14

b. Housing System and Litter Management ..............................................15

4. Bird Monitoring and Handling .................................................................17

5. Health Care Practices ..............................................................................19

6. Catching and Loading ............................................................................21

7. Pest Control, Biosecurity and Sanitation ...............................................22

8. Workers and Management .....................................................................23

9. Record Keeping and Corrective Actions ...............................................24

a. Record Keeping ....................................................................................24

b. Corrective Actions .................................................................................25

C. Forms ............................................................................................................28

Table of Contents

Animal Care Program

2009 1

Introduction

IntroductionChickenFarmersofCanada(CFC)hasdevelopedacomprehensiveanimalcareprogramdesignedtodemonstratethelevelofcaregiventoCanadianchickens.TheprogramwasdesignedtocomplementCFC’sSafe, Safer, Safestprogramandtoprovideassurancethroughdocumentationthatfarmersaremeetingappropriateanimalcarestandards.

TheAnimalCareProgramisbasedonthenationally-developedRecommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Chickens, Turkeys and Breeders from Hatchery to Processing Plant.ThisCodeofPracticewasfirstpublishedin1983toprovideavoluntaryguidelinetopromotesoundanimalcarepracticesforpoultry.CFCworkedinconjunctionwiththeanimalagricultureindustry,government,theCanadianVeterinaryMedicalAssociation,theCanadianFederationofHumaneSocieties,theCanadianCouncilonAnimalCareandacademicsspecializinginanimalbehaviourtoensuretheappropriatestandardsforthecareandhandlingofchickenswereoutlinedinthecode.Themostrecenteditionwasdevelopedin2003.

Inrecentyears,theawarenessaboutanimalcareissuesbystakeholdersandconsumers,bothinCanadaandabroad,hasincreasedataremarkablerate.EverythreeyearsCFCconductsaUsage&Attitudessurveyaspartofanongoingprogramtomonitorconsumptionof,andconsumerattitudestoward,chickenandcompetitivemeatsacrossCanada.InCFC’smostrecentUsage&Attitudessurvey(2007),chickensandcowswerethe animals most associated with animal care concerns among our everyday consumers. Atthemeatcounter,majorfoodretailersareindicatinganeedtodemonstratetoconsumershowthechickenindustryisprovidingappropriateanimalcare.

Severalnationalandinternationalanimalcareprogramshavebeen,orareintheprocessofbeing,developed.InCanada,theEggFarmersofCanadaandtheCanadianTurkeyMarketingAgencyhavedevelopedauditableanimalcareprogramsfortheirsectoroftheCanadianpoultryindustry.SimilarprogramshavealsobeendevelopedandarebeingimplementedintheUnitedStates,Britain,AustraliaandtheEuropeanUnion.

AnimalcareisanimportantissueforCanadianchickenfarmers.CFCandtheCanadianpoultryindustryhavealwaysbeenproudofourexcellentanimalcarerecord.CanadianchickenfarmershavesupportedtheCodeofPracticeforthecareandhandlingofchickenssinceitsinception.Thedevelopmentofthisprogramcontinuestodemonstratechickenfarmers’commitmenttoanimalcareandwillbekeytothefuturesuccessofthebroiler industry.

TheCanadianFederationofHumaneSocietiesandtheCanadianVeterinaryMedicalAssociationhavereviewedandsupporttheimplementationofChickenFarmersofCanada’sAnimalCareProgram.

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Legend, On-Farm Audit and Certification Process

LegendIneachsection,productionpracticeshavebeendesignatedwitheitheran oran representsa“MUSTDO”productionpractice.Thesearemandatoryforthehumanecareofyourflock. representsa“HIGHLYRECOMMENDED”productionpracticewhichindicatesitsimportanceintheanimalcareprogram.HRproductionpracticesarenotmandatory,buttheyarestronglyrecommendedtoensurethehighestlevelofcareforyourflock.

On-Farm Audit and Certification ProcessThe audit of the Animal Care Program will be combined with the Safe, Safer, SafestOn-FarmFoodSafetyAssuranceProgramaudit.

Thissectionprovidesanoverviewoftherolesandresponsibilitiesforplayersinvolvedintheauditandcertificationprocess.

Chicken Farmers of Canada ResponsibilitiesThe design and delivery of the Animal Care Program on a national basis and the •maintenance of the technical standard and Producer Manual.

Thedevelopment,maintenanceanddeliveryoftrainingprogramsfortheAnimal•Care Program on-farm auditors.

Theongoingmonitoringofaneffectiveprogramandensuringconsistencyin•applicationandcertificationacrossallprovinces.

Provincial Board ResponsibilitiesThe delivery of the Animal Care Program and certification services to farmers in •theprovince.

Theimplementationofcertificationprocedures,whichincludeperforming •on-farmaudits,reviewingauditreportsandrecommendations,makingcertificationdecisions.

Themanagementofthecomplaintsandappealsprocedures.•

Theimplementationofaneffectiveprogramandtofollowthemanagementmanual•to ensure consistency.

Farmer’s ResponsibilitiesImplementingandmaintainingcompliancewiththeAnimalCareProgram.•

KeepingdocumentsdemonstratingconformancetotheAnimalCareProgram.•

Continuingtoimplementtheprogram,aswellastoundergoon-goingauditsasper•thefrequencyandfortakingcorrectiveactionstoresolveanydeficienciesidentifiedintheauditreportwithinthetimelinesetbytheauditor.

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On-Farm Audit and Certification Process

Informingtheprovincialboardofanylargemanagementchangeonthefarm •(e.g.operatinganewbarnthatwhichhasnotbeenpreviouslyauditedor changingownership).

Audit FrequencyAcombinationoffullaudits(F),partialaudits(P),recordassessments(R)andfarmerself-declarations(S)willbeusedtoassesscompliancewiththeprogramonanannualbasis.

Full audit-Anon-farm/on-siteevaluationofrecords,statementsoffactorotherrelevantinformationtodeterminetheextenttowhichallthespecifiedrequirementsoftheprogramaremet.

Partial audit-Anon-farm/on-siteevaluationofrecords,statementsoffactorotherrelevantinformationtodeterminetheextenttowhichasubsetofthespecifiedrequirementsoftheprogramaremet.

Records assessment-Off-farmevaluationofasubsetofrecordsorotherrelevantinformationtodeterminetheextenttowhichallorasubsetofthespecifiedrequirementsoftheprogramaremet.Thisevaluationincludesdirectcommunicationwiththefarmrepresentativeandcanbeperformedon-farm.

Self Declaration-Anattestation,bythefarmoperation,thatallthespecifiedrequirementsoftheprogramaremet.Infilingthedeclaration,thefarmoperationshallincludethecompletedself-evaluationchecklistandanyotherrequireddocumentsorrecords.

The audit cycle will occur as follows:

An initial seven year cycle of:

Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 Year5 Year6 Year7F P R S P R S

Followedcontinuouslywithasixyearcycleof:

Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 Year5 Year6F R S P R S

Yourprovincialboardwilldecidewhereyoufitintotheauditcycle.Inaddition,aminimum7%ofthosefarmsundergoingarecordsassessmentoraself-declarationinanygivenyearwillbesubjecttoarandomon-farmpartialaudit.

Triggered audits can also occur at any time. An on-farm audit can be triggered by laboratoryreports,auditreports,bycomplaintsofnon-conformancesbystakeholdersorby changes made by farmers.

Farmer Pre-Audit ChecklistPriortoundergoinganon-farmaudit,eachfarmershouldcompletethesampleauditchecklisttoassesstheirpreparednessforarealaudit.Oncefilledout,farmersshouldhaveafairlygoodideaiftheyarecomplyingwiththeAnimalCareProgramrequirements.

