Resources
Accessing research, management, and production insights related to the veal industry can often be challenging. This section aims to deliver relevant and up-to-date information for the grain-fed veal sector.
Regulations
The Canada Agricultural Products Act and Regulation referenced in the 2009 O. Reg 266/09 Livestock and Poultry Grades and Sales Regulation infosheet have been repealed and consolidated under the Federal Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulation and incorporated by reference in the Beef, Bison and Veal Carcass Grade Requirements document.
- An amendment now brings the maximum weight limit for a veal carcass from 180 kg to 190 kg and came into effect January 15, 2020
- The purpose of the amendment is to provide the Canadian veal industry with the flexibility and opportunity to manage veal carcass weights throughout the supply chain
O. Reg. 266/09 under the Food Safety and Quality Act provides information on beef and veal identification requirements for provincially licensed meat plant operators.
Reg. 56 under the Beef Cattle Marketing Act provides regulatory requirements associated with weighing of live cattle.
Reg. 55 under the Beef Cattle Marketing Act provides regulatory requirements associated with weighing of carcasses.
Employee Animal Care Code of Conduct
Farms are encouraged to have all family and farm employees sign an Animal Care Code of Conduct. This customizable document explains that responsible farm animal care and handling among employees and service providers on the farm will be enforced, and that it applies to every person who handles or comes into contact with an animal. The document should be reviewed with new employees and signed, and then reviewed quarterly/annually thereafter.
Traceability
Find information pertaining to ear tag requirements for veal cattle here.
Animal health
As a research centre, Dairy at Guelph creates collaborative opportunities to discover, develop and implement new best practices in dairy production and foods, with support from industry leaders and government. Find research summaries here.
The Ontario Animal Health Network was created to achieve coordinated preparedness, early detection, and response to animal disease in Ontario.
The online learning modules of the Veal Farmed Animal Antimicrobial Stewardship (FAAST) review feature interactive tools and practical resources for both veterinarians and farmed animal owners. Learn more here.
Emergency management and preparedness
- Emergency preparedness for farm animals
- The Canadian Cattle Association has resources to help mitigate risks to producers and their animals relating to animal health and extreme weather here
- Livestock Truck Emergencies Policies and Procedures Manual
- The Animal Health Emergency Management PRODUCER HANDBOOK Ontario Dairy Cattle Sector has been developed to help producers and staff prepare for disease-related sector-wide emergencies
Nutrient Management
The government of Ontario has updated Table 1 and Table 2 of the Nutrient Management Tables, a part of the Nutrient Management Protocol. The tables, which are intended to provide technical data to assist farmers in the development of their Nutrient Management Strategies and Nutrient Management Plans, are updated periodically to reflect current industry practices.
The updated livestock housing capacity for grain-fed veal is 5.85 m² per head. Producers will need to use these new unit amounts moving forward with respect to their Nutrient Management Plans.
Veal farmers can access the updated tables here.
Deadstock management
In Ontario, deadstock management happens on and off farm. Ontario Regulation 106/09 Disposal of Dead Farm Animals contains information on the options and specific requirements for disposal.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness has developed the following resources to support farmers in understanding deadstock management:
- Deadstock management options
- Disposal options flow chart
- Setback distance for composting and burial sites
Failure to dispose of deadstock properly poses a threat to the environment, public safety, cause nuisance complaints, and is a provincial offence.