ISBN 978-0-626-25155-0 SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD Ratite farming Part 1: Ostriches Published by SABS Standards Division 1 Dr Lategan Road Groenkloof Private Bag x191 Pretoria 0001 Tel: +27 12 428 7911 Fax: +27 12 344 1568 www.sabs.co.za SABS
Table of changes Change No. Date Scope Acknowledgement The SABS Standards Division wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance derived from publications of the following organizations: a) the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA); and b) the South African Ostrich Business Chamber (SAOBC). Foreword This South African standard was approved by National Committee SABS SC 1040F, Steering committee for nature conservation Commercial wildlife breeding and farming, in accordance with procedures of the SABS Standards Division, in compliance with annex 3 of the WTO/TBT agreement. This document was published in February 2011. SANS 944 consists of the following parts, under the general title Ratite farming: Part 1: Ostriches. Part 2: Emu (in course of preparation). A reference is made in 4.1.1, 4.3.1.2 and 4.3.1.3 to the management and stocking density on all ostrich farms, the use of natural veld for grazing, and the application for the use of natural veld for grazing in compliance with the relevant national legislation, respectively. In South Africa, this means the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act No. 43 of 1983). A reference is made in 4.1.2, 10.3.2.6, 11.1.3, 12.6.4 and 12.6.5 to the registration for slaughter for export farms, minimum bird space during transportation, the design of holding facilities at the abattoir, the humane slaughtering of ostriches, and the slaughtering of ostriches for religious or cultural purposes in accordance with the relevant national legislation, respectively. In South Africa this means the Ostrich Regulations of 2007. A reference is made in 4.3.4.2 and 4.3.4.3 to the determination of the impact of established camps on the environment, and the application to and approval of camp extensions in accordance with the relevant national legislation, respectively. In South Africa this means the National Environmental Management Act, 107 (Act No. 107 of 1998) and the Environment Conservation Act, 73 (Act No. 73 of 1989). A reference is made in 5.4.3 and 10.3.3.2 to the relevant road safety regulations, and a valid driver s licence for a specific type of vehicle in accordance with the relevant national legislation, respectively. In South Africa this means the National Road Traffic Act, 93 (Act No. 93 of 1996). A reference is made in 6.6.5 to the reporting of a controlled disease to a state veterinarian or animal health technician in accordance with the relevant national legislation. In South Africa this means the Animal Diseases Act, 35 (Act No. 35 of 1984).
Foreword (concluded) A reference is made in 8.1.1 to a holding facility that provides appropriate shelter for the birds in accordance with the relevant national legislation. In South Africa this means the Animals Protection Act, 71 (Act No. 71 of 1962). A reference is made in 11.1.2 to a registered abattoir that complies with the requirements of the relevant national legislation. In South Africa this means the Meat Safety Act, 40 (Act No. 40 of 2000). Introduction This document forms part of a continuous and dynamic development process which aims to ensure the welfare of ostriches and the ostrich industry in South Africa. It will be reviewed from time to time to incorporate advances in the understanding of ostrich physiology and behaviour, as well as technological changes in animal husbandry and their relationship to the welfare of ostriches. The document is based on the following five freedoms for the welfare of animals: a) freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; b) freedom from discomfort; c) freedom from pain, injury and disease; d) freedom from fear and distress; and e) freedom to express normal behaviour. 1
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Contents Page Foreword 1 Scope... 5 2 Normative references... 5 3 Definitions... 5 4 General requirements for farmers... 6 4.1 General... 6 4.2 Record keeping... 7 4.3 The use of natural veld... 7 5 Requirements for the handling of ostriches... 9 5.1 General... 9 5.2 Handling facilities... 10 5.3 Handling methods... 10 5.4 Requirements for moving ostriches on foot... 11 6 Requirements for ostrich health... 12 6.1 General... 12 6.2 Breeding... 12 6.3 Gender identification... 12 6.4 Access to plants... 12 6.5 Prevention of diseases... 12 6.6 Treatment of diseases... 13 6.7 Control of external parasites... 13 6.8 Harvesting of feathers... 14 6.9 Euthanasia... 14 7 Requirements for the nutrition of ostriches... 15 7.1 Food... 15 7.2 Water... 15 8 Requirements for ostrich holding facilities on farms... 15 8.1 General... 15 8.2 Fences... 15 8.3 Shelter, shade and space... 16 8.4 Indoor surfaces... 16 8.5 Temperature and ventilation... 16 8.6 Lighting... 17 9 Requirements for the incubation of ostrich eggs and the management of chicks... 17 9.1 Incubation of eggs... 17 9.2 Management of chicks... 19 3