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Biosecurity During an AuditDuringanon-farmaudit,auditorswillfollowstrictbiosecurityguidelinestopreventcontamination.Auditorsmusttakepreventivemeasurestoensurethattheydonotpresentabiosecurityrisktothefarmbyparkinginadesignatedarea,preventingcross-contamination,wearingcleancoverallsandboots,disposingoftheclothingandfootwearinanacceptablelocation,andbyfollowinganyadditionalbiosecuritymeasuresrequestedby the farmer.

Audit ProcessUndernormalcircumstances,farmerswillbeinformedwhenanauditwillbeoccurring,andthedatewillbedeterminedbasedontheauditors’andthefarmer’savailability;however,provincialboardofficesreservetherighttooperatebasedontheirrulesandregulations.

The audit of the Animal Care Program will be combined with the Safe, Safer, Safest On-FarmFoodSafetyAssuranceProgramaudit.Oncetheauditstarts,theauditorwillconfirmthescopeoftheauditandwillgiveabriefdescriptionofhowtheauditwillproceed.Foron-farmaudits,theauditorwillreviewthefarmrecords,discusstheimplementationwiththefarmerandwillperformatourofthefarmtoassesscompliancewiththeprogram.

Beforecompletingtheaudit,theauditorwillcompleteanauditreport.Thisreportwilllistanycorrectiveactionsandatargetcompletiondatewillbeagreeduponbytheauditorandthefarmer.AreportwillbecompletedfortheSafe, Safer, SafestprogramandtheAnimalCareProgram.Farmerswillreceiveacopyofthisreport.

Ifcorrectiveactionshavebeenassessed,atimelinewillbesetwiththefarmerastowhenthecorrectiveactionswillbere-evaluated.Basedonthis,afollow-upauditwillbescheduled,wheretheauditorwilljudgetheimplementationandeffectivenessofthecorrectiveactions.Atthistime,afollow-upauditreportwillbecompletedandthefarmerwillberequestedtosignadeclarationindicatingthattheywillkeepimplementingtheAnimal Care Program.

Theauditordoesnotgrantcertification;rather,theauditormakesarecommendationandtheauditreportswillbesenttotheCertificationAgent.

CertificationOncetheauditreportisreceived,theCertificationAgentwillmakeadecisionongranting certification.

Beforegrantingcertification,theCertificationAgentmustensurethatallmandatoryAnimalCareProgramrequirementshavebeensuccessfullycompleted,thatthefarmerisaregisteredquotaholderorlicensedproducer,thatthefarmerhassignedtheFarmerDeclarationindicatingthattheywillcontinuetoimplementtheprogramrequirementsandundergoauditsaspertheprescribedfrequencyandthatthefarmerhassuccessfullycompletedtheaudit(i.e.hascompletedthecorrectiveactions).

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Allmandatoryitemsmustbeimplementedpriortoreceivingcertification.Inordertoeasetheimplementationofthedensityrequirements,theCFCBoardofDirectorshaveapproveda5yearphaseinforthedensityrequirement.ThestartofthephaseinperiodbeginsonDecember1,2008,whiletheendofthephaseinperiodwillbeatthestartofA-121(December1,2013).Therefore,allfarmswillneedtocomplywiththedensityregulationsforchickplacementsstartingA-121tomaintaincertification.

Whenafarmerhasbeengrantedcertification,astickerattachedtothecertificationletterwill be sent to the farmer.

Basedonthecertificationprocess,farmerscanregisterlegitimatecomplaintsorappealswiththeprovincialboard.Farmersshouldcheckwiththeprovincialboardforspecificprocedures.

CertificationwiththisprogramindicatesthatthesystembeingusedonthefarmmeetstheCFCAnimalCareProgramstandards.Certificationdoesnotguaranteethelevelofanimalcareprovidedonthesefarms.

Certificate WithdrawalTheCertificationAgenthastheauthoritytosuspendorterminatecertification.

Thereasonsforsuspensionorterminatingapreviouslygrantedcertificationinclude:

Afarmerstopsraisingbroilersforaperiodlongerthanoneyear•

A farmer declines an audit•

Afarmerdoesnotcompletetherequiredcorrectiveactions•

A farmer no longer maintains the requirements of the Animal Care Program•

A farmer sells his/her quota•

Cooperationandaccesstodocumentation,facilitiesandpersonnelarenotprovided•to auditors during audits

Afarmerusesthecertificationorotherprogrammaterialsinwaysthatconflictwith•stated guidelines

Oncesuspendedorterminated,thecertificationcannotbedisplayedorotherwiseusedtoindicatethatthefarmiscertifiedundertheprogram.Ifafarmerintendstobecomecertifiedafterhavinghadthecertificationsuspendedorterminated,theymustcommencethe audit frequency again with a full audit.

ForfurtherinformationpertainingtotheAnimalCareProgram,pleasecontactChickenFarmersofCanadaoryourprovincialboardoffice.

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Sample Audit Checklist

Sample Audit ChecklistManual Reference Page

NumberRequirement

Mandatory Items

1a)Feed p.8 n Birdshaveadequatespacetofeedwithoutrestrictionp.8 n Numberoffeeders/feederspacerecordedonRecordSheet1(orsimilar)p.8 n Appropriatenumberoffeedersprovidedp.8 n Feedsatisfiesdietaryrequirementsp.8 n Safe, Safer, Safest requirements on feed quality followed

1b)Water p.9 n Birds have continuous access to waterp.9 n Safe, Safer, Safest requirements on water quality followedp.9 n Appropriatenumberofdrinkersprovidedp.9 n Numberofdrinkers/waternipplesrecordedonRecordSheet1

(orsimilar)2a)Temperature p.10 n Temperaturealarmsandcorrectiveactionsrecorded2b)Airquality

2c)Lighting

p.11 n Airquality(ammonia,humidity,airexchangerate)monitoreddailyp.12 n Appropriateilluminationfornormalfeedandwaterintakeprovidedp.12 n LightingprogramdocumentedonRecordSheet1(orsimilar)

2d)Back-upsystems p.13 n Monitoringsystemtestedandrecordedonce/productioncyclep.13 n Standbypowersystemoralternatesystemofmaintainingventilation,

feeding,wateringandlightingprogramsavailableandtestedonce/productioncycle

p.13 n Contactinformationoffarmemployeesavailable3a)Stockingdensity p.14 n Stockingdensitytargetedfornomorethan31kg/m2(6.35lb/ft2)atits

highestpointunless the requirements for stocking between 31 kg/m2 and 38 kg/m2 are met

p.14 n InsidefloorareaofthebarnrecordedonRecordSheet1(orsimilar)p.14 n Ifstockingbetween31kg/m2and38kg/m2 the following requirements

are met:Appropriatenumberoffeeders/drinkersavailable•Birdstravelnofartherthan3-4m(10-13ft)toreachfeedandwater•Water meters available•Minimumandmaximumdailytemperaturesrecorded•Minimumandmaximumlevelsofhumidityandammonia •measured daily.Mortality,euthanasiaandcondemnrecordsmaintainedperflock•

3b)Housingsystem and litter management

p.15 n Alternativehousingsystemsmustmeetthestockingdensityrequirementsoftheprogram.

p.15 n Goodqualitylitterprovidedtoeachflockp.15 n Correctivemeasurestakeniflitteristoowetor too dryp.16 n Littercleanedoutaftereachflock

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Animal Care Program Sample Audit Checklist

4.Birdmonitoring and handling

p.17 n Farmerorrepresentativepresentduringchickdeliveryandplacementp.17 n Newchicksinspectedp.18 n Safe, Safer, Safest requirements followed to ensure barn ready for

receivingnewchicksp.18 n Chicksmonitoredtwicedailyp.18 n Feed,waterandventilationsystemscheckedtwicedaily

5.Healthcare practices

p.19 n NameofveterinarianandalternaterecordedonRecordSheet1 (orsimilar)

p.19 n Flockobserved for signs of disease and high mortalityp.19 n Safe, Safer, Safest requirements followed to ensure maintenance

of medicatorsp.20 n Overallflockmortalitymonitoreddailyp.20 n Notifiedveterinarianifmortalityexceeded2%in24hrsp.20 n Culledsickandinjuredbirdsdaily

6.Catchingandloading

p.21 n Farmersavailableandbarnpreparedtofacilitatecatching.

