Resources for farmers

The BC SPCA works with farmers, veterinarians and scientists to develop resources that provide producers and other agriculture industry professionals with practical information and tools to help them evaluate and improve the welfare of the animals they raise.

Please click on the information below to download .pdf documents.

All species

SPCA Certified Farm Animal Health Plans (2011): Guiding Principles (PDF)

Livestock Emergency Response Course details (PDF)

Dairy Cattle

Lameness in Dairy Cows: How to Score Walking Ability (PDF)

Picky Eaters: Ensuring Dairy Cows Eat What is Provided for them (PDF)

 

Beef Cattle

Castration in Beef Cattle: How to Prevent Pain and Stress (PDF)

Two-Step Weaning: a Low-Stress Method (PDF)

Transport: How are the Cattle Affected? (PDF)

Efficient and Novel Method for Sorting Cow-Calf Pairs (YouTube video)

Sheep

Pigs

Sow Confinement: When Will it Become a Thing of the Past? (Gestation stall phase-outs and bans around the world) (PDF)

Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Piglet Health? (PDF)

Turkeys

Improving welfare through better lighting programs (PDF)

Broiler Chickens

Improving welfare through better lighting programs (PDF)

Signs of Illness in Poultry: Is that Bird Sick or Lame? (PDF)

Lameness in Broiler Chickens: How to Score Walking Ability (PDF)

Transport: How are the Chickens Affected? (PDF)

Egg Laying Hens

Diatomaceous earth: Its Use and Precautions for Parasite Control (PDF)

Transporting Hens for Backyard Flocks (PDF)

2011 Canada-wide Discussions about Battery Cages for Egg-Laying Hens (PDF; includes links to video presentations)