the care and use of animals in act schools ...€¦ · of animals in general and particularly the...

ThecareanduseofanimalsinACTschoolsi

in ACT schoolsImplementation guidelines 2009

The care and use of animals

iiThecareanduseofanimalsinACTschools

ISBN-13:978-0-642-60499-6ISBN-10:0-642-60499-1

©AustralianCapitalTerritory,Canberra2009,(2009Edition2)

Thisworkiscopyright.ApartfromanyuseaspermittedundertheCopyright Act 1968,nopartmaybereproducedbyanyprocesswithoutwrittenpermissionfromtheTerritoryRecordsOffice,CommunityandInfrastructureServices,TerritoryandMunicipalServices,ACTGovernment.GPOBox158,CanberraCityACT2601.

Enquiriesaboutthispublicationshouldbedirectedto:ACTDepartmentofEducationandTraining

PublicationNo09/1729

http://www.act.gov.au

Telephone:CanberraConnect132281

ThecareanduseofanimalsinACTschoolsiii

Contents

PARTA:ANIMAlwElfAREforeword 1

Acknowledgements 3

Howtousetheseguidelines 4

Rationale 6

Decidingwhethertheuseofanimalsisjustified 7

Categoriesofactivities 11

Rolesandresponsibilities 17

Alternativesandthe3Rs 21

Issuesarisingfromusinganimalsinschools 23

Glossary 37

listofrelevantACTlegislation 41

ACTCodesofPractice 42

Schedule2oftheAnimal Welfare Regulation 2001 43

APPENDICES

1. Complaints/grievancesmadetoschoolsabout themistreatmentofanimals 44

2. Accreditation 45

ACT Schools Annimal Ethics Committee (SAEC)flowchartofproceduresforSchedule2animalsinPreandPrimarySchools 46

flowchartofproceduresforanimalsinSecondarySchools 47

3. formARequestforAnimalResearch Authorisation(Schools) 48

4. formBApplicationforApprovaltoobtain euthanasedratsfromtheJohnCurtinSchoolof MedicalResearchattheAustralianNational University 52

5. formCAnnualschoolreportontheacquisition, disposalandhusbandryactivities 54

6. formDApplicationtouseananimalinteaching thatisnotontheapprovedlistorisin category4or5 56

7. formEApplicationforcertificationto demonstrateacategory5activity 61

ivThecareanduseofanimalsinACTschools

8. formfNotificationofchangestostaffing and/oractivitiesincludinganimaldeathorinjury 63

9. formGAnnualreportofanimalholdings (schools) 65

ThecareanduseofanimalsinACTschools1

foreword

TheseimplementationguidelinesexplainwhatschoolsneedtodotosatisfytherequirementsoftheAustralian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th Education 2004,theAnimal Welfare Act 1992andtheAnimal Welfare Regulation 2001includingcurrentamendments.TheyapplytoallschoolswithintheACTthatuseanimalsforteachingandresearchpurposes.TheAustralian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th Education 2004(scientificpurposesincludesteaching)imposesstrictrequirementsonschoolswishingtouseanimalsforteaching.Byfollowingtheadviceprovidedintheseguidelines,teacherslawfullyuseanimalsinpursuitofeducationalobjectives.

Studentsattendingourschoolsbringtotheclassroomadiverserangeofexperiences,expectationsandattitudestowardsanimals.Byprovidingopportunitiestoexplorearangeofviewsabouttheappropriatecareofanimalsandtheirusesbypeopleinasafeandsupportedenvironment,schoolswill:

• satisfyoneoftherequirementsintheAustralian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th Education 2004–theprovisionof educationalprograms

• addressessentialcontentfromtheEssentiallearning Achievement3,The student responds with integrity and regard for others.

Asthemostcommonuseofanimalsinschoolsisforteachinganddemonstrationratherthanresearch,schoolshavebeenrecognisedasaspecialcaseundertheAustralian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th Education 2004.ThismeansthattheAnimalEthicsCommitteeoftheACTisabletoprovideteacherswithalistofapprovedactivitiesthatmaybeundertaken.Asaconsequenceofthisprivilege,schoolsneedtoensurethatallteachershaveaccesstotheinformationtheyneedtomaintainthewelfareoftheanimalsatthelevelofcurrentapprovedpractices.

ThispublicationhasbeenadaptedfromtheNSwSchoolsAnimalCareandEthicsCommittee’s(SACEC)secondeditionofAnimals in Schools: Animal welfare guidelines for

2ThecareanduseofanimalsinACTschools

teachers.TheSACECssecondeditionisacooperativeventureinvolvingofficersandschoolsfromallthreeschoolsectorsandTAfE,officersfromtheAnimalwelfareUnitwithinNSwAgricultureandmembersoftheAnimalResearchReviewPanel.

TheACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommitteewishestothankSACECforpermissiontousetheNSwAnimals in Schools: Animal welfare guidelines for teachers as the basis for the Care and Use of Animals in ACT Schools: Implementation Guidelines Preschool to Year 12.


Acknowledgements

ThispublicationhasbeenadaptedfromtheNSwSchoolsAnimalCareandEthicsCommittee’s(SACEC)secondeditionofAnimals in Schools: Animal welfare guidelines for teachers.Thepreparationoftheoriginaldocumenthasinvolvedtheworkofteachers,veterinarians,staffofNSwAgriculture,membersoftheNSwSchoolsAnimalCareandEthicsCommitteeandotherinterestedandconcernedpeople.

TheadaptationofthisdocumentfurtherinvolvedtheworkofteachersfromtheACTDepartmentofEducationandTrainingandmembersoftheACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommittee.

forfurtherinformationcontact:

CurriculumOfficerfortheCareandUseofAnimalsinSchoolsACTDepartmentofEducationandTrainingCurriculumSupportGPOBox158CANBERRAACT2601

Email:[email protected]

HowtousetheseGuidelines

Care and Use of Animals in ACT Schools Implementation Guidelines Preschool to year 12isorganisedintotwoparts:

Part Aguidesteachersindecision-makingabouttheuseofanimals.

Part Bprovidesspecies-specificnotesaboutapprovedactivitiesandresources.

TheseguidelineswerebasedontheworkofNSwSchoolsAnimalCareandEthicsCommittee(referredtoastheSACEC)andadapted,withpermissionfromSACEC,toensurecompliancewithalllegislationgoverningimplementationwithintheACT.words,namesandreferencesthatareconsideredofparticularrelevancetotheunderstandingoftheseguidelinesarelistedintheglossaryattheendofPartA.whentheseglossaryreferencesarepresentedinthetextforthefirsttime,theyappearinboldtype,alongwithanyappropriateabbreviationinbrackets.

The guidelinesaretobeusedasawhole.Theyincludealistofapprovedactivitiesforwhichanimalsmaybeused(PartA).Theguidelinesalsospecifythemannerinwhicheachapprovedactivityistobeundertakensothatthewelfareoftheanimalsinvolvedisprotected.Therearefivecategoriesofapprovedactivitiesthatmaybeundertakeninschools.

Thereisalsoalistofactivitiesthatareprohibitedinschools(seepage15).TeachersandstudentsmustnotuseanimalsinanyotherwaysforteachingorresearchwithoutthepriorwrittenapprovaloftheACTSchools Animal Ethics Committee (SAEC).TheCommitteewillconsideronlyapplicationssubmittedtoitonthedesignatedapplicationforms(seeAppendices3to8).

Theseguidelinesarenotfixedintime.Alterationsmaybecomenecessaryaschangesaremadetorelevantacts,codesandregulations.Itistheresponsibilityofteacherstoensuretheykeepup-to-datewithcurrentlegislationandthattheirpracticesareinaccordancewiththatlegislation.

Teachersusinganimalsinschoolsarealsoexpectedtokeepabreastoftheongoingethicaldebateandcommunityexpectationsabouttheuseofanimalsinresearchandteachingthatmaygiverisetochangesinlegislation.Any



suggestionsforimprovementsoralterationsarewelcomedbytheACTSAEC(seepage3forcontactdetails).

Individualandsocietalvaluesregardinganimalswillatanytimebevaried.whenteachingaboutanimals,workingwithanimals(deadoralive),teachersshouldbemindfulofbothanimalandhumansensitivitiesandaccordinglycarryouttheirtaskswithcircumspectionandrespectforboth.

AnimalsusedinteachingandresearchintheACTareprotectedbytheAnimal Welfare Act 1992 (theAct).TheActrequiresthattheiruseisjustified,responsible,humaneandconsiderateoftheanimals’needs.

TheActprovidesforasystemofaccreditation,licensingandauthorisationfororganisationsandindividualswishingtouseanimalsforscientific purposes,whichincludesteaching.Thesystemincludesschoolsandteachers.

InessenceitisillegalforanypersontouseanimalsforscientificpurposesunlesstheyhavethepriorapprovalofanAnimalEthicsCommittee(AEC).Theseguidelinesexplaintoteachershowapprovaltouseanimalsforteachingorresearchmaybeobtained.TheActalsoplacestheresponsibilityforthecareandwelfareofanimalsinschoolsupontheteachersinvolvedwiththeiruse.