7.Pestcontrol,biosecurity and sanitation

p.22 n Effectivepestcontrolprogramutilizedp.22 n Biosecurity,cleaninganddisinfectionrequirementsofSafe, Safer, Safest

followed8.Workersand

managementp.23 n Allpersonnelunderstandtheanimalcareprogramp.23 n Personnelcompetentinbirdbehaviour,diseaserecognition,correctbird

handlingtechniques,humaneeuthanasiatechniques,litterandairqualitymanagementandemergencyproceduresforfireanddisaster

9a)Recordkeeping p.24 n StaticinformationrecordedonRecordSheet1(orsimilar)p.24 n AppropriateinformationrecordedontheFlockSpecificRecordforms

(orsimilar)9b)Corrective

Actionsp.25 n Deviations and corrective actions are recorded

Highly Recommended Items1b)Water p.9 n A24-houremergencysupplyofwaterisavailable

p.9 n Watertemperaturedoesnotexceed30°C(86°F)p.9 n Watermetersusedformonitoringwaterintake

2b)Airquality p.11 n Stepstakentoreduceammoniawhenitexceeds15ppmp.11 n Monitoring devices used to measure ammonia

2c)Lighting p.12 n Birdsexposedtonolessthan1hrofdarknessina24hrperiodexceptduring brooding

8.Workersand management

p.23 n Stepstakentominimizebirdexcitement.

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Feed and WaterAnimal Care Program

Feed and WaterAnelevatedlevelofaggressioncanoccurwhenchickensareforcedtocompeteforinadequateresources.Toavoidthismakesurethatchickensareprovidedwithenoughspaceforfeedingandwateringaswellasanadequateandpredictablesupplyoffeedandwater.

a. Feed

Chickensmustbeprovidedwithadequatespacetofeedwithoutrestriction. Thequantityandstyleoffeedersmustbeappropriatetothenumberandsizeofthebirdsinthefacilityandtheymustbesetattheappropriateheight.Follow the recommendations ofthemanufacturerandtheprimarybreederforyourparticularbreedofbird.

Thetotalnumberoffeedersorlinearfeederspace,themanufacturers’recommendationsandthemaximumbarncapacity(no.ofbirds)mustberecordedonRecordSheet1.

Thefeedmustbecapableofsatisfyingdietaryrequirementsandmaintaininggoodhealth.

Feedmaybetemporarilywithdrawnwhenrequiredbyaflockveterinarian,whenheatstressisaconcernorpriortoprocessingaspartofthefeedwithdrawalprogram.Withdrawaltimesshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwiththeprocessorandveterinarian.

TherequirementsofCFC’son-farmprogram,Safe, Safer, Safest must be followed to ensurethequalityandsupplyoffeedisadequate.

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Feed and WaterAnimal Care Program

b. Water

Chickensmusthavecontinuousaccesstopotablewater,exceptwhenrequiredbyaveterinarian,aspartofvaccinationproceduresorduringthecatchingprocess.

TherequirementsofCFC’son-farmprogramSafe, Safer, Safest must be followed to ensurewaterqualityisappropriate.

Thetemperatureofthewatershouldnotexceed30°C(86°F).

Itisrecommendedthata24-houremergencysupplyofwaterbeaccessibleincaseofwaterinterruption.Thesourceofwatermaybelocatedeitheronfarmoratanidentifiedlocation off-farm.

Thenumberandstyleofwaterersmustbeappropriatetothenumberandsizeofthebirdsinthefacility.Followtherecommendationsofthemanufacturerandtheprimarybreederforyourparticularbreedofbirdtodetermineanappropriatewateringsystem.

Thetotalnumberofdrinkersornipples,manufacturers’recommendationsandthemaximumbarncapacity(no.ofbirds)mustberecordedonRecordSheet1.

Watermetersareusefultoolsformonitoringwaterintakebytheflock.

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EnvironmentAnimal Care Program

Environment (Temperature, Air Quality and Lighting)

a. Temperature

Theenvironmentaltemperaturerepresentsthecombinedeffectsofseveralvariablesincludingairtemperature,humidity,airspeed,surroundingsurfacetemperatures,stockingdensities,theageandstateofproduction.

Ingeneral,thethermalcomfortzoneofchickensliesbetween20and30°C(68-86°F).Dayoldchicksareunabletomaintaintheirbodytemperatureifthetemperaturefallsbelow26°C(78.8°F).Thetemperatureofthebarnshouldbemaintainedat30-32°C(86-90ºF)forthefirstweekfollowingplacement.Ingeneral,thetemperatureshouldbeloweredby2-3ºC(4-6ºF)perweekfollowingplacementdowntoapproximately21-23ºC(70-75ºF)attheageof6weeks.Thereafter,thetemperatureshouldbemaintainedwithintherangeof10-27ºC(50-80ºF).Temperatureshouldbemeasuredatthebirdlevel.Effortsmustbemadetoavoidtemperatureextremesinthebarn.Theeffectofhotweathercanbemoderatedbyprovidingadditionalairmovementorevaporativecoolingopportunities.Alwaysprotectchickens,nomatterwhattheirage,againstdraftsorcoldareas.

Optimumtemperaturerequirementsvarywithdifferentstrainsofchickens.Forthisreason,thebehaviourofchickenscanbeusedasareliableindicatorofthermalcomfort.

Temperaturesthataretoohighcause:

Crowdingofthechickensawayfromheatsource•

Pasty vents•

Frequentspreadingandflappingofwings•

Panting•

Temperaturesthataretoolowcause:

Crowding around the heat source•

Huddlingorpiling•

Featherruffling•

Rigidpostureortrembling•

Distress calls•

Whenthetemperatureisclosetooptimum,chickensspreadevenlyovertheentirebrooder area or barn floor.

Recordalltemperaturealarmsandthecorrectiveactionstaken(seeFlockSpecificRecordForms).Alarmsaretobesetfortemperaturechangesoutsideoftheoptimaltemperature

range(thermalcomfortzone)fortheageandbreedofbird.

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b. Air Quality

Design your facilities to give you control over the air quality inside the barn during normal weather changes. This includes:

Theremovalofwatervapour•

The removal of ammonia•

Theremovalofcarbondioxide•

Agoodventilationsystemwillbringinenoughfreshairforagrowing,healthyflock.Adequateairmovementshouldoccuratbirdlevel.Youshouldbeabletosettherateofairchangestotherightlevelfortheageandweightofthebirds,giventheoutsideweatherconditions.Whenventilationsystemsareworkingwellandadjustedproperly,thelitterstaysdry,temperaturesareuniformanddraftsareprevented.

Airqualityisdependentonstockingdensity,theageofbirds,litterquality,ambienttemperatureandmanagement.Youshouldconsultwiththeequipmentmanufacturertodeterminetheappropriatedesign,ventilationrate,numberoffans,etc.foryourspecificoperation.

Humidityshouldbemaintainedatalevelthatpreventstheexcessivebuildupofmoistureinthelitterand/ortheformationofcondensationonthewalls.Inaddition,toolittlemoisture in the litter will cause the litter to become dry and dusty. The humidity range istypicallybetween50-70%relativehumidity.Humiditylevelsabove70%contributetoexcessivemoistureandammonialevels.Humiditylevelsaregenerallyloweratplacement.Thisrangemaybeexceededduetooutsideweatherconditionsforshortperiodsoftime.

