Codes of Practice

The Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. They serve as our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices. Codes promote sound management and welfare practices for housing, care, transportation, and other animal husbandry practices.

Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle

Pertains to the care of dairy calves, including bull calves, while on dairy farms.

Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Veal Cattle

Released in November 2017, this Code pertains to dairy feeder calves (being raised for the dairy-beef market) during the starting period and cattle being raised for milk- and grain-fed veal, including on farms that specialize in pre-conditioned calves. Dairy feeder calves fall under the veal cattle Code of Practice until they are moved from young animal housing and management systems (that more closely resemble veal production rather than cow-calf operations covered in the beef cattle Code) into housing and management systems intended for growing and finishing.

Veal Farmers of Ontario (VFO) supports the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Veal Cattle (the Code) developed through the National Farm Animal Care Council’s process.

The Code is the veal industry’s standard of care and all veal producers across Canada are expected to follow it. VFO does not have the regulatory authority to enforce the Code, but will support the Code in the event there are issues on-farm.

Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle

Dairy feeder calves being raised for dairy-beef fall under the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle once they are moved to housing systems meant for growing and finishing.

Code of Practice for the Transportation of Livestock and Poultry

The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) is updating the Code of Practice for the Transportation of Livestock and Poultry (the Code). The updated Code is set to be completed by 2023. Working closely with the Canadian Veal Association, VFO will share our expertise in young calf and finished veal transport as the Code develops. The scope of the Code will cover cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and equine for road transportation.

For more information on the Code development process, please visit the NFACC website here.