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Regulations require livestock to have access to water at all times. If animals are held longer than 24 hours, animals must have access to feed that is appropriate for the age and species. If animals are held overnight, they must have enough room to lie down without being forced to lie on top of one…

Some farmers actively engage in transporting animals for other farmers and for their customer. If the animal is purchased by the farmer-transporter a domestic animal health permit will be required, and depending on the financial volume of animals bought and sold a wholesaler’s license (Article 20 Farm Products Dealer License) may be needed as well.…

The number of animals that can be humanely transported in a given trailer depends on several factors.81 More space is required per animal during hot weather as compared to cold weather. Unshorn sheep and horned or antlered livestock require more space than short haired or polled animals. Ideally, animals should be similar in weights and…

In March of 2009, the USDA FSIS published a final rule to amend the federal meat inspection regulations, requiring a complete ban on the slaughter of cattle that become non-ambulatory after passing initial FSIS inspection.75 All cattle that are non-ambulatory disabled (“downer cattle”) at any time prior to slaughter at an official establishment, including those…

When transporting animals, cold and wet conditions should be avoided whenever possible. These conditions are stressful on the animal and can cause illness. Wet animals are much more susceptible to wind chill than dry animals. Young animals or animals with poor body reserves are also more susceptible. During hot weather, haulers should try to time…

The following suggestions are intended to help farmers move their animals in a low stress manner. Animals that are over stressed will tend to have more health problems, less desirable meat characteristics (including greater shrinkage), and are more dangerous when handled. Conditions for the handler and the animal are much better when using low stress…

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) is directly involved in many aspects of meat production in the state. Their Division of Animal Industry provides licenses for livestock dealers and domestic animal health permits for middlemen handling pass thru livestock. The veterinarians in this division monitor animal welfare and record keeping at…

There are a number of other agencies that are directly or indirectly tied to direct marketing of meat and poultry.60 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) licenses all pesticide products distributed in the United States and sets standards on the amount of pesticides that may remain on food. The 1996 Food Quality Protection Act requires the…

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled and packaged.59 The Department is also responsible for assuring that state meat and poultry inspection programs for commerce within that State are at least equal to Federal standards. In addition, products imported…

Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, (FFDCA) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protects consumers against impure, unsafe, and fraudulently labeled food. The FDA has inspection authority over any food in interstate commerce except for products regulated by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Products that are regulated by the USDA…