Theconcentrationofammoniaintheairshouldnotexceed25ppm.Atthislevel,discomforttotheworkersisnoticeable(i.e.eyeandnasalirritation).At10to15ppm,ammonia can be detected by smell.

Ifammonialevelsexceed15ppm,stepsshouldbetakentotrytoaddressittoavoidanyriskofrespiratorydamagetothebirds.

Farmersand/orfarmrepresentativesmustmonitorthequalityoftheairinthebarndaily.Iftheairqualityparametersareoutofrange(ammonia(25ppm),humidity,airexchangerate)immediatestepsmustbetakentoimproveit.

Ammoniamonitoringdevices(e.g.stripsandtubes)areusefultoolsformonitoringammonia levels in the barn.

Air quality may be monitored by:

Watchingforlitterthatistoowetortoodry.Thiswillprovideanestimateofthe•level of humidity in the barn.

Watching for eye or nasal irritation. This will occur if ammonia is too high.•

Observingthebehaviourofthebirds.Arethebirdshuddlingorspreadoutevenly•throughoutthebarn?Birdswillhuddleifthetemperatureinthebarnisunevenorifthere are drafts.

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Somestepsthatmaybetakentolowerammonialevelsinthebarninclude:

Increasingtheventilationrate–thecapacityoftheventilationsystemmustbe•adequateforthestockingdensity.

Feedingdietsthatreducethelevelofureaandproteinsexcretedinthefeces.•

Reducingwaterspillageatthedrinkers–nippledrinkerstendtospilllesswater•thanbelldrinkers.

Usinglitterthathasahighcapacityforholdingwater.•

Removingwetlitterandreplacingitwithdrybedding.•

Reducingstockingdensity.•

c. Lighting

Chickensaresensitivetothelengthofthedayanddifferencesinlightintensityduringthegrow-outperiod.Thisiswhychoosingyourlightingprogramisacriticalfarmmanagementdecision.Therearemanyprogramstochoosefrom.Variablessuchasthetypeandsexofthebirdsyouareraisingneedtobeconsidered.Yourlightingprogramshould also coordinate with your feed and water systems.

Duringthefirstthreedaysofthechicks’life youmustprovideenoughilluminationfornormalfeedandwaterintakeandnormalactivity.Daytimelightinglevelsmustallowchickenstobevisuallyinspectedwithoutdifficulty.

Duringthefirstthreedays,anaverageilluminationof20luxatchickheightshouldbepresentthroughoutthehouse(exceptinshadedareas)toencouragechickstostarteatingnormally.

20Lux:theuseofonestandard60W/120Vincandescentbulbforevery18.5m2(200ft.2)ofbarnareawillmaintainalightlevelof20luxforbulbsmountedapproximately3m(10ft.)abovethefloor.A13–15Wcompactfluorescentlampmaybeusedasanenergysaving alternative.

Thelightingprogrammustbedocumented.SeeRecordSheet1.

Birdsshouldbeexposedtoaperiodofdarkness.Theperiodofdarknessshouldbenolessthan1hourineach24hourperiodexceptduringthebroodingperiod(placementto5daysofage)wherelightmaybeprovidedcontinuously.

OnCanadianchickenfarms,aperiodofdarkness(illuminationatbirdlevelthatdoesnotexceed50percentofthelightlevelintheremaininghours)ofatleast4hoursinevery24hourperiodistypicallyprovidedtotheflocks.

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d. Back-Up Systems

Amonitoringsystemmustbefunctionaltoinformyouofanypowerfailureandtemperaturevariationoutsideofcriticallimits.Youmusttestthemonitoringsystemandrecordwhenitwastestedatleastonceperproductioncycletoensureitisfunctioningappropriately.

Yourbarnsmusthaveastandbypowersystemoranalternatemethodofprovidingandmaintainingadequateventilation,feeding,wateringandlightingprogramsatallstagesofgrow-out.Youmusttestthestandbysystemandrecordwhenitwastestedatleastonceperproductioncycletobesurethataproperenvironmentcanbemaintainedifthereisapowerfailure.

Contactinformationforkeyfarmstaffmustbeavailabletofarmemployeesintheeventof a fire or other disaster.

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Stocking Density, Housing System and Litter ManagementAnimal Care Program

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Stocking Density, Housing System and Litter Management

a. Stocking Density

Sufficientspacemustbeprovidedforallbirdstohavethefreedomtowalk,turn,sit,preen,flapandstretchtheirwings,anddustbathe.

Stockingdensitymustbetargetedfornomorethan31 kg/m2 (6.35 lb/ft 2) at its highest pointbeforethebirdsareshippedunless you meet the requirements outlined below. Whereprovincialregulationsstipulateaspecificstockingdensity(atorbelow31kg/m2

(6.35lb/ft2)),thenthoseregulationssupersedethestockingdensityrequirementsofthisprogram.

Density Conversionskg/m2 kg/ft.2 lb/ft.2

31 2.88 6.3538 3.53 7.78

The total inside floor area available to the birds and the total number of birds needed tomeettargetdensityatmarketweightmustberecordedonRecordSheet1.

Barnsthatdemonstrateanabilitytooperateunderhigherdensitiescanadoptadensityupto38kg/m2.Thesecriteriaaredeterminedbyflockmortality,airquality,husbandryprograms,feedingandwateringequipment,ventilationsystems,andlittercontrol.Farmersraisingbirdsabove31kg/m2 must be vigilant to observe for signs of stress and overcrowding.Theseindicatorsincludeelevatedmortality,elevatedlameness,poorlitterquality,poorgrowthandpoorventilation.Theparametersbelowaredesignedastoolsformonitoringandpreventingtheseconditionsinflockswithadensityofover31kg/m2.

Ifstockingbetween31 kg/m2 and 38 kg/m2 (6.35 lb/ft2 and 7.78 lb/ft2) the following requirements must be met:

Thenumberoffeedersanddrinkersavailablemustbeappropriateforthenumber •ofbirdsinthebarn.Youcannotplacemorechicksthanyourfeedersanddrinkerscan accommodate.

Watermetersmustbeavailableandintakerecordeddailytomonitorforchanges •inwaterintake.

Chickensmustnothavetotravelanyfartherthan3to4m(10to13ft.) •toreachfeedorwaterwhenraisedattargetdensitiesfrom31kg/m2 to 38kg/m2 (6.35lb/ft2 to7.78lb/ft2).

Minimumandmaximumtemperaturesmustberecordeddaily.•

Humidityorammoniametersmustbeavailabletoensurethatairqualityis•sufficient.Humidityorammoniamustbemeasuredoneachfloorofthebarn and theminimumandmaximumlevelsovereach24-hourperiodmustberecorded.

2009 15


Correctiveactionsmustbetakeniflevelsareoutsideoftheacceptablerange.Relativehumidityisacceptablebetween50-70%andammoniaisunacceptablewhenitexceeds25ppm.

Mortality,euthanasiaandcondemnrecordsmustbemaintainedforeachflock.•Mortalitiesandcondemnsmustnotbehigherthanwhatwouldbeexpectedforbirdsraisedatadensityofupto31kg/m2 (6.35lb/ft2).

Themaximumnumberofchicksthatcanbeplacedwillbeinfluencedbythenumber andcapacityofthefeedersanddrinkersavailable.Thenumberofchicksthatthefeedersanddrinkerscanaccommodateshouldbetakenintoaccountwhenplacingchicks. Refertothe samplecalculationsforRecordSheet1.Underthisexample,nomorethat11,375chicksshouldbeplaced.

Thinningofflocksisconsideredtobeanacceptablepracticeprovidedthat,atits highestpoint,stockingdensitydoesnotexceed31kg/m2 (6.35lb/ft2)orupto 38kg/m2(7.78lb/ft2)withtheaboverequirementsmet.Beawarethatthepracticeofthinningrepresentsabiosecurityrisktoyourflock.RefertotheSafe, Safer, Safest programforrecommendedproceduresduringcatching.

b. Housing System and Litter Management

ChickensinCanadaaregenerallyraisedinclean,climate-controlledbarns.Theyaretypicallyraisedinfree-runsystemswheretheycanmoveaboutthebarnfreely.Broilerchickensmayberaisedinalternativetypesofhousingsystemsprovidedthattheanimalcarerequirementsoutlinedinthisprogramaremet.

