Contributions FAI has Towards Animal Welfare By Erica Chamney

How did FAI Come About? Food animal producers formed FAI in 1989 Farm is located in Wytham, Oxforshire Researches alternative livestock operations Animal welfare The environment Human health Economical concerns

FAI Objectives To develop sustainable farm systems that provide discernable benefits to animal welfare, the environment and human health. To demonstrate the success of these systems through practical and commercial application. To breed animals that are fit for their environment. To supply knowledge to commercial farmers and other interested parties.

FAI Background Currently made up of 5 Directors Various sources of income Oxford University Sponsors (McDonalds and TESCO) Organic Grassland managed by UTTESASCS Live animal markets Other breeders or farmer Packers/ Processors

FAI Background (cont) Farm has 1050 acres 250 used for pasture Rest is organic grassland

FAI Background (cont) Food Animal Species located at Wytham Farm 20, 000 free-range table birds 2,000 laying hens Flock of 1,000 sheep Cow herd of turkeys Developmental pig unit

The Cow Herd Saler X Saler suckler cows Sell to other breeders Finish for beef production

How has FAI impacted the cattle industry? Main use of antibiotics in cattle is for respiratory diseases Loss of performance and death loss still likely FAI Resolution Implemented animal welfare practices Focused on dairy cattle

The Sow Herd Uses “traditional” breeds Incorporates Gloucester breed for pork quality Sows kept in natural environments with 5 sows to a pen Piglets are do NOT have their teeth clipped or their tails docked Fed a combination of forage and grain Change in consumer demand

Some Facts on Swine Males have a higher risk of tainted meat Pigs kept in unsanitary conditions run a risk of tainted meat Wallowing in their own faeces and urine Skatole in faeces causes tainted pork

How has FAI impacted the swine industry? The FAI responded to this issue By selecting breeds for quality pork Pigs are kept in spacious pens that allow them to feed, wallow, defaecate/urinate, an sleep in separate areas The pigs are late weaned (after 6 months) Moved with family groups occasionally to prepare for transportation Changes in diet are avoided

Poultry Both chickens and turkeys roam in natural environments 1 cockerel to every 10 females Chicks are reared on the farm or sold as day-old chicks to other farmers Fun Fact: The hatchery is relatively new and is one of the few “true organic” hatcheries in the UK

Poultry (cont) After hatchery, bids are housed Farmyard and range noises are played for them so that they get use to the sounds that will soon surround them in the environment The free-range birds grow 2x slower than conventional birds But the eating quality is better Once broilers are on the range they are provided greenery, dust baths, and space

Lets take a look at the turkey industry The FAI farms made an investment in free-range turkeys for consumer demand in 2007 Purchase in July and sell for the perfect Christmas dinner 400 turkeys and it is first come – first serve policy

Facts on injurious pecking in turkeys Two current methods to reduce pecking Housing with minimal lighting Disadvantages - FAWC Appendix 3 presented abnormalities Light is available but beaks are trimmed Causes problems with normal eating behavior

How did FAI impact the turkey industry? Implemented animal welfare practices that reduces injurious pecking Turkeys are on range majority of the day Whole grain is provided in the diet Enrichments are provided Straw is provided 2x/day

The Sheep Flock Mules X Coopworth Mules X Suffolk Ewes lamb in April and are ready for the market in October

Facts on Sheep (more specifically males) Castration is not painless no matter the age Even with anesthetics Uses of castration in ram lambs supposedly reduce tainting in meat Management tool Reduces aggression towards other rams Infertility

How has FAI impacted the sheep industry? “Short Scrotum” A ring is applied with in the first week of life under the testes. This process pushes the testes close to the body cavity and in turn is infertile Testing the quality of meat and the eaten experiences in castrated and intact wethers and rams respectively. This will determine the necessity of castration

Summary Farm-scale research done by the FAI farm has provided numerous advantages and disadvantages to alternative food animal operation practices that could improve or disregard animal welfare.

How can you get involved? Visit the FAI official website and become a Friend of the FAI and you will receive the Friend of the FAI Newsletter Contact the director on the website via VISIT THE FARMS! Always have educational tours for all ages Two animal welfare classes though Oxford University (for locals)

Questions?