Ontario Pork > Production Standards > Animal Care Resources

ANIMAL CARE RESOURCES

Animal Care

Pigs need a balanced diet, clean water, a health program, and the right type of environment. Farmers work hard to provide all these necessities every day of the year. Vaccinations and medications are used in herd health programs with a veterinarian’s advice. Animal medicine, like human medicine, must be tested and approved by government before use.

In fact, farmers are held to strict Codes of Practice for the care and handling of their pigs.

For more information please contact the Animal Care Helpline: 519-837-1326

If you are looking for information regarding On-Farm Euthanasia of Swine please see the Ontario Pork Website's Producer Resources page.

ANIMAL CARE RESOURCES
TOPIC	TYPE	SAMPLE OF DOCUMENT CONTENTS
Animal Health Act, 2009	Infosheet	The Animal Health Act, 2009 came into force on January 21, 2010. It provides measures for the Province to prevent, detect and respond to animal diseases and other potential animal health hazards. The act will help Ontario better protect its people, its animals and its economy.
Animal Care Assessment Tool	Web Link	The Animal Care Assessment tool (ACA) is a voluntary program for hog producers to evaluate and improve animal care practices on their farms. Developed by a team of hog producers, producer organizations, animal care researchers and government, the program has been reviewed and supported by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Canadian Meat Council, the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies	Web Link	The Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals have set the minimum standard for animal welfare across Canada for over two decades. Codes have been developed for deer, sheep, beef, pigs, poultry, veal calves, horses, ranched mink, ranched fox, dairy cattle, transportation, and bison but none have been updated since 2002. Some have not been revised since the 1980’s or early 90’s.
Canadian Council on Animal Care	Web Link	The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is the national peer review agency responsible for setting and maintaining standards for the care and use of animals used in research, teaching and testing throughout Canada. The CCAC was established in 1968. Its mission statement underlines the focus of the CCAC on the ethical principles of animal-based experimentation.
Guidelines for Transporting Pigs	Guide	"Should This Pig Be Loaded" Transporting Pigs Guidlines updated as of July 2010. Pleae note the CFIA policy change on lameness class 3 animals.
Caring for Compromised Pigs (OFAC)	Guide	This guide is designed to assist hog producers to recognize health-related problems and respond to them in a timely and responsible manner. Early recognition of problems and prompt, appropriate treatment are key factors in preventing the loss of an animal. Producers are encouraged to work with their herd veterinarians for early intervention treatment and culling decisions.
Housing 2007	Announcment	Housing animals, and sows in particular, is a complicated science. There is not an easy answer or quick fix to change. Moving to group housing over ten years is a responsible decision that will take significant industry investment and time. New barns can be built with group housing pens, and existing barns can change to it when it’s time to renovate.
National Farm Animal Care Council	Web Link	The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is a new organization with a mandate to provide a national coordinated approach, promoting responsible farm animal care. Through an inclusive approach, involving the entire value chain, NFACC works to build processes that facilitate Canada's agriculture industries in addressing farm animal care.
Ontario Farm Animal Council	Web Link	The Ontario Farm Animal Council is working hard to bridge the gap between farmers and the rest of society by providing facts and addressing concerns related to animal care, environment and food safety. OFAC was formed in 1988 to provide reliable information on current farming and food production practices. OFAC represents tens of thousands of livestock and poultry farmers, associated businesses and organizations across Ontario.
Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Pigs Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Pigs Addendum Early Weaned Pig Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals: Transportation	Instructions	The Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of different species of farm animals. Codes are not intended to be used as production manuals; instead, the Codes are designed to be used as an educational tool in the promotion of sound husbandry and welfare practices. The Codes contain recommendations to assist farmers and others in the agriculture and food sector to compare and improve their own management practices.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association	Web Link	The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national voice for the veterinary profession dedicated to serving and representing the veterinarians of Canada.The Association is committed to excellence within the profession and to the well-being of animals. It shall promote public awareness of the contribution of animals and veterinarians to society.
University of Guelph for the Study of Animal Welfare	Web Link	Located at the University of Guelph, the Campbell Centre's expertise is drawn from its unique mix of intellectual and research disciplines including animal and poultry science, veterinary medicine, psychology, philosophy, genetics and zoology. The Campbell Centre offers a variety of educational opportunities, including formal training in animal welfare science, a regular public lecture series, seminars and symposia.
On-Farm Euthanasia Guidelines - Revised publication	PDF	Because it is usually impossible or impractical for the veterinarian to be available for all euthanasia on-farm, producers themselves often need to perform humane euthanasia of pigs. This pamphlet, On-Farm Euthanasia of Swine, Recommendations for the Producer , developed in cooperation with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians offers guidelines and considerations.
Captive Bolt Considerations when Humanely Euthanizing Pigs	PDF	It is imperative that one understands that the humane euthanization of livestock is at times necessary, yet more importantly, that it be conducted in a manner that quickly renders the animal unconscious and insensible to pain while also considering the safety of personnel. Factors such as human safety, animal welfare, practicality and technical skill requirements, cost, limitations, and aesthetics are all important considerations when determining the most appropriate method of humane euthanization.