O.K. Foods is dedicated to being an industry leader in animal welfare practices by maintaining a strict program that meets and exceeds government regulations and recognizing industry guidelines for the humane treatment and handling of production animals. O.K. Foods continues to advance forward in the research and development of our animal welfare programs by utilizing audits, both internal and external, to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs.
One of the new programs that began this year is the Welfare Guarded Audit Program. Through this program, Broiler, Pullet, and Breeder Farms can earn the right to display a “Welfare Guarded” sign that will be added to their farm sign. Farms will be audited based on the NCC Animal Welfare program. Service Technicians and our PACCO-certified auditors work together to perform the initial audits as well as unannounced and follow-up audits to make sure that every “Welfare Guarded” farm adheres to the requirements.
Some of the criteria to pass the audit include:
• Dry, comfortable litter in the chicken house
• Fresh air
• Access to nutritious feed and clean water
• Room to roam freely in the house
• Protection from predators
• A house that provides a comfortable
environment regardless of the weather outside
• Proper culling procedures
• Alarm system to alert growers to potential problems
Source: O.K. Foods, Fort Smith, AR