Alternativehousingsystemsthatdonotmeetthestockingdensityrequirementsstipulatedinthisprogramarenotpermittedforuse.

Allflocksmustbeprovidedwithgoodquality(clean,dryandabsorbent)freshlitterofsuitablematerial,particlesize,anddepth.Woodshavingsandchoppedstrawareexamplesofsuitablelitter.

Litterqualitymustbemonitoreddaily.

Goodlittermanagementisimportantforproducinghealthybirds.Ammonialevelswillincreaseifthelitterbecomestoowetandmaycausethebirdstodevelopproblemssuchasfootpadlesions,hockburnandbreastblisters.Litterthatbecomestoodrymaycontributetorespiratoryinfections.

Ifthelitterqualityisinadequate(thatis,toowetortoodry)immediatemeasuresmustbetakentoimproveit.

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2009 16


The following is a guide for determining the moisture level in the litter:

Whenthemoisturecontentisappropriatethelittershouldbelooselycompacted•whensqueezed;whensqueezedintoaballtheballshouldeasilyfallapart.

When the moisture content in the litter is too high the litter should be tightly •compactedwhensqueezed;whensqueezedintoaballtheballremainsintact.

Whenthemoisturecontentinthelitteristoolowthelittershouldnotcompactwhen•squeezed;itcannotbesqueezedintoaball.

Littermustbecleanedoutaftereachflockandreplacedwithcleanbeddingmaterialoncecleaningofthebarnhasbeencompleted.

Itisrecommendedthatgroundlevelfloorsbemadeofconcretetofacilitatecleaninganddisinfecting.Cleaninganddisinfectingthebarnarethekeystobreakingthecycleofcontamination when it occurs. The use of earth floors is discouraged as they cannot be properlycleanedanddisinfected.

MD

2009 17

Bird Monitoring and HandlingAnimal Care Program

4

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Bird Monitoring and HandlingOncethedateandtimeofdeliveryisobtainedfromthehatchery,makesurethatthebarnisreadyforplacementofthechicksbeforethechicksaredelivered.

Thefollowingproceduresapply:

i) Thelittermustbeclean,softanddry.Anadequatelayerisrequiredtoabsorbthedroppingsofthechick.Thethicknessdependsonthetypeofbeddingused.

ii) Thebarnmustbepre-heatedinadvanceofthearrivalofthechickstoensurethechicks’bodytemperaturesremainconstantduringtransferfromthehatchery.

iii)Drinkinglinesmustbereadyandadjusted.Anadequatewaterandfeedsupplymustbeavailableuponarrivalofthechicks

Thechickenfarmeroroneofhis/herrepresentativesmustalwaysbepresentatthetimeofdeliveryandplacement,tomakesurethatthechicksdeliveredareingoodphysicalconditionandtoensurethattheenvironmentisappropriateforthechicks.

Whenplacingthechicks,carefullytakethechicks’boxesdirectlyinsidethebarnandspreadthemuniformlythroughouttheareausedforbrooding.Releasethechicksinahumanemanner.Importantpointsforplacingare:

Boxesoflivechicksshouldbealwayshandledinalevelpositionandneverthrown•ordropped.

Thechicksshouldberemovedbyincliningtheboxandthenwithdrawingitfrom•underthemwithasmooth,swiftmovement.

Ifremovingbyhand(withthehandsformingascoop),thechicksmustnotbe•squeezed.

Chicksshouldnotbedroppedfromadistancethatwouldcauseharm.•

Youmustinspectyournewflockassoonasyougetthechicks.Recordyourobservations.Makenoteofanycorrectiveactionsyoutake.

The following quality assessment criteria are used at the hatchery level and are suggested totheproducertobeusedatthereceptionoftheirchicks:

i) Alertness:analertchickhaswide-openbrighteyesandappearstobecurious.

ii) Vigour:avigorouschickisinstantlyactivewhendisturbedandshowsnosignsofweakness.

iii)Condition:theconditionofthechickisevaluatedbyhandling.Agoodconditionedchickisfirm,notmushy.Thenavelishealed,thefluffisnotmattedandthechickpresentsnosignsofdehydration.Unhealednavelsprovideanearlyaccessrouteforbacterialinfections,resultinginchicklosses.

iv) Normalcy:anormalchickhasnoapparentdeformityshowingnosignsofabnormalitysuchastwistedbeaks,twistedtoes,crippledorstraddledlegs,etc.Thereshouldnotbenoticeablyundersizedbirdswithinthelot.

2009 18

Bird Monitoring and HandlingAnimal Care Program

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FollowtherequirementsinCFC’sOn-FarmProgram,Safe, Safer, Safest to ensure appropriatebarnreadinessatchickdelivery.

Sometimes,youwillhavetohandlesomeofyourbirdsforcloserexamination.Forexample,thiscouldhappenwhenyouseetheearlyclinicalsignsofadisease.Handlingcanbestressfultothebirdsifitisnotdoneproperly.

Youmustinspectyourchickensatleasttwiceadayandmoreoftenduringadverseweather.Theflockmustbeobservedfor:

Sickorinjuredbirds•

Abnormalrespiratorysounds/mouthbreathing•

Dead birds•

Lamenessandinabilitytorise•

Body condition•

Featherconditionandcover•

Normalbirdbehaviour•

Youmustcheckyourfeed,waterandventilationsystemsatleasttwicedaily.Anydefectivemechanicalsystemsmustberepaired.

2009 19

Health Care PracticesAnimal Care Program

5MD

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Health Care Practices

ThenameandcontactinformationofapoultryveterinarianfamiliarwithyourfarmoperationandanalternatemustberecordedonRecordSheet1.

Aveterinarianshouldbeconsultedforadviceonthehealthandwelfareofeachpoultryflockasneeded.

Watchforclinicalsignsofadiseaseandunusuallyhighmortality.Ifyoufindaproblem,consult a veterinarian. They will give you a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Keepthesereports.Ifareportablediseaseisconfirmedorsuspected,youmustinformaveterinarianfromtheCanadianFoodInspectionAgency.TheProvincialVeterinarianoraProvinciallaboratoryandyourProvincialBoardshouldbecontactedifaprovinciallyreportablediseaseisdetected.

Signsofillnessinclude:

Increasedmortality•

Reducedfoodandwaterintake•

Changes in activity or behaviour•

Abnormal feather condition•

Abnormaldroppings•

Respiratorychanges•

Precautionsmustbetakentopreventrecurringinjuriesintheflock.Promptactionmustbetakentofindthecauseofrecurringinjuriesandcorrectivemeasuresmustbetaken.

Medicatorsareusefultoolsfortreatingsickbirds.FollowtherequirementsoutlinedinCFC’sSafe, Safer, Safestprogramforthemaintenanceofmedicators.

Legdisorderscancausepainanddiscomfort.Lamenessinbirdsmustbemonitoredclosely.Birdsexperiencinglamenessthatinhibitsorpreventsthemfromwalkingand/orreachingfoodandwatermustbeeuthanized.Amethodforevaluatinglamenesscanbefound in 1Kestinetal.(1992).

Footpadlesionsshouldalsobemonitoredclosely.Lesionsmayvaryfromdiscolorationoftheskintoulcerationsandinflammationofthefootpad.Footpadlesionsareassociatedwithpoorlitterconditions(wetlitterandhighammonia).Stepsshouldbetakentoimprovelitterqualityiflesionsareobservedintheflock.

