Beef Standards

  1. Housing and Environment

    2. There are many different types of livestock housing and no perfect housing type. Each one has advantages and disadvantages for cattle as well as producers. Proper housing management is the key to comfort, freedom from injury and longevity for cattle. Beef livestock health and comfort is directly related to profitability. Housing requirements vary due to regional weather differences and personal management preferences. Every farmer has the responsibility to choose a system that will work well for his or her operation.

    1. Pasture

      2. Intent: Pasture provides superior nutrition for cows. Access to pasture gives cows exercise, strengthening their bodies and maximizing health.

      Standard: Beef cows spend at least 120 days on pasture each grazing season, receiving at least 60 percent dry matter intake from grazed pasture. The standard stocking rate is that which is sustainable on the given pastureland. For ground to qualify as pasture, 75 percent of the ground must have vegetation with a root system.

      Beef in the finishing phase, up to 120 days, must have outdoor access. Long stem hay should be provided at all times to prevent acidosis and related conditions.

    2. Shade

      3. Intent: Shade is vitally important for English breeds of beef cattle, as they are well-suited to cold weather, but not to heat and humidity. Cattle may suffer heat stroke and death when heat is extreme and cooling methods are inadequate.

      Standard: When the temperature humidity index exceeds 25,(see chart below), all livestock is provided access to sprinklers or shade, which may be a simple sun shade, trees or buildings.

    3. Outdoor Access

      4. Intent: Outdoor access is important for maximizing health and immunity, as animals get exercise, sunlight, fresh air and contact with the earth. Access to the outdoors allows animals to freely express natural behaviors and relieve boredom.

      Standard: Animals have access to the outdoors on a daily basis year-round, as appropriate in regard to age, animal condition and weather conditions. Livestock may be removed from pasture when extreme weather conditions, such as ice, mud, flood or extreme temperatures, pose a risk to animal safety. Scratch or grooming equipment is available for livestock at all times

    4. Indoor Space Requirement

      5. Intent: Ample indoor space ensures cattle comfort and well-being when they are indoors.

      Standard: Cattle have sufficient clean, dry, well-bedded and comfortable space where they can lie down. They also have adequate freedom of movement to stand up, turn around, groom and perform natural behaviors.

    5. Housing Condition

      6. Intent: To protect the health and comfort of livestock and their handlers.

      Standard: Adequate ventilation prevents ammonia accumulation and odor. Floors are constructed to minimize slipping or are covered with anti-slip material. All equipment, including, but not limited to, buildings, fences and gates is managed to prevent injury to livestock and handlers. It must be possible to quickly remove livestock from buildings in case of emergency.

    6. Light

      7. Intent: Cattle should be provided periods of light and darkness to reflect the natural cycle in their day. Sunlight should be part of the light source whenever possible. While maximizing sunlight may not be feasible in existing facilities, every effort should be made to include natural light in new construction. Providing eight hours of darkness maximizes production, reproduction, animal well-being and economic viability.

      Standard: Producers must provide at least eight continuous hours of darkness or the natural day and night cycle per 24-hour cycle to allow animals adequate rest periods.

    7. Bedding

      8. Intent: Cattle should have enough bedding to keep them clean, dry and comfortable. Proper bedding prevents disease and enhances food safety.

      Standard: Housing is managed with enough bedding to maintain comfortable, clean, dry livestock. Cattle must be provided clean, dry bedding at all times when in a dry lot. Agricultural products, such as straw or corn fodder, must be certified organic.

    8. Shade

      9. Intent: Shade is vitally important for dairy cattle, as they are well suited to cold weather, but not to heat and humidity. Production and butterfat are reduced when relief from heat and humidity are ineffective. Cattle may suffer heat stroke and death when heat is extreme and cooling methods are inadequate. Shade, misters, sprinklers, extra access to drinking water and fans can be utilized to keep cows cool and comfortable.

      Standard: During stressful heat conditions, access to shade is provided to all livestock. A formal standard will be developed in the future.

  2. Herd Condition Measures

    3. There are many benefits that support regular beef herd scoring. The first is to monitor and improve health and herd production efficiencies. The second is the ability to demonstrate the herd is well cared for and that any potential problems are promptly addressed.

    There are four herd condition measures that are scored. Animal hygiene is dependent on many factors including season, pasture condition and bedding provision. Body condition indicates feed quality, lactation stage and pasture management. Lesions indicate and result from something irritating or injurious in the environment. Locomotion issues usually stem from an injury to the hoof, but may be the result of an injury higher up in the leg. See the Organic Prairie beef score card for score ranges and parameters.

    Every farmer should use these as management performance measures. Change is easily tracked, improvements noted and potential problems can be avoided.

    1. Animal Hygiene Score

      2. Intent: CROPP recognizes hygiene is important for herd health. All animals should be scored regularly for hygiene, as this indicates their comfort and the level of management the farmer provides. Weather conditions should be noted.

