Fences, gateways, gates and all facilities used to secure cattle must be constructed and maintained to reduce the risk of injury and attack by predators.
Cattle may be housed or kept in intensive conditions provided the following conditions are met:
- A minimum of 9m2 per animal of space must be provided
- The diet composition and quantities of feed must be recorded
- Concrete flooring must be covered by an appropriate depth of bedding material to avoid hoof and leg problems
- Faeces and urine accumulations must be removed daily
- Normal diurnal pattern of lighting must be provided
- Opportunities for appropriate exercise must be provided
- Air must be of acceptable quality with respect to dust, chemicals and smells
- All cattle must be observed standing and moving during daily inspections.
Cattle are grazing animals that require exercise, light and fresh air for optimum health. It is preferable that cattle are maintained in paddocks. However it is acceptable that cattle are kept in smaller yards, pens and at times indoors provided that this housing is for a limited time. This more intensive housing may be for feeding of a particular ration, during showing and show preparation, for security reasons or for convalescence.
Tethering is not acceptable as a routine husbandry practice. Where animals are tied to restrain them at shows, they must be accustomed to the practice and be given adequate exercise each day.