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Alberta-Canada Livestock Welfare Research Partnership Governments of Canada & Alberta Media Release Mar 27, 2002 ... A new Alberta-Canada Livestock Welfare Research Partnership (ACLWRP) to support new research based at the federal Lacombe Research Centre was announced today in Edmonton by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief and Alberta's Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Shirley McClellan. The two governments are partners in the project along with Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC). "This partnership is a great example of cooperation in research and promotion of animal health and well-being," said Mr. Vanclief. "Successful partnerships such as the ACLWRP will help us brand Canada as the world leader in environmentally-responsible production, innovation and food safety." Mrs. McClellan said animal welfare is a priority in the province. "We already have a high standard of farm animal care plus one of the strongest pieces of legislation in Canada, the Animal Protection Act. However it is important to better understand factors influencing livestock welfare and to implement proactive changes based on sound science. Both the industry and consumers will benefit from this new research," said Mrs. McClellan. Four research categories have been identified for study under the partnership: husbandry practices, disease, non-invasive procedures for measuring stress, and environment. Scientists will evaluate such areas as transport, handling, early detection of sick animals and reduced use of antibiotics; and livestock housing. AFAC chair Guy Fontaine said animal welfare is an integral component of today's livestock industry. "We know that proper animal handling is directly linked to improved productivity, meat quality and producer profitability. Thus, the more we know about animal behavior, the better it is for the animals and the industry. Some major retailers and fast food players now require animal welfare protocols from suppliers. Alberta's livestock industry will be required to meet these science-based protocols in the future. We are pleased to be partners in this program and to provide industry input," said Mr. Fontaine. Initial contributions to the partnership from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, AAFRD, and AFAC are $1.5 million over the next three years. The in-kind and cash funding will be allocated toward such areas as research, scientists, technicians, laboratory equipment and operations and extension support. The program will not duplicate research being conducted at other research establishments except where needed to evaluate technologies for Alberta conditions. The partnership will be looking to cooperate with other researchers involved in livestock welfare research around the world. For more information, media may contact: |