      Standard: Indoor and outdoor environments must be managed to prevent excessive mud and manure accumulation on cattle. Allowing sufficient space per animal helps prevent dirty animals. Score the entire herd. No more than 10 percent of cows should score 3 or greater.

    2. Body Condition Score

      3. Intent: All cows should be scored regularly for body condition to assess health, nutrition plane and the level of management the farmer provides. Cows that score at 3 or below should be in a comfortable hospital pen where they have easy access to feed and water. Cows scoring above 7 should enter nutrition management.

      Standard: Score the entire herd. Four is the minimum acceptable body score. Cow body scores should range between 5 and 7, depending on season and stage of life. Cows with a score of less than 3 should be given appropriate veterinary treatment or promptly euthanized.

    3. Hock/Knee Lesions Score

      4. Intent: Lesions on the hocks and knees reflect the condition of pastures, pens, beds or stalls where animals lie down. Hocks and knees will be in good condition if the rest area is quality pasture or a well-bedded surface. Lesions may appear on the neck or another area of the body if there is something irritating or injurious in the environment.

      Standard: Score the entire herd. No more than 2 percent of cattle should score 2 or higher for hocks, knees or other lesions.

    4. Locomotion Score

      5. Intent: Locomotion score measures the ease or comfort level with which cows walk. Scores reflect foot and leg health and promptness of care given to affected livestock.

      Standard: Score the entire herd. No more than 2 percent of cows may score 3 or greater. Lame animals must be treated. Record all lameness events that require treatment. Cull or euthanize animals if they do not respond to treatment.

    5. Coat

      6. Intent: Healthy, well-fed cattle should have full, shiny hair coats. Patches of missing hair are indicative of poor nutrition or another untreated condition.

      Standard: Cows are not allowed to be missing patches of hair as a result of poor nutrition or infestation by lice or mange. These conditions must be treated immediately.

    6. Mortality Rate

      7. Intent: A herd’s mortality rate measures multiple practices and indicates the level of disease present in and management provided to cattle. Tracking the reasons animals are lost may lead to making economically beneficial changes to the operation.

      Standard: Less than 10 percent of pre-weaned calves and less than 5 percent of post-weaned animals should die or be put down on the farm. If the mortality rate is high, an explanation must be provided.

  3. Physical alterations

    4. When performing procedures such as branding, castration and dehorning, best management practices include anesthetics, analgesics and sedatives to minimize pain and suffering. Alterations, when necessary, should be performed at the youngest age possible and recorded.

    1. Dehorning

      2. Intent: Dehorning prevents animals and their handlers from being injured. Dehorning is a painful procedure and nerve blocks and pain killers should be used as directed by CROPP Cooperative veterinarians. The procedure should be performed as early as possible to minimize stress and trauma. Polled bulls should be used whenever possible to eliminate the need to dehorn.

      Standard: Dehorning is permitted for calves less than six weeks of old. Pain management is recommended. When dehorning calves more than six weeks old, pain management must be administered by a veterinarian or trained professional.

      Horn tipping on adult animals is allowed only when medically necessary, such as when horns grow in a circular manner and back into the animal’s skull. Horn removal on adult animals is prohibited. A breeding program to create a polled herd should be considered if any type of horn removal is practiced.

    2. Tail Docking

      3. Intent: Tails maximize cattle’s well being, allowing them to exhibit natural behavior. Removing the tail can result in chronic pain and provides no benefit to the animal.

      Standard: Tail docking is prohibited due to pain and suffering and the animal’s consequent inability to swish flies.

    3. Identification

      4. Intent: Farmers are encouraged to identify animals by the least painful or invasive method possible.

      Standard: Wattling and face branding are prohibited. No more than two ear tags are allowed, unless required by law. Ear notching with a small ear notch tool is allowed if ear tag retention is a problem. Tattoos are allowed. Branding is permitted for identification purposes or if required by law. Pain management is provided when branding cattle to alleviate pain and enhance recovery time.

      Recommendation: If branding, freeze branding is less painful than hot branding and is preferred if it will work with the color of cattle in the herd.

    4. Spaying and Castration

      5. Intent: Farmers are encouraged to castrate as early as possible, since younger animals heal faster. The ideal age varies by method and should be discussed with the herd veterinarian.

      Standard: Spaying is prohibited. Three castration methods are permitted within three months of age: compression using rings, surgery and Burdizzo. Pain management is recommended. If castration is performed after three months of age, pain management must be used.

  4. Herd Management

    5. Farmers must ensure the health and well-being of their stock at all times. Diets must be carefully monitored to ensure appropriate nutrient intake and body condition at each life stage. Animals must be monitored daily to assure they are doing well.

    1. Feed and Water

      2. Intent: Feed and water are some of the basics in life. Ensuring cattle have regular access to both maximizes their health and comfort. A backup power supply with a power failure alarm should be available, operational and periodically tested so water and feed can be delivered to livestock in case of a power failure.