InstitutionsarerequiredbytheActtoestablishanimalethicscommitteestoensurecompliancewiththelegislation.TheACTSAEChasbeenestablishedbytheACTDepartmentofEducationandTraining(theDepartment)andisaccountabletotheDepartment,theCatholicEducationOffice(CEO)andtheAssociationofIndependentSchools(AIS)oftheACTonbehalfofitsparticipatingschools,formonitoringtheuseofanimalsforteachingandresearchpurposesintheirschools.

TheschoolsystemsarealsoaccountabletotheACTAnimal Welfare AuthorityfortheoperationoftheACTSAEC.TheActandAnimal Welfare Regulation 2001(theRegulation)andtheAustralian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th Education 2004(AustralianCode)describethepracticesthatarerequiredtoensurethehumanecareofanimalsusedforteachingandresearch.ThekeepinganduseofanimalsinschoolsmustbeinaccordwiththeprovisionsoftheAustralianCodeandallrelevantprovisionsofCommonwealthandACTlegislation.

Alistofthemostrelevantlegislation,model codesandregulationsisincludedonpage41.

RationaleTheuseofanimalsinACTschoolsisgovernedprimarilybythreepiecesoflegislation.Theyarethe:

• Animal Welfare Act 1992 (theAct)

• Animal Welfare Regulation 2001(theRegulation)

• Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 7th Edition 2004 (AustralianCode)

Thislegislationwasintroducedtoprotectthewelfareofvertebrateanimalsusedinteachingandresearchbyensuringthattheiruseisjustified,humaneandconsiderateoftheanimals’needs.

ThelegislationhasevolvedinresponsetotheattitudesoftheAustraliancommunityanditsconcernforthewelfareofanimalsingeneralandparticularlytheuseofanimalsinteachingandresearch.Underpinningtheseattitudesisthenotionthatvertebratespeciescanexperiencepainandsufferingandthatthereisamoraldutytominimisetheharmtoanyanimal.

Teachershavemanyresponsibilitiesplaceduponthem.Oneoftheseresponsibilitiesistoassiststudentstodeveloparespectforanimalsandtolearnhowtocareforanimalsinaresponsibleandethicalmanner.

Theseguidelinesapplytoallpublicschools,allCEOaffiliatedschoolsandindependentschools.TheyprovideinterpretationsoftheAct,theRegulationandtheAustralianCodetohelpteachersinthoseschoolsmeettherequirementsofthelegislation.



Decidingwhethertheuseofanimalsisjustified

TheACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommittee(SAEC)hastheresponsibilitytodeterminewhatactivitiesinvolvingtheuseofanimalsarepermissibleinschools.Indeterminingpermittedactivities,theACTSAECCommitteeisguidedbytheAct,itsrelatedRegulationandtheAustralianCode.TheActalsorequiresteacherstogothroughaprocessofdecidingwhethertheuseofanimalsisjustified.Thisappliesbothtotheconductofproceduresthatarepre-approvedbytheACTSAECanddescribedintheseguidelines(seeSpecies-specificnotes),aswellastoprocedureswhichrequireanapplicationtotheACTSAEC(seetheflowchartonpage10forasummaryofthisdecision-makingprocess).

Toassistteachers,theACTSAEChasdevelopedasetofapproved activities orproceduresforwhichtheuseofanimalsispermitted,providedthat:

•theeducationalobjectives(andrelatedoutcomes)tobe achievedareselectedfromthefourlistedbelow

•thedecision-makingprocessdescribedintheflowchart hasbeenfollowed

•theactivityorprocedureistobedoneasdescribedin theseguidelines.

Therequirementtoconsideralternativestotheuseofanimalsisanimportantfirstconsideration.Theweightinggiventothisconsiderationincreasesasthepotential(andreal)impactontheanimalincreases.

Thecategoriesofapprovedactivitiesdescribedintheseguidelinesarebasedonanassessmentoftheriskofharmtotheanimal.Category1activitiesareassessedasbeingofverylowrisktotheanimals,Category5activitiesareassessedasbeinghighrisk.IftheCategory5proceduresarenotconductedskilfullyoranaccidentoccurs,therisktotheanimalsisconsiderable.

Thehigherthecategorynumber,thegreateristheneedtoconsideralternatives,thegreateraretheskillrequirementsoftheteacherandthegreaterthequalityrequirementofthepreparatoryworkbythestudent.


Educational objectivesTheAustralianCodestatesthatanimalsmaybeusedforteachingonlywhentherearenosuitablealternativesavailableforachievingtheeducationalobjectives.

