Production Protocol
February 19, 2008

A production protocol is frequently used by those in the value chain to ensure that the quality of the product meets market specifications. The following example cites some of regulations currently being used.

Each animal has an affidavit that includes: individual animal identification (microchip, animal tag), birth date, weaning date, record of sire and dam, breed, movement history, veterinary interventions, and ultrasound data.   The diet of each animal is recorded to verify meat CLA/Omega-3 levels.  It is recommended that animals are weighed every 90 days to manage herd genetics.

Diet: must be 100% forage fed; however this may be any combination of grass and legumes from pasture during the growing season or stored forage during the feeding period (winter).
The animal (including calves) can not be fed energy in the form of starch (e.g. cereal grains, potato waste).
Cereal crops are to be harvested prior to milk-stage.
Calves must remain on mother’s milk for a minimum of 60 days.
Oil seeds and oil seed byproducts (e.g. meal, oil) are acceptable feed types.
No cereal grain supplementation, including corn silage or other high starch feeds.

No growth hormones or antibiotics, no animal by-products to be fed.

Cattle treated in a humane way according to Canadian standards.

Animals are in good health at delivery.

Animals must have an ultra-sound at least once before harvest to determine back fat thickness, rib-eye area and shape, and percent intramuscular fat.

Farm must be inspected during the production period with the producer certifying the management practices being used.