Ask most Canadian beef and dairy producers why they got into the business, and you will often hear about a connection to the land, a love for the livestock, and the opportunity to carry on the family tradition. While there is little doubt that farming can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling occupations,…
The discussion surrounding animal welfare has been growing in popularity within the bovine industry, as well as consumers. At its core, animal welfare is the belief that animals should be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lifetime. The OIE (The World Organization for Animal Health) is the industry leader when it comes to animal…
You don’t have to be in the Canadian cattle business to know that animal welfare, as a movement and a way of doing business, is garnering a lot of support. But what are the benefits? To the cattle the answer is pretty obvious, but what’s in it for producers? As it turns out, plenty and…
Since the beginning of time, the lives of animals and humans have been intertwined. It’s an enduring relationship that has left an indelible mark on society. From the first cave paintings that adorned our ancestor’s walls to harnessing their strength as tools, it has been a complex bond. We’ve exploited them in the name of…
Over the past several decades the definition of animal welfare has broadened. Research has shown that cattle feel pain and it’s not only physical, it’s emotional too. Therefore, animal welfare has evolved from simple avoidance of cruelty to fulfilling basic obligations of care. More recently, it has expanded to include their emotional states as well.…
The Animal Protection Index was created by World Animal Protection to establish the classification of 50 countries worldwide in regards to their commitment to protecting and improving animal welfare through legislation. It measures legislation and policy in each country, as well as whether or not there is education in schools about animal welfare. It then…
