Animal Welfare Review - Dairy | Poultry | Swine

Validus Beef Animal Welfare Review

This program includes a comprehensive assessment of the farm’s animal care practices, along with recommendations for any improvements that may be necessary.  The Beef Animal Welfare Review program also includes an audit option that allows producers to gain certification based on industry standard practices, or specifications defined by a processor or retail customer. This program is still in development and includes feedlots and cow/calf operations.

Beef Animal Welfare Review Assessment/Pre-Audit
The program begins with a comprehensive assessment/pre-audit of the farm’s animal care practices. The assessment includes:

Step 1: Entrance interview with owner/manager
Step 2: On-site assessment/pre-audit
Step 3: Exit interview with owner/manager
Step 4: Written assessment report and certificate

The assessor records observations of the operation’s animal handling, care and appearance. Specific areas reviewed include:

Animal Observations Category:

• Herd health
• Adequate nutrition
• Appropriate & timely euthanasia
• Body condition score
• Observe for abnormal wounds, abscesses, lesions, etc.
• Animal behavior            

Management Observations Category:

• General animal management
• Feed and water access and quality
• Facilities and equipment
• Space allocation
• Special needs management
• Handling, load out and transportation
• Management and employee training
• Emergency action plan

Beef Animal Welfare Review Audit
An optional certification audit is available for all producers.  The audit is recommended for those producers required to provide their customers with independent verification of their animal care practices.  The audit can be customized to match the defined specifications of any retail or foodservice customer.  Upon certification, producers receive a certificate and farm gate sign for their use.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Animal Welfare Review - Beef standards please email us at: knowledge@validuscertified.com

Validus Expert Committees
The Validus Animal Welfare Certification programs were developed by independent industry experts. Click here to meet the members of the Validus Expert and Advisory Committees.

Validus Certified Farms and Products
Learn more about the products and farmers awarded the Validus Animal Welfare Review by clicking here