Certified Natural

In order to achieve any quality system, it is imperative that all steps of the production process conform to a strict set of criteria which is in perfect harmony with every other aspect of the overall quality process.

The foundation of our meat quality system begins with a code of practice which looks at the operational aspects of production which have an influence on the final quality attributes of the product. The code of practice is implemented at each of the production sites and monitored under our HACCP Livestock quality system for compliance. Environmental impact is measured by the University of Pretoria using dung beetles as bio indicators (see dung beetle)

Day-to-Day Operation
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR GOOD STOCKMANSHIP AND ANIMAL WELFARE

- Feed is of good quality and is free of mould, dust and toxins

- Feeding troughs/bins and storage areas are capable of keeping feed dry as well as limiting the exposure of feed to vermin or other such conditions that may cause deterioration to stored feeds.

- Feed is stored separately to fertilizer or other chemicals.

- No animal shall be provided with feed or liquid in a manner, nor shall such feed or liquid contain any substance, which may cause unnecessary suffering or injury to the animal and harm to the people who eat meat derived from those animals.

- Licks and other supplements are sourced only from reputable sources. The licks or supplements must not contain any antibiotics or growth promotants, meat- or bone meal.

- Animals to have free access to pasture and may have additional but simultaneous free access to farm feeds containing cereals, silage or any other natural plant matter. No animal products or

by- products may be given, irrespective of their classification in terms of Act 36 of 1947.

- Animals may be fattened off in pens in times of drought provided that their feeding complies with the remainder of the provisions of this clause and that consideration is given to their welfare. (i.e. animals are not crammed)

- Animals may be given protein/entry/mineral supplements where required and these, along with all animal feeds given must be classified as a "farm feed" in terms of Act 36 of 1947 and handled stored and fed accordingly. The use of feeds containing non-food ingredients intended to stimulate growth or production by modifying the gut microflora or endocrine system (including antibiotics, stimulants, ionophores, steroids, hormones etc) is prohibited.

- The farmer shall not use nor administer production enhancers / growth stimulants or any substance that is a Beta agonist or has an oestrogenic, androgenic, gestagenic or thyrostatic effect to any animal nor introduce any animal that has been treated with such substances.

- Loading and unloading are controlled by suitably trained staff using properly constructed ramps and or facilities that prevent stress and bruising of livestock.

- Trucks are not overloaded

- Animals must be transported from their farm of origin to the abattoir without contact with animals that do not comply with the conditions of export in a vehicle, which has been cleaned and disinfected before loading.

- All livestock transport vehicles to be well maintained and to be constructed with no physical protrusion, e.g. hinges and latches are recessed, no bolts left protruding

- Floor surface is non-slip to allow animals firm footing during travel. Check that:

- The spacing of side rails are narrow enough to prevent animals from protruding heads or legs through the rail

- Deck height is sufficient to allow animals to stand comfortably

- The engine exhaust does not pollute the inside of the crate

- Transportation of livestock must be in accordance with regulatory procedures as laid down in the livestock protection act.

- Random checks will be made to ensure compliance by internal auditors.

- Livestock transport vehicles are checked on arrival at the abattoir for compliance to the above.

- Where animals are to be transported to an abattoir on the same truck with animals originating from a different APU, all animals on the truck shall be effectively segregated by means of gates or barriers on the truck.

- A unique paint mark, which is capable of being retained throughout transportation and up to the point of slaughter, shall be used as additional identification. Paint marks must be legible at point of slaughter

- Identification details of all animals transported are to be recorded. The completed document is to accompany the load to the abattoir and handed to the abattoir on arrival to enable proper segregation of animals.

Regular and effective parasite control measures only where appropriate ensure that excessive parasite infestation is avoided.

Live animals are not weighed within 24 hours of slaughter except where this does not place any stress whatsoever on the animals i.e. weigh-bridge etc.

Where animals are suspected to be under stress they are rested sufficiently prior to slaughter. Slaughter may only proceed with the approval of the Official Veterinarian.
Animals are always handled in a calm manner where use of prodders, sticks, whips etc are prohibited.

Adequate shelter must be provided on the farm to prevent stress or any other condition that is related to inadequate protection against the elements. Animals may not be housed on hard surfaces (i.e. concrete, bare ground etc) except for fattening of lambs where required.

Animals must be given free access to direct sunlight on the farms

Animals must be given free access to adequate shade especially when conditions are likely to produce heat stress or affect animal welfare

- All treated animals are suitably identified or appropriately segregated and withheld from sale until the withholding period has elapsed. Records of such treatments are maintained.

- Employees approved to use chemicals are trained and responsible for:

- Temporary identification (individual treatments)

- Recording treatments

- Segregation of treated animals (where appropriate)

- Temporary identification of the animal where required persists for the full duration of the withdrawal period to prevent the accidental slaughtering of animals that are within the prescribed withdrawal period.

- Animals are weighed (individually or sample batch weighed) to determine the correct dosage rates

- Authorized staff using farm chemicals must read and correctly follow the directions on the label with attention paid to:

a) expiry date

b) dose rate

c) method of administration

d) frequency of treatment

- Equipment used to measure or administer veterinary chemicals is thoroughly cleaned prior to and after use.

- Note is made of the withdrawal period and this is recorded and adhered to at all times.

- No "extra-label" use of drugs is permitted. (ie no self formulated drugs)

- No substances, with the exception of those given for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes of for the purpose of zootechnical treatment must be administered to an animal.

- All treated animals must be suitably identified and records of such treatments and withdrawal periods must be kept. Such animals must not be delivered for local or export slaughter until the withdrawal period has elapsed.

- Antibiotics may be used sparingly in clinical cases where no other remedy would be effective and must be given according to regulatory procedures.

The following records must be available at the APU:

Feeding Records – Annex K

Monthly Livestock Report – Annex G

Drug Stock Records – Annex I

Drug Therapy Records – Annex J

Inspection Reports/CAR’s

Movement Permit (where applicable)