1 Kestin, S.C., Knowles, T.G., Tinch, A.E. & N.G. Gregory. 1992. Prevalence of leg weakness in broiler chickens and its relationship with genotype. Veterinary Record, 131: 190-194.

2009 20

Health Care PracticesAnimal Care Program

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Overallflockmortalityratesformixedsexflocksmustnotexceedthevaluesoutlinedinthetablebelow.Mortalityduetovariablesoutsideofthefarmer’scontrol,verticallytransmitteddisease(e.g.hepatitis)oreuthanasia(culling)duetovariablechicksize/stuntedgrowthwouldfalloutsideoftheseparametersandwouldnotresultincorrectiveactions for the farmer.

Duetosexdifferencesinmortality,overallmortalityratesforsingle-sexmaleflocksmayexceedthemortalityratesformixed-sexflocksby2%.

Parameters for mixed-sex flock mortality using the equation 2 + (0.06 x slaughter age in days)

Slaughter Age (weeks)

Slaughter Age (days)

Theoretical Flock Mortality (%)

4 28 3.685 35 4.10

6 42 4.52

7 49 4.94

8 56 5.36

Mortalitylevelsmustberecordeddaily.Ifunexplainedmortalityexceeds2%in24hours,aveterinarianmustbenotified.Ifhighmortalityoccursimmediatelyafterplacement,hatcherypersonnelmaybecontactedinplaceofaveterinarian.Theproblem,correctiveaction and outcome must be recorded.

Sickorinjuredchickensmustbeculledonadailybasis.Whenitisnecessarytocullchickens,theymustbeeuthanizedinahumanemannerbyskilledpersonnel.

Aeuthanasiatechniqueisconsideredhumanewhendeathisrapidandpain,fearanddistressisminimized.Everyeffortmustbemadetoreducepain,fearanddistress.Cervicaldislocationisconsideredahumanemethodforeuthanizingchickenswhencarried out correctly.

Birdsshouldbedisposedofinaccordancewithprovincialenvironmentalandwastemanagement guidelines and regulations.

2009 21

Catching and LoadingAnimal Care Program

6

MD

Catching and Loading Theresponsibilityofcatchingandloadingissharedbetweenfarmersandprocessors.Onthefarm,youcanimprovethehumanehandlingofyourbirdsthroughproperplanning,building design and easy accessibility for load outs. Buildings should be designed to discourage needless transfer of birds between handlers.

Itisrecommendedthatthefollowingfeaturesbeincludedinyourbarndesign:

Easy access to the loading and unloading areas of the barns•

Eaves troughs located over loading doors•

Loadingandunloadingareasandrampsthatallowtheshippingcrewtohandlethe•birdsproperly

Adequatelightingshouldbeprovidedtofacilitateworkingatnight•

Aflooropening(ifapplicable)throughwhichpeoplecanpassbirdssafely.There•shouldbenoobstructions,suchasfloorjoists,tointerferewithbirdtransfers

Buildingsshouldhaveasufficientnumberof(andsizeof)doorsoropeningsforthe•typeofcatchingthatisoccurring

Whenbirdsareloadedintocrates,buildingsshouldhaveadoorlocatedevery °15m(49ft.)alongthelengthofthebarn.Itisrecommendedthatdoorsbelargeenoughtoenabletheworkersandequipmenttopassthrougheasily

Whenmodularcatchingisutilized,adoorlargeenoughtoenablethe °equipmentandmodulestopassthrougheasilyshouldbeavailable

Structuresmustbeconstructedandmaintainedsothat• therearenosharpedgeswhichcouldcauseinjurytothebirds

Automaticcatchingmachinesandmodulartransportsystemsmayhelpalleviatecatchingandloadingproblemsandmayreduceinjurytothebirds.Onlyhumanecatchingmachines should be considered for use.

Farmersorafarmrepresentativemustbeavailable(onsiteorbyphone)toassistthecatchingcrewsshouldaproblemarise.Feedersanddrinkersmustbeliftedorremoved,and the light intensity lowered to facilitate easier catching of the birds.

Itisrecommendedthatventilationbeincreasedduringcatchingtoimprovetheworkingconditionsforthecatchingcrews.Birdsshouldbeacclimatedtothecoolertemperaturespriortothearrivalofthecatchingcrews.

RefertoSection5oftheRecommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Chickens, Turkeys and Breeders from Hatchery to Processing Plant and/or the Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Transportationforfurtherinformationonthehumanetransportationofpoultry.

2009 22

Pest Control, Biosecurity and SanitationAnimal Care Program

7MD

MD

Pest Control, Biosecurity and SanitationWildbirds,rodentsandinsectsmaybecarriersofinfectiousdiseasesandmustbepreventedfromenteringyourbarn.Inaddition,directandvisualcontactwithotheranimalsmaycausefearinchickensandmustbeprevented.

Youmusthaveaneffectivepestcontrolprogramandneverallowpetsinthebarns.Yourpestcontrolprogrammustbedocumented.

Infectiousagents–viruses,bacteria,fungiandparasites–canattackyourchickens.Theycanreducethewelfareofthebirds,reduceyourreturnsandthreatenconsumerconfidenceinyourproduct.People,pets,birds,rodents,andotheranimalscanallbecarriers.Thefirstlineofdefenceforyourflocksistolimit,asmuchaspossible,what comes into contact with them. The second line of defence is your cleaning and disinfectionprogram.Cleaninganddisinfectionarethekeystobreakingthecycleofcontamination.

FollowtherequirementsinCFC’son-farmprogram,Safe, Safer, Safest to ensure appropriatebiosecurity,cleaning,disinfectionandpestmanagementforyourfacility.

2009 23

Animal Care Program Workers and Management

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Workers and Management

Allpersonnelthatareinvolvedinthecareandhandlingofthebirdsmustunderstandtheanimalcareprogram.

Personnelinvolvedinthecareandhandlingofthebirdsmustbecompetentinthefollowing areas:

Understandingbasicbirdbehaviour(normalandabnormalbehaviour)•

includingsignsoffear,distressandthermaldiscomfort °

Identifyingsignsofdiseaseorpoorhealth•

includingevaluationoflamenessandfootpadlesions °

Correct bird handling techniques•

Procedures for euthanasia•

Litterandairqualitymanagement•

Emergencyproceduresforfireanddisaster•

Tominimizeexcitementandtoavoidstartlingthechickenswhenattendingtothemitisrecommended that:

Personnelwearclothingofuniformappearance•

Routineproceduresbeperformedconsistentlyandaccordingtoaschedule•

A signal be given consistently when entering the facility to alert birds that someone •isapproaching

2009 24

Record Keeping and Corrective ActionsAnimal Care Program

9

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Record Keeping and Corrective Actions

a. Record KeepingTheobjectiveofrecordkeepingistoprovideevidenceofanimalcareonthefarm.Therecord-keepingformsaredesignedtohelpyoudocumentthelevelofanimalcareonyourfarm.Ifyoualreadyhaveyourownrecordsystemoranindividualanimalcareprogramwithformsmeetingtheobjectivesofthisprogram,youdonothavetochange.Youwill,however,wanttoensurethatyoursystemcanbereferredtothepertinentsectionsofthismanualwhenthetimecomesforthevalidationonyourfarm.Recordsmustbekeptuntilthefollowingaudittakesplace.

Asetofformshasbeenprovidedasanexampleofarecord-keepingsystemthatcanbeused.OthersampleformshavebeenprovidedinCFC’sSafe, Safer, Safest manual for the on-farmfoodsafetyprogram.Feelfreetouseanyoftheseforms.

Herearesomegeneralguidelinesforfillingouttheformsspecifictoeachflock:

Whenyoucompleteanactivity,checktheboxbesideitontheformorfilloutthe•appropriatesectionontheform.

Whereapplicable,writeinthedateyoucompletedanactivityonthelineprovided.•Thiswillbeimportantifyouhavetoshowthatenoughtimehaspassedbetweencertain activities.