      Standard: All livestock are provided a full ration and the appropriate nutrition for their individual life stage. Dietary changes occur gradually to prevent digestive upsets. Feed is not mildewed, moldy, compromised in quality or contaminated by rodents.

    2. Calving

      3. Intent: Well-tended cows should calve with minimal assistance. Successful calving minimizes injury and distress to cows and achieves maximum calf survivability.

      Standard: Pregnant cows and heifers are observed on a regular basis so calving assistance may be given as needed. Cows should be bred, fed and managed so no more than 5 percent per year require cesarean section or other assistance at calving. If the calving assistance rate is high, an explanation must be provided. Calving areas must be clean so newborns aren’t at unnecessary risk for illness or infection.

    3. Bullied Animals

      4. Intent: Timid, injured or otherwise at-risk animals should be protected from further injury and distress.

      Standard: Any bullied animal must be removed from the group. Treat injuries and bring the animal back to good health. It may be beneficial to place the affected animal with a group of younger or less aggressive individuals until it is able to adequately fend for itself.

    4. Weaning

      5. Intent: Farmers are encouraged to leave calves with their dam for as long as possible. The ideal weaning age varies with the quantity and quality of pasture or feed that is available and should be discussed with the herd nutritionist or veterinarian.

      Standard: Calves remain with their dam for at least 6 months. Calves graze on pasture where at least 75 percent of the ground vegetation has a root system.

      Recommendation: Weaning is a very stressful time for calves. They do well with the fence line weaning method. This method allows calves to see their dams while adjusting to their new status. If separating cows from calves is a hardship, non-puncturing weaning devices may be used. Nursing calves should never be abruptly removed from their dam to somewhere they cannot see their dam, as this is very stressful for the cow and the calf. Particular care should be provided to observe for stress during and after weaning. Electrolyte and vitamin fortification will support calves through this stressful time. Be observant for internal parasites and coccidiosis. Conduct visual inspections monthly.

      Vaccinations should be given according to the needs of the herd and the region. Consult with a local or CROPP veterinarian before weaning to discuss vaccination programs.

  5. Materials and Equipment

    6. Materials and equipment are used for the health or safety of the animals and farmers.

    1. Animal Handling and Restraint

      2. Intent: Owners and handlers must not mistreat livestock in any way. Note that cattle do not experience all the colors humans see. Their eyes are on the side of their head and they cannot see what is directly in front of or behind them.

      Standard: Electro-immobilization is prohibited. Only trained professionals may use lariats. Lariats must be used with care so unnecessary pain and distress during handling is minimized. Squeeze chutes should be properly adjusted so animals do not suffer undue distress or injury during handling. Cattle must be handled in a calm and quiet manner, considering they have much more acute hearing. Cattle’s flight zone and point of balance must be considered when handling them. Horses and stock dogs should be trained and mindful of their handler at all times. Cattle must move of their own volition. Cattle must never dragged by any body part.

    2. Nose Leaders, Nose Rings and Weaning Device

      3. Intent: Nose leaders can be frightening and painful for animals and should only be used when animal or caretaker safety is an overwhelming concern. Allowing the animal 20 to 30 minutes to calm down may help in some situations.

      Nose rings with or without a chain can keep farm workers safe when they are working in close proximity to a bull.

      Non-puncturing weaning devices can allow calves to stay with their dams during weaning.

      Standard: Nose leaders are allowed for mature bulls. They should not be used for cows. except when animal or worker safety is threatened and its use is least traumatic. A halter is strongly recommended when cattle’s head needs to be restrained. Nose rings with an attached chain are only allowed on bulls. Weaning devices that do not puncture the nose may be used.

    3. Electric Fences, Gates and Prods

      4. Intent: Electric fences and gates keep cattle within the safe confines of their pasture or yard. Electric prods should be reserved for medical use, such as when a cow is down and will make no attempt to rise on her own

      Standard: Any electric shocking devices must only be used according to manufacturer’s instructions and livestock must be able to avoide them. Cattle prods or other electrical devices should not be used to move cattle at any time. Electric prods are allowed when there may be imminent risk of injury to other animals or handlers. Electric prods are also acceptable for medical use, such as when cows are down and will make no effort to get up on their own. Prodding attempts must stop when the cow make no attempt to get up and away from the prod.

    4. Cloning and Embryo Transfer

      5. Intent: CROPP Cooperative farmers are committed to natural breeding and selection.

      Standard: Cloned animals, their offspring and semen from cloned animals are prohibited.

    5. Artificial Insemination

      6. Intent: Artificial insemination allows producers to easily select superior genetics and is encouraged. Bulls pose a human safety risk, which is avoided if artificial insemination is used.

      Standard: Artificial insemination is allowed. Semen from cloned bulls or their progeny is prohibited.