(A) The following livestock management procedures are
acceptable and, if performed, must be performed in a humane
manner:.
The responsible party in determining the method
of castration, tail docking and use of pain management must take into
consideration the animal's age and weight, environmental conditions, and
facilities available as well as human and animal safety.
(B) The following livestock management procedures are
required and must be performed in a humane manner:
(1) Breeds of sheep that do not naturally
shed their hair/wool sheer regularly; and
(2) Seek to minimize the risk of fly
strike by utilizing such methods to include, but not limited to, shearing and
crutching.
(C) All housing must meet the following
requirements:
(1) Provide a clean and safe environment
that promotes the health, welfare and performance of sheep at all stages of
their lives;
(2) Provide access to facilities or
natural features that provide reasonable protection from adverse weather
conditions and predators;
(3) Enclosures, including fencing,
designed and maintained so as to minimize bruising and injury and provide for
the safety of humans and other animals;
(4) During lambing, sufficient space to
enable ewes to separate themselves from other animals; and
(5) Light intensity adequate for
observation during inspection.
(D) Indoor housing systems must meet the following
requirements:
(1) Have a stocking density that allows
for all sheep to easily lie down at the same time in a normal resting posture
and be able to easily stand back up at all stages of production, and in
addition provide all animals access feed and water without excessive
competition;
(2) Housing must be designed and
maintained in a manner which:
(a) Seeks to minimize the effects of adverse weather;
and
(b) Provides ventilation to reduce concentrations of
ammonia and dust;
(3) Feeding, watering areas, and alleys
cleaned on a regular basis so as to be free of continual standing water and
excess manure that may compromise the animal's health and safety;
and
(4) Alleys designed and maintained so as
to minimize the potential for injury and bruising.
(E) Outdoor housing systems must meet the following
requirements:
(1) Seek to minimize prolonged exposure
to adverse environmental conditions that compromise the animal's health
and safety;
(2) If open lots are used, maintain to
promote proper drainage away from resting areas and feed and water;
and
(3) During prolonged periods of wetness,
ensure that sheep have access to feed and water.