Foranyspacethatdoesnotapplytoyouroperations,indicatethiswithastrokeor•write“N/A”.

Standard Operating ProceduresThestaticinformationrecordedonRecordSheet1(orsimilar)mustbeavailableforeachbarn,andmustbereviewedandupdatedasnecessary,atminimum,onanannualbasis.

Asampleofhowtoperformthecalculationshasbeenprovided.AtemplatetoindicatetheStandardOperatingProcedures(SOP)fortheAnimalCareProgramisalsoincludedwiththisprogram.TheinformationontheSOPformsmustbereviewedandupdatedasnecessaryonanannualbasis–signanddatetheformwheneverthisreviewisperformed.

TheSOPtemplatehasbeenprovided,butfarmerscanuseanyformtheywish,anddonothavetore-writeinformationthatcanbereadilyfoundelsewhereonthefarm.Foreachsection,describeindetailtheproceduresusedonyourfarmaswellasanyadditionalcomments that should be documented.

Flock Specific RecordsTheinformationrecordedontheFlockSpecificForms(orsimilar)mustbecompletedforeachflock,andforeachbarn.

TherecordformsfortheAnimalCareProgramandtheFoodSafetyProgramhavebeencombinedtomakeimplementationeasier.

2009 25


Tocompletetheseformsproperly:

Forthebarnpreparationsection,recordthedateforeachactivity.Adescription•oftheactivity,chemicalproductand/orconcentrationisrequiredwherea“*”isindicated.

Fortheday-to-dayrecordforms,thedatescanbecustomizedtoyourfarm.Each•daythatanactivityoccurs,acheckmarkshouldbeplacedinthatbox.

Allinformationaboutthedayofcatchasitrelatestoyourfarmistobecompleted•on these forms.

IntheDensitysection,completethetablewiththeinformationrequested.Forflocks•thathavebeenthinned,includeacalculationforboththedensitywhentheflockwas thinned and a calculation for the density at final catch.

Dependingonthelengthofyourgrow-out,additionalpageshavebeenincludedto•allowforlongergrow-outperiods.

Farmerswillberequiredtoretainatleastoneyears’worthofrecordsatalltimes.

b. Corrective ActionsCorrective actions for the Animal Care Program will be handled similarly to ChickenFarmersofCanada’sOn-FarmFoodSafetyAssuranceProgram.ThisprocessisoutlinedintheOn-FarmAuditandCertificationProcesssectionofthismanual.

1. Ifaneventoccursthatisoutsideofspecificprogramrequirementsforthebelowlistedvariables,correctiveactionsmustoccur.

Program variables:

Stockingdensity•

Air quality•

Environmentaltemperature•

Littermanagement•

Foodandwater•

Eachtimeadeviationoccursduringaflockcycle,thedeviation,andthereason behindit(forexample:targetdensitymaybeexceededduetheprocessingdatebeingmovedetc.)mustberecordedonthedeviationrecordsheet,theFlockSpecificrecordforms,orasimilarform.Asingledeviationdoesnotdirectlyaffectcertification.Basedonthereasonforthedeviationachangeinmanagementpracticemayneedtotakeplaceinordertopreventthedeviationfromre-occurring.Thefarmermustrecordanychangesthat are made.

Ifaparticulardeviationbecomesanongoingoccurrence(eg.re-occurswithinthenextthreeflocks),thefarmermusttakecorrectiveactionsinordertoreceive/maintaincertification.

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2009 26


TheDeviationRecordSheet(orsimilar)maybeusedtorecordtheaboverequiredinformation.

2. Ifaneventoccursthatisoutsideofspecificprogramrequirementsforthebelowlistedvariables,correctiveactionsmustalsooccur.

Program variables:

Lighting•

Backupsystems•

Emergencyplanning•

Bird monitoring and handling•

Healthcarepractices•

Catching and loading•

Pestcontrol,biosecurityandsanitation•

Workersandmanagement•

Recordkeeping•

When a deviation is found during an audit the auditor will request that corrective actions bemade.Thefarmerandtheauditorwillagreeonanexpecteddateofcompletion.Acorrectiveactionrequestformwillbeprovidedtothefarmerbytheauditor.

Afollow-upvalidationwilloccurtoensuretherequestedcorrectiveactionshavebeencompleted.

MD

Animal Care Program

Revised 2009 27

On-Farm Audit and Certification ProcessRecord Sheet 1 - Sample Calculations

RECORD SHEET 1 – Sample Calculations

This revised Record Sheet 1 has been developed to clarify the method of calculating the maximum number of chicks that can be placed based on different parameters (e.g. maximum density, floor area, etc.). This version of Record Sheet 1 is to replace the original version provided in the manual.

The following are sample calculations to determine the maximum number of chicks that can be placed on a particular floor of the barn based on the following parameters:

Barn floor size: 200 ft x 40 ft with a 10 ft x 10 ft workroom•Target weight: 2.0 kg or 4.41 lbs•Maximum density: 31 kg/m• 2 or 6.35 lb/ft2

Estimated mortality: 3%•Total number of feeder pans: 207•Total number of nipple drinkers: 948•Manufacturers recommendation for # birds/feedpan: 55•Manufacturers recommendation for # birds/nipple drinker: 12•

Step 1: Floor AreaThe floor area is to be based on measurements taken on the inside of the barn and only include the area accessible to the birds.

= (floor length x floor width) – (workroom length x workroom width)= (60.96 m x 12.19 m) – (3.05 m x 3.05 m) or (200 ft x 40 ft) – (10 ft x 10 ft)= 743.1 m2 – 9.30 m2 or 8,000 ft2 – 100 ft2

= 733.8 m2 or 7,900 ft2

Step 2: Bird Capacity of the Floor Area based on Maximum Density & Target Weight* Bird capacity must be recalculated when changes in weight category are made.

= (total floor area x maximum density) / target weight= (733.8 m2 x 31 kg/m2) / 2.0 kg* or (7,900 ft2 x 6.35 lb/ ft2) / 4.41 lb= 11, 375 birds

Step 3: Bird Capacity based on the Feeders= (total number of feeders) x (# birds/feeder manufacturer recommendations)= 207 feeders x 55 birds/feeder= 11, 385 birds

Step 4: Bird Capacity based on the Drinkers= (total number of drinkers) x (# birds/drinker manufacturer recommendations)= 948 drinkers x 12 birds/drinker= 11, 376 birds

Step 5: Maximum Number of Chicks that can be PlacedUse the lowest bird capacity from step 2, 3, or 4 to calculate the maximum # of chicks that can be placed on the floor.= (lowest bird capacity from step 2, 3, or 4) x (100) / (100 – estimated % mortality)= 11, 375 x (100) / (100 - 3)

= 11,726 (this is the maximum number of birds that can be placed)

12.19m (40ft)

60.96m (200ft)

3.05m (10ft)

3.05m(10ft)

Animal Care Program

Revised 2009 28

On-Farm Audit and Certification ProcessRecord Sheet 1

RECORD SHEET 1The following static information must be available for each barn. This form or a similar form can be used.

Step 1 & 2: Bird capacity of the floor area based on maximum density and target weight

Floor Area1 Maximum Density Target Weight2 Bird Capacity of the

Floor Area

Floor 1

Floor 2

Floor 31 Measurements are to be taken on the inside of the barn. 2 If more than one target weight is used per floor (e.g. when thinning) additional forms may be used to calculate the bird capacity of the floor area.

