Are you getting enough sleep? Probably not (!) and you probably know how that can make you feel. But have you ever wondered whether farm animals are getting enough rest and whether this rest is of good quality? This was one of many topics discussed at the BC SPCA’s first-ever poultry workshop (held May 13, 2010 in Abbotsford, B.C.).
This edition of FarmSense offers highlights of the workshop, including links to hand-outs from the workshop and a provocative article by Prof. Ian Duncan on the importance of rest for all farm animals. We even offer you a chance to see Prof. Ian Duncan in action – watch a short video clip of him making a compelling case for a revolutionary change in the lighting patterns very young birds are typically raised under.
Alyssa, Geoff and Caroline The BC SPCA Farm Animal Welfare Team
Feature Story
The SPCA Certified red barn label is your assurance that a product meets the BC SPCA’s high standards for farm animal welfare.
Did you know?
The BC SPCA, in partnership with many experts, has created a number of resources for farmers!
All resources can be accessed from our newly created ‘Resources for farmers’ section on our website.
Connect with Us
Rest: the forgotten requirement by Prof. Ian Duncan
Great advances have been made in recent years in our understanding of what farm animals require. However, there is one need that is often forgotten, and that is their need for sleep and rest.
Why are chicks commonly given continuous light in the first week of life? What are the normal sleeping postures for calves and adult cattle?
Read the full article and find answers to these questions and more!
You can also see part of Prof. Ian Duncan’s talk on lighting programs as he argues that all birds, particularly when young, need rest and that the current lighting programs may have us doing precisely the wrong thing for young birds.
Research in Focus
New factsheet for broiler and turkey growers
The BC SPCA and the University of Guelph have developed a new factsheet on rest and lighting programs for broiler and turkey growers.
Applied Knowledge
Poultry health planning: a practical tool
In consultation with veterinarians across B.C., the BC SPCA has developed easy-to-use health plans for layers, broiler chickens and turkeys. Animal health is a key part of welfare and the development of written health plans is a requirement in all SPCA Certified standards. The plans are accompanied by a factsheet on Animal Health Planning.
These resources, along with all other fact sheets, are available at Resources for Farmers, a new section of the BC SPCA website. Stay tuned for other health plans, including beef and dairy cattle, pigs and sheep…
SPCA Certified News
Meet the newest SPCA Certified farm!
The BC SPCA is thrilled to announce that Rondriso Farms (Surrey, B.C.) recently became SPCA Certified for beef cattle and is the most recent farm to join the program.
Ron and his wife Pam have always followed humane handling practices and are passionate about offering high quality, natural beef direct from the farm. When visiting Rondriso Farms, see their diverse vegetable crops and enjoy a hay ride in their fabulous pumpkin patch!
FarmSense includes news about farm animal welfare issues, research results, and information on the BC SPCA's activities that help farm animals in B.C. Sending email communications enables us to provide news in a timely and cost-effective manner, ensuring that more money goes to where it matters most - to help animals.
View or download (.pdf) previous issues of FarmSense on our website at spca.bc.ca/farmsense.
The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in British Columbia. The Society provides a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
BC SPCA Charitable Registration No. BN 11881 9036 RR0001
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Rest: the forgotten requirement
The BC SPCA and the University of Guelph have developed a 
The BC SPCA is thrilled to announce that 
