Feedlot euthanasia guidelines
| Project start date: | 01 May 2014 |
| Project end date: | 01 March 2015 |
| Publication date: | 01 March 2015 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep, Goat, Lamb, Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle |
Summary
This project developed training materials to assist decision-making on timely and appropriate euthanasia of sick and injured feedlot cattle, ensuring animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering, and that appropriate animal welfare practice is maintained at all times across the industry.
Written and illustrated reference material was produced, detailing criteria and options for euthanasia of feedlot cattle. The material is user-friendly and suitable for use by feedlot livestock staff. Other features include the careful use of pictorial guidance, usability in the field, and consistency with current best practice. The materials take into account Australia's animal welfare standards and guidelines for cattle, requirements of the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme, the decision-tree already developed by the Australian Lot Feeders' Association and guidance material developed by other industries, especially the Australian dairy industry.
Outcomes of the project include increased confidence and competence of feedlot staff in this sometimes difficult and sensitive area, with consequent better welfare outcomes for feedlot cattle, and further support of the industry's high animal welfare standards.