Schoolcommunitiesdetermineeducationalobjectivesinresponsetothefollowing:

• BoardofSeniorSecondaryStudiesrequirements

• Every chance to learncurriculumframeworkforACTschoolspreschooltoyear10

• Governmentandsystempriorities

• Communityneeds

• Studentlearningneeds.

Inthecontextoftheabove,thefollowingobjectivesrelatingtoanimalsmaybeusedintheschool’scurriculum:

Objective1:Developingstudents’skillsinrelationtoresponsibleanimalcareandmanagement

Itisessentialthatstudentslearnthatresponsibleanimalcareandmanagementinvolvesknowledgeoftheneedsofanimals(physicalandbehavioural).Thecourseandstageoflearningwilldeterminethetypeofanimaltobeusedandthelevelofpracticalinvolvementofstudents.

wherethecourseofstudyrequiresananimalbesubjectedtoprocedurescausingconsiderablepainanddistress(suchastaildockingorcastrationoflambs),theteachermustensurestudentsreceivetheappropriateamountandtypeoftrainingbeforeattemptingtheprocedure.Itisalsotheteacher’sresponsibilitytoobtainwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAECbeforestudentscarryoutprocedures.

Teachersshouldbeawarethat,indevelopingstudents’skillsinrelationtoresponsibleanimalcareandmanagement,theyarerolemodelsandshouldatalltimesapplytheprinciplesofbestpractice.

Objective2:Developingstudents’skillsinobservinganimalstoenhancetheirunderstandingofthebehaviouralcharacteristicsofspecies

Totrainstudentstoobserve,avarietyofsourcesmaybeused.Thesesourcesmayincludephotosandvideos(secondarysources)aswellasthestudents’ownobservationsofliveanimals(primarysources).

Objective3:Developingstudents’skillsofinvestigationwherethepurposeistoimprovemethodsofanimalmanagementortoimproveproduction

Thisarisesinthecontextofschoolcurriculuminagricultureandscience.Studentsusuallyreplicatepreviousexperiments(e.g.enrichingtheanimal’senvironment,suchasabudgerigar’scageorguineapig’spen,foodpalatabilitytrials,comparisonsofeggproductionbetweenfreerangeandbarnhousedhens).


wherethesereplicationsareknowntohavelowimpactontheanimal(category2or3approvedactivities),theyareincludedinthelistofapprovedactivitiesintheappropriatecategory.

Objective4:Assistingstudentstodevelopempathywithandrespectforanimals

Giventhatourrelationshipwithanimalsisanimportantaspectofthehumancondition,schoolsshouldnotavoidhelpingstudentstobuildsharedknowledgeandunderstandingaboutthem.Thusstudentsshouldbegivenopportunitiesintheschoolcontexttolearnaboutthediversityandappropriatenessoftherangeofrelationshipsbetweenanimalsandhumans.

StudentsfromagreatdiversityofbackgroundsandexperiencesattendschoolsthroughouttheTerritory.whileschoolsmustrespectthediversityofattitudesthatthisbringstheymustalsoensurethatstudentsdevelopempathywithandrespectforanimals.

Thereisnoabsolutelycertainwaytoensurethatstudentsacquiredesirableattitudestowardsanimalsbutresearchhasshownthatteachersarepowerfulrolemodels.Thismeansthatthewayteachersworkwithanimalsandtheattitudesthatareapparentintheteachers’careandhandlingofanimalswillstronglyinfluencetheattitudesstudentsdeveloptowardanimals.

Alternatives and the three Rswheneveradecisionaboutusinganimalsforteachingactivitiesismade,itisessentialthatthe3Rsfilterisappliedtoallactivities.The“3Rsfilter”isatermtoflagthatconsiderationshouldbegivento:

• thereplacementofanimalswithothermethods

• thereductioninthenumberofanimalsused

• therefinementoftechniquesusedtoreducetheimpactonanimals.

Anexplanationofthe“3Rsfilter”isprovidedonpage21oftheseguidelines.Thefollowingflowchartindicateswhenitshouldbeapplied.

RefertotheresourcelistsontheEverychancetolearncurriculumframeworkforACTschoolspreschooltoyear10sectionoftheACTDepartmentofEducationandTrainingwebsite(www.det.act.foralternativestotheuseofanimals.


Table 1: Decision making flow chart

* EnsurethatyouallowtheACTAnimalEthicsCommittee(SEAC)3monthstorespond.

† AwlOistheanimalwelfareliaisonofficerforyourschool.

Can the related outcomes be achieved without using animals?

(Ensure you have used the 3R’s filter to answer this question)

NO

Is what you plan an approved activity in

the Guidelines?

NO

NO

Is the planned activity justified?

(see pages 7-9)

Choose another activity that does not require an

animal to be used

YES

Use the non-animal alternativeYES

Are you applying the 3Rs to ensure that the impact of the activity on the

animal is minimised?

