What are G.A.P. Cattle?
What are GAP cattle
Blog Post: Exploring the World of GAP Cattle If you've ever wondered what GAP cattle are, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of GAP cattle and learn about the organization behind them.
What is GAP?
GAP, which stands for Global Animal Partnership, is an organization that has developed a meaningful animal welfare labeling program. Their goal is to influence the food industry, raise consumer expectations, and create a sustainable environment through their comprehensive standards.
Understanding Animal Welfare
GAP defines animal welfare based on three overlapping components: health & productivity, natural living, and emotional well-being. By focusing on these aspects, along with good management and genetics, GAP aims to ensure good farm animal welfare.
The Unique Standards
GAP's standards are truly unique and tailored to the specific needs of each animal. Their development process takes into account the latest research in agricultural science, making them both achievable and practical. The beef production standards vary depending on the life stage of the cattle. From calves to yearlings, finishers to breeding cows and bulls, each stage requires different care. This is why GAP has a tiered program that allows for flexibility and growth within the standards.
The Certification Levels
GAP's animal welfare certification rating is divided into several levels, each with its own set of requirements. Let's take a closer look at some of the levels for beef cattle:
Level 1: Animal Welfare Certified
- Cattle on pasture except for finishing
- Protection from weather extremes
- Minimum 50% vegetative cover in pastures
- Specific requirements for weaning and castration
- Maximum 25-hour transport time
Level 2: Enriched Environment
- Cattle on pasture except for finishing
- Feedlots must have shade and other enrichments
- Minimum 50% vegetative cover in pastures
- Specific requirements for weaning and castration
- Maximum 16-hour transport time
Level 3: Outdoor Access
- No Level 3 standard for beef cattle
Level 4: Pasture Raised
- Cattle on pasture for 75% of life
- No feedlots permitted
- Minimum 50% vegetative cover in pastures
- Specific requirements for weaning and castration
- Maximum 16-hour transport time
Level 5: Animal Centered
- Cattle always on pasture
- No feedlots permitted
- Minimum 75% vegetative cover in pastures
- Fenceline or two-stage weaning required
- No physical alterations allowed
- Maximum 8-hour transport time
Level 5+: Entire Life on Farm
- Cattle always on pasture
- No feedlots permitted
- Minimum 75% vegetative cover in pastures
- Natural weaning required
- No physical alterations allowed
- No transport time; entire life on farm
Getting Certified
If you're a farmer interested in getting your farm GAP certified, here are the steps you'll need to follow:
- Submit your GAP application
- Prepare your farm for the initial audit
- Have an on-site audit performed by a certifier
- Receive your GAP animal welfare rating
- Maintain the standards until the next audit (15 months)
By following these steps, you can join the community of GAP certified farms and contribute to the promotion of animal welfare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GAP cattle represent a commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. With their comprehensive standards and rigorous certification process, GAP is making a positive impact on the lives of farm animals. To learn more about GAP and their initiatives, visit their website at
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