ANNEX IIIGOOD ANIMAL FEEDING PRACTICE
PASTURE GRAZING
The grazing of pastures and croplands shall be managed in a way that minimises the contamination of foods of animal origin by physical, biological or chemical hazards.
Where appropriate, an adequate rest period shall be observed before allowing livestock to graze on pasture, crops and crop residues and between grazing rotations to minimise biological cross-contamination from manure, where such a potential problem exists, and to ensure that the withholding periods for agricultural chemical applications are observed.
REQUIREMENTS FOR STABLE AND FEEDING EQUIPMENT
The animal production unit shall be designed so that it can be adequately cleaned. The animal production unit and feeding equipment shall be cleaned thoroughly and regularly to prevent any build-up of hazards. Chemicals used for cleaning and sanitising shall be used according to instructions and stored away from feed and feeding areas.
A pest control system shall be put in place to control the access of pests to the animal production unit with a view to minimising the possibility of contamination of feed and bedding materials or animal units.
Buildings and feeding equipment shall be kept clean. Systems shall be put in place to regularly remove manure, waste material and other possible sources of contamination of feed.
Feed and bedding material used in the animal production unit shall be frequently changed and not allowed to become mouldy.
FEEDING
1.Storage
Feed shall be stored separately from chemicals and other products prohibited for animal feed. Storage areas and containers shall be kept clean and dry and appropriate pest-control measures implemented where necessary. Storage areas and containers shall be cleaned regularly to avoid unnecessary cross-contamination.
Seed shall be stored properly and in such a way that it is not accessible to animals.
Medicated feed and non-medicated feed intended for different categories or species of animals shall be stored such as to reduce the risk of feeding to non-target animals.
2.Distribution
The on-farm feed distribution system shall ensure that the right feed is sent to the right destination. During distribution and feeding, feed shall be handled in such a way as to ensure that contamination does not occur from contaminated storage areas and equipment. Non-medicated feeds shall be handled separately from medicated feeds to prevent contamination.
On-farm feed transport vehicles and feeding equipment shall be cleaned periodically, in particular when used to deliver and distribute medicated feed.
FEED AND WATER
Water for drinking or for acquaculture shall be of appropriate quality for the animals being produced. Where there is cause for concern about contamination of animals or animal products from the water, measures shall be taken to evaluate and minimise the hazards.
Feeding and watering equipment must be designed, constructed and placed in such a way that contamination of feed and water is minimised. Watering systems shall be cleaned and maintained regularly, where possible.
PERSONNEL
The person responsible for the feeding and handling of animals shall possess the requisite ability, knowledge and competence.