Step 3 & 4: Bird capacity of the floor area based on the number of feeders and drinkersBird Capacity of the Feeders Bird Capacity of the Drinkers

Total # of feeders (a)

Recommendation for #birds/feeder

(b)

Capacity of the Feeders

(a x b)

Total # of drinkers

(c)

Recommendation for #birds/drinker

(d)

Capacity of the Drinkers

(c x d)

Floor 1

Floor 2

Floor 3

Step 5: Maximum Number of Chicks that can be Placed Lowest Bird Capacity

(from floor area, drinkers or feeders)Expected

Mortality*Maximum number of chicks that

can be placed

Floor 1

Floor 2

Floor 3

VeterinarianName:Telephone:Fax #:

Name:Telephone:Fax #:

Have available the following Standard Operating Procedures:

a) Temperature schedule throughout the flock c) Procedures for monitoring flock health and procedures if temperature moves d) Procedures for monitoring air quality out of range for both high and low temperature e) Procedures for monitoring litter quality extremes f) Procedures during catchingb) Lighting schedule throughout the flock

(*based on the farm history)

Animal Care Program

2009 29

On-Farm Audit and Certification ProcessStandard Operating Procedures

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)Thefollowinginformationmustbereviewed,ataminimum,onanannualbasis.Someofthisinformationmayalreadybedocumentedelsewhere.Signanddatetheformwheneverareviewoccursand/or changes are made.

TEMPERATURE

Outlinethetemperatureschedulethatyouuseduringthecycleofyourflockandwhatproceduresyouuseifthetemperaturemovesoutofrange(forbothhighandlowtemperatureextremes).

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

LIGHTING

Outlinethelightingscheduleusedduringthecycleofyourflock.Doyouprovideaminimumofonehourofreducedlightintensity(by50%)onadailybasis?n Yes n No____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

FLOCK HEALTH

Indicatethenumberoftimestheflockischeckedperday.Doesthisvarythroughoutthecycleforyourflock?n Yes n No____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Indicatewhatelementsareobservedduringthedailychecks:nReducedfoodandwaterintake n Behavioural changes n Changes in activity n Abnormalrespiratorysounds/mouthbreathing n Abnormal feather condition n Lamenessandinabilitytorise n Abnormaldroppings n Body condition n Featherconditionandcover n Dead,sickandinjuredbirds

Animal Care Program

2009 30

On-Farm Audit and Certification ProcessStandard Operating Procedures

Indicateanyotherchecksthatareperformed: ______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

AIR QUALITY

Describeyourdailyproceduresformonitoringthequalityoftheair(includethemethodusedandthefrequencyofmonitoring).

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

LITTER QUALITY

Describeyourdailyproceduresformonitoringthequalityofthelitter(includethemethodusedandthefrequencyofmonitoring).

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

PROCEDURES DURING CATCHING

Indicateyourproceduresduringcatching: n Feedersraised n Waterers raised n Lightintensitylowered

Farmerorfarmrepresentativeavailable: n byphone n inpersonSignature: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________________

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________________

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________________

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________________

Animal Care Program

2009 31

On-Farm Audit and Certification ProcessDeviation Record Sheet

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Thefollowinginform

ationmustberecordedwhenadeviationoccursduringaflockcycle.

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ACTIVITY DATE(S)COMPLETED

RECORD THE PRODUCT NAME AND/OR A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE

Cleaning and DisinfectingRemove and store litter * * Location:

Dry-clean (i.e. blow down) barn, entranceway and equipment (feeders/drinkers/fans/floor/walls/barn footwear/mortality buckets etc)

*

Thoroughly wash all of the barn and equipment (as per the above dry-clean list) (at least once per year)

* * Product name:

Disinfect/fumigate barn * * Product name:

Equipment used during clean-out is cleaned (and disinfected as per barn process)

* * Cleaned disinfected Product name:

Flush, clean and/or disinfect water lines (open drinkers disinfected if applicable)

* * Flush Product name:

Inspect inside and outside of feed bin and clean if needed (min. 1/year)

* * Description:

Rest period: Indicate the number of days from when the barn cleaning is completed to the placement of chicks

*

Facilities PreparationHeating system checked *

Stand-by generator checked *

Monitoring system checked *

Ventilation system checked *

Light system checked *

Drinkers and feeders checked individually *

Bedding material (checked for mold/feathers/ droppings at placement)

*

Pest ControlDescribe any barn repairs * *Description:

Vegetation cut around building * *

CAZ kept maintained * *

Rodent controls used * * Controls:

Wild bird controls used * * Controls:

Fly controls used * * Product:

Insecticides (e.g. for darkling beetles) used * * Product:

Other pests (names) and controls used * * Controls:

No pets in the RA * * Signature:

Barn Preparation Checklist

Production InformationQuota Period: _______________________ Barn #: ___________ Floor #: ___________

CFC On-Farm Food Safety Assurance Program and Animal Care Program Flock-Specific Records (2009)

Chick Placement InformationPlacement Date: _______________________

Time of Delivery: ______________________

Temperature of the Barn at Placement:__________________ °C/°F @ 2 ft or 6”

Quality Assessment

Upon Receipt of Chicks 3-4 Day-old ChicksAcceptable Not

AcceptableAcceptable Not

AcceptableAlertness

Vigour

Condition

Normality

Chick Quality Assessment

Were there any transportation problems at delivery? (Record any problems in Corrective Actions box below) Yes No

Date feed

moved

Original farm name and bin #

Destination farm name and bin #

List any medications with withdrawal periods

used in the flock

Method of transport

Sample taken

Cross-contamination prevention measures

used at the original bin

Feed Transfer Record Form

Floor # Target weight # Birds at time of shipment Average bird weight Density at shipping

Flock Density

Date Name Has there been any previous poultry contact within the last 24 hours?

Visitors Log Book

Corrective Actions (List any deviations and the procedures that were used to resolve the situation)

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AGE 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23DATE

# of mortality/culls collected (daily)

FEED

Quality and availability of feed checked (daily)

For each load of feed delivered: 1) Record the delivery date, 2) Visually inspect the feed, and 3) Check the feed bill for medications

For single-bin systems: Record the date the sides of the feed bin are knocked down to prevent feed hang-ups

For double-bin systems: Record the feed bin # being used

Feed sampled (once per load) if kept on farm

WAT

ER

Weekly water quality check (availability, cloudiness & rust)

Open drinkers: Water quality check (daily) (slime, mold)

Water treatment & verification (twice per grow-out & record results) Product name: Concentration:

Water meter read (if applicable)

MED

ICAT

ION Flock medicated (record withdrawal period if any)

Water medicator tested (record data)

Record if feeders are emptied or water lines are flushed when a medication with a withdrawal period is used in the finishing period

BA

RN E

NVI

RON

MEN

T

Ventilation system checked (daily) Record alarms and corrective actions

Record the temperature/humidity/ ammonia set points

Temperature checked (daily) (record min and max if applicable)

Humidity/ammonia checked (daily) (record min and max if applicable)

Record the light setting

Birds checked for thermal comfort (daily)

Condition of litter quality checked (daily)

Barn entry cleaned

Daily Record Keeping – CFC On-Farm Food Safety Assurance Program and Animal Care Program

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AGE 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47DATE


FEED






WAT

ER


Open drinkers: Water quality check (daily)(slime, mold)



MED

ICAT




BA

RN E

NVI

RON

MEN

T








Barn entry cleaned

SHIP

PIN

G Barn temperature reduced prior to loading ______ hours Feeders and waterers lifted prior to catching Light intensity reduced prior to catching Inside barn temperature ____°C/°F at loading Outside temperature ____°C/°F at loading Weather at catching & transport: FINE FAIR COOL COLD SNOW WINDY WET HOT

Number of culls left: ____ HEADS 0-20 20-40 40-60 60-80 100+ Name of farm representative: Present at catching Available by phone _____________________________Catching & loading comments:


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AGE 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71DATE


FEED






WAT

ER


Open drinkers: Water quality check (daily) (slime, mold)



MED

ICAT




BA

RN E

NVI

RON

MEN

T








Barn entry cleaned


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chicken farmers of canada’s animal care program 2009

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