YES

Are you applying the 3Rs filter toensure the impact of the activityon the animal is minimised?

Haveyou checked with the AWLO†, completed the application form inthe guidelines

and then lodgedit with SAEC?*

Has the SAEC provided written approval before commencement of the activity?

Does this approval have conditions applied to it?NO

Do not commence the planned activity

Have you checked that the source of the animals, their housing, monitoring, disposal and records are in accordance with the guidelines for the particular species to be used?

Have the students been appropriately instructed and will they be supervised?

YES

Perform the activity as described in the guidelines or as approved by the SAEC.

Did the activity achieve the intended outcomes? Would you consider doing it again or would you use an alternative?


Categoriesofactivities

Theseguidelinesprovidefivecategoriesofapprovedactivitiesinvolvinganimals.Theguidelinesspecifywhocanusetheanimalandinwhatway,sothatthewelfareoftheanimalisprotected.

Activities that are not listed in these categories of animal use, or that are different from the activities as they appear in these guidelines, must not be carried out without prior written approval from the ACT SAEC. The application must be submitted on the designated application form (see Appendices 6 and 7).

AmoreindepthdescriptionoftheapprovedactivitiescanbefoundintherelevantspeciesnotesinPartB.

Category 1 activitiesarepermittedbyallstudentsandteacherswithduecarefortheanimal’swelfare.

Category 2 activitiesmaybeconductedbystudentswhohavereceivedappropriateinstructionbeforecommencingtheactivity.

Category 3activitiesrequireahigherlevelofstudentskillthanCategory2activitiesbeforetheyareattempted.TheymustbejustifiedbytheSchoolBoardapprovedcurriculumforthatcourseoraBoardofSeniorSecondaryStudies(BSSS)approvedcourse.TheseactivitiesrequiretheformalapprovaloftheAwlOwithintheschool.

Categories 4 and 5mustbejustifiedbytheBSSSsyllabus.Alltheseactivitieshavethepotentialtocausedistress.Someoftheseactivitiesarepainfultotheanimal,evenwhendoneproperly.Ifdoneincorrectly,thepainanddistressareverysignificant.*

Category 4 activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingontheformDAppendix6.Theteachermusthaveahighlevelofskillattainedbyeitherspecialisedtrainingorrelevantexperiencethathasledtothelevelofcompetency.

Category 5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalhasbeenobtainedfromtheACTSAEC.Theteachermustbeaccreditedbyarecognisedauthorityorhavedemonstratedequivalentcompetency.

* Someagriculturalproceduresareacceptedbythegeneralcommunity despitethepainand/ordistresstheycausetotheanimals.Thejustification forteachingtheserelatestovocationaltraining.


Ingeneraltheonlyjustificationforallowingstudentstoparticipateincategory4and5activitiesisthatthestudentiscompletingacompetencybasedcourseleadingtotheattainmentofalevelofskillthatcanberecognisedbyaformalqualification.

BeforedemonstratingtostudentsaCategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertification,includinganidentitycertificate,fromtheACTSAEC(athree-yearlycertification).CertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingtheformEAppendix7.

There is also a list of activities that are not permitted to be carried out by teachers or students, in the context of educational programs associated with the school, under any circumstances(seepage15).

Table 2: Categories of activities

Category*(See page 11)

Risk to animals Educationaljustification

Conditions which apply to students

Conditions which apply to the teacher or demonstrator

1 • Very low impact.• Discreet observation only.• Animals not restrained.• No contact with animal(s).• No disturbance to animal.

Provides positive experiences involving animals.

Any student may carry out these activities.

Teacher discretion,Skills and knowledge appropriate to the activity.

2 • Low impact.• Routine husbandry or

animal care procedures.• No invasive techniques

used.• Some disturbance to

animal.

Students are following a course or program in the school curriculum.

Background and level of maturity taken into account and suitable instructions given before activity.

Skills and knowledge appropriate to the activity.

3 • Moderate impact.• Husbandry or animal care

procedures.• No invasive techniques.• Animal usually restrained.• Techniques may cause

some stress to animal.

Justified by the School Board approved curriculum for that course or a BSSS approved course.

Students are given appropriate instructions and training.

Skills, knowledge and training appropriate to the activity.ACT SAEC needs to approve.

4 • High impact.• Invasive techniques.• Techniques may cause

some pain and/or distress to animals.

Justified by a BSSS approved course.Activity appropriate to meet course needs.

Students are given specialised instructions and training leading to competency.May be undertaken by students only if written approval from ACT SAEC has been obtained.

Specialised training or expert competency.

5 • Highly specialised techniques.

• Techniques have a high risk of causing pain and distress to animal.

Justified by a BSSS approved course.Activity appropriate to meet course needs.

Students are given specialised instructions and training leading to competency.May be undertaken by students only if written approval from ACT SAEC has been obtained.

Accreditation by recognised authority or demonstrated equivalent competency.Teacher must gain written certification from the ACT SAEC every three years in order to demonstrate activities in this category.

* Thegreaterthepotentialimpactontheanimal,thegreatertheeducationaljustificationandexpertiserequired ofteachersandstudents.


Table 3: Description of Activities

Activity Category(See page 11)

Objectives(See pages 8-9)

Approved by

A. Very low impact activities involving animals.• Observation of animal behaviour• Observation of pets under the owner’s control• Excursions to observe animals in their natural surroundings or to zoos and other registered wildlife parks• Excursions to farms for observation of animal behaviour and husbandry activities appropriate to the age, prior experience and maturity of the students.

111

1

O2, O4 Teacher

B. Low impact activities involving animals provided appropriate instruction is given prior to undertaking the activity and there is appropriate control by a responsible person or the owner of the animal.• Mustering , drafting (in crush or bailhead), capture, restraint and handling of non-free-living domesticated animals (grooming or holding an animal, collecting a milk sample, non-invasive measurements such as those described below, leading or riding an appropriately trained animal). • Observations of particular animal behaviours e.g. oestrus, parturition • School performance by outside agencies that have animals as part of their exhibits. • Animal welfare organisations bringing animals to school (such as Delta Society programs, RSPCA or WIRES)• Breeding of mice or other appropriate animal in the classroom (see Breeding of animals on page 24)• The appropriate care of classroom pets.

2

22

2

2

2

O1-O4 Teacher

C. Non-invasive measurement of: 1. body weight 2. body condition - visual assessment - condition scoring - ultrasound 3. growth 4. body proportions 5. pulse or blood flow 6. respiration 7. skin temperature (non-invasive) 8. age by dentition 9. scrotum and testicles (palpation)

2

2232222222

O1-O4

Teacher

Teacher TeacherAWLO*TeacherTeacherTeacherTeacherTeacherTeacherTeacher

D. Measurement of mild dietary effects (provided the normal nutritional needs for the life stage of the animals are met): 1. high/normal protein 2. high/normal energy 3. high/normal fat 4. palatability

3333

O1-O4 AWLO*

E. Behaviour activities: 1. familiarisation 2. taming/gentling 3. training for competition or showing 4. tethering animals 5. breaking-in cattle or horses

23334

O1, O4TeacherAWLO*AWLO*AWLO*

ACT SAEC


Table 3: Description of Activities continued


Objectives(See pages 8-9)

Approved by

F. Collection of samples#: 1. wool 2. milk 3. faeces & urine (non-invasive) 4. faeces (invasive) 5. saliva 6. ruminal fluid 7. blood 8. measurement of body temperature (invasive)

22253 5 5 3

01-04

03

03 03

Teacher Teacher Teacher

ACTSAEC AWLO*

ACTSAEC ACTSAEC AWLO*

G. Standard husbandry activities: 1. administering treatments water topical - udder - back line - spray - dip oral - drench - capsules - winged capsules injection - intraruminal - subcutaneous - intramuscular - intravenous - intrauterine pessaries - udder 2. coat care and grooming 3. coat clipping 4. ear marking/tagging of livestock 5. tattoo application 6. hoof paring: sheep and goats 7. hoof trimming: cattle 8. shearing of sheep and goats 9. shearing of alpacas and llamas 10. dagging 11. crutching 12. milking 13. putting nose clips on cattle 14. nose ringing 15. loading and unloading animals onto transporters 16. showing animals at school and away 17. foot bathing 18. fire branding horns of stud sheep 19. fire branding of cattle and horses 20. freeze branding of cattle and horses 21. flystrike treatment 22. jetting animals 23. using sire harnesses 24. restraining with ropes

2

2333 334 33344323333334343353334443333

O1-O4

For activities up to

category 4

01-04 For activities

up to category 4

01

Teacher

TeacherAWLO*AWLO*AWLO*

AWLO*AWLO*

ACT SAEC

AWLO*AWLO*AWLO*

ACT SAECACT SAEC

AWLO*TeacherAWLO*AWLO*AWLO*AWLO*AWLO*AWLO*

ACT SAECAWLO*

ACT SAECAWLO*AWLO*

ACT SAECAWLO*AWLO*AWLO*

ACT SAECACT SAECACT SAEC

AWLO*AWLO*AWLO*AWLO*


Table 3: Description of Activities continued


Objectives(See pagse 8-9)

Approved by

25. castration of immature livestock** lambs - elastrator - knife - emasculator calves - elastrator (under 6 weeks) - knife - emasculator 26. tail docking lambs1

- elastrator - knife - gas detailer 27. tail docking piglets - knife 28. tooth trimming/removal in piglets 29. beak trimming 30. tail tagging 31. artificial insemination 32. semen collection 33. pregnancy detection - external ultrasound - rectal 34. oestrus synchronisation 35. microchip tagging 36. horn tipping 37. dehorning cattle under six months of age**

38. detusking boars 39. debudding calves and kids1 40. mulesing of young sheep1

41. slaughter/euthanasia of stock (see page 30)

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 55

3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 5 5

01-04 For activities

up tocategory 4

0303

0101




ACT SAEC ACT SAECACT SAEC

TeacherACT SAEC ACT SAEC

OWLA*ACT SAEC ACT SAECACT SAEC

OWLA*ACT SAEC ACT SAECACT SAEC ACT SAECACT SAEC

H. Prohibited activities PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES—should not be done at school under any circumstances The activities set out below may not be carried out by students or demonstrated to them: 1. performance of surgical procedures without anaesthesia, other than in the conduct of normal animal husbandry operations. 2. induction of infectious diseases. 3. nutritional deficiency. 4. administration of drugs or chemicals other than those recommended for a particular therapeutic purpose. 5. administration of ionising-radiation or other biohazardous material. 6. activities, other than approved activities, giving rise to distress. 7. imprinting (e.g. simulated parenting, see notes page 29). 8. use of animals as prizes for raffles. 9. breeding animals solely for dissection.

* The within-school Animal Welfare Liaison Officer (AWLO) must approve these activities (see page 18 for role statement)# Sample = a small part of a specimen** POCTAA describes the legal ages for some animal husbandry practices for particular species. These are as follows: Castration: pigs- less than 2 months, cattle, sheep, goats- less than 6 months Tail Docking: sheep- less than 6 months Mulesing: sheep- less than 12 months Dehorning: goats- less than 1 month sheep- less than 12 months


Category 5 activitiesCollection of ruminal fluid• descriptionofhowoftentheapplicanthascompletedthisactivity,overwhattime period,plusverificationofcompetencybyanexperiencedoperator,e.g.localvet, qualifiedlivestockresearchofficer

• descriptionofanycoursescompletedthatprovidedtraininginthisactivity.

Collection of blood sample• descriptionofhowoftentheapplicanthascompletedthisactivity,overwhattime period,plusverificationofcompetencybyanexperiencedoperator,e.g.localvet, qualifiedlivestockresearchofficer


Collection of faeces (invasive)• descriptionofhowoftentheapplicanthascompletedthisactivity,overwhattime period,plusverificationofcompetencybyanexperiencedoperator,e.g.localvet, qualifiedlivestockresearchofficer


Artificial insemination• TAfE,universityaccreditationorequivalentbyaregisteredtrainingorganisation (attachphotocopy)

Semen collection• TAfE,universityaccreditationorequivalentbyaregisteredtrainingorganisation (attachphotocopy).

Mulesing of young sheep• descriptionofhowoftentheapplicanthascompletedthisactivity,overwhattime period,plusverificationofcompetencybyanexperiencedoperator,e.g.localvet, experiencedcontractor,experiencedfarmer


Nose ringing of cattle• descriptionofhowoftentheapplicanthascompletedthisactivity,overwhattime period,plusverificationofcompetencybyanexperiencedoperator,e.g.localvet, experiencedcontractor,experiencedfarmer


Slaughter or euthanasia of stock• descriptionofhowoftentheapplicanthascompletedthisactivity,overwhattime period,plusverificationofcompetencybyanexperiencedoperator,e.g.localvet, experiencedfarmer



Rolesandresponsibilities

ACT Schools Animal Ethics committeeTheACTSAECsupervisestheuseofanimalsinteachingorresearchwhereverconductedintheACT.TheACTSAECwasspecificallysetuptosupervisetheuseofanimalsinpublicandnon-governmentschools.Itsroleis:

• tointerprettheAnimalwelfareAct

• toprepareandpublishalistofapprovedactivities involvingtheuseofanimals

• toconsiderapplicationsforCategory4and5activities andthoseactivitieswhicharenotlistedintheguidelines

• tomonitortheuseofanimalsinschoolstoensurethatit complieswiththerelevantlegislation• toliaisewithteachersandsystemrepresentativesin matterscoveredinthetermsofreference

• toinvestigatecomplaintsinvolvinganimals

• toreporttotheappropriateschoolsectorauthorities

• toperformotherfunctionsasdescribedinitstermsof reference.

School sectorsUnderSection26oftheAct,everyschoolusinganimalsoutsideSchedule2ofThe Animal Welfare Regulation 2001mustholdacurrent,completedAnimal Research Authority touseanimalsforscientificorteachingpurposes.

TheDepartmentandtheCEOapplyforaccreditationonbehalfofschoolswhicharepartoftheirsystems.AllotherschoolsmustapplyforaccreditationtotheAnimalwelfareUnitlicensingClerk(seepage45Appendix2forcontactdetails).

Normalaccreditationisforaperiodofthreeyears.

SectorsareresponsibleforissuingtoeachschoolanannualAnimal Research Authorisation (Schools),forensuringthatgrievanceproceduresareinplacetoresolveconcernsbymembersoftheACTSAECorteacherswhoareconcernedaboutACTSAECdecisions.(SeeAppendix1page44).


ThesystemsareresponsibleforprovidingadequateresourcestoenabletheACTSAECtodoitsjob.UnderSchoolbasedmanagement,schoolsmustensureadequateresourcesaremadeavailabletoprovideappropriatestandardsofcareforanimalsintheircharge.

The schoolOncetheschoolhasacurrent,completedAnimalResearchAuthorisation(Schools),forthepurposeofteachingitthenhastheresponsibilitytoensuretheprovisionof:

• adequateresourcesandfacilitiesfortheappropriatecareandwelfareofthe animals

• adequatesecuritytoensureanimalsafety,includingduringweekendsandschool holidays

• aplanforhandlingemergencysituations,includingbushfire,flood,droughtand vandalism,basedonacurrentriskassessmentrelatedtotheanimalsinthe school’scare

• aprocedurethatisconsistentwiththeACTSAECgrievanceproceduresto resolveanygrievancesrelatingtothecareanduseofanimalsinschools.

The PrincipalThePrincipalisresponsiblefor:

• ensuringcompliancewithallrelevantlegislationandtheseguidelines

• ensuringthatallrelevantdocumentationundertheActismaintainedand availableforinspectionbydulyauthorisedpeople

• appointinganAwlO

• ensuringthatadequateresourcesareprovidedtomaintainingoodrepairthe facilitiesforhandlingandholdinganimalsandtoensurethattheneedsof animalscanbemet

• ensuringthattheACTSAECisadvisedwhenanimal-relatedincidentstriggerthe reportingprovisionsunderthecomplaintsresolutionpolicyorothersimilarpolicy (seeAppendix1page44)

• resolvinggrievancesregardingtheuseofanimalsinhisorherschool(see Appendix1page44).

The Animal Welfare Liaison Officer (AWLO)foreachschoolthereistobeanAwlO.TheAwlOistobeappointedfortheschoolbythePrincipal.ThedutiesoftheAwlOinclude:

• promotingawarenessoftherequirementsoftheAnimalResearchAct,other relevantlegislationandtheseguidelineswithintheschool

• monitoringschoolprogramstoensurethatactivitiesincludedhaveACTSAEC approval


• monitoringanimalusetoensurecompliancewiththeguidelinesortermsofACT SAECapproval

• ensuringthattheschoolmaintainsappropriaterecordsrelatingtotheuseof animals(seepage32)

• liaisingwiththeACTSAEC,otherteachersapprovedbytheprincipaltouse animalsintheschool,andthePrincipal(insecondaryschools)

• makingsubmissionsonbehalfofteacherstotheACTSAECforapprovalto conductactivitiesoutsidetheguidelinesorinCategories4and5oftheguidelines

• promotingamongteachersandstudentsinvolvedintheuseofanimals discussionofethicalissuesandevolvingcommunityexpectationsaboutuseof animalsinresearchandteaching.

The TeacherTheteacherisresponsibleundertheActforthedecisiontouseanimalstoachieveeducationalobjectives.ThatdecisionshouldbemadeafterworkingthroughtheinformationprovidedinTable1(page10).whenanimalsareused,theteacherisresponsibleatalltimesforthecareanduseoftheanimalsby:

• ensuringthecareanduseofanimalsisinaccordancewithrelevantlegislation (seepage41)andtheseguidelines

• havinganunderstandingofthephysical,behaviouralandsocialneedsofany speciesused

• instructingstudentsintheirlegalresponsibilitiesandprovidingthemwith opportunitiestoexploretheethical,socialandscientificissuesinvolvedintheuse ofanimals

• providinginstructionandensuringstudentshavetheappropriatelevelof competencytoperformapprovedactivities

• identifyingandincorporatingmethodswhichmayreplace,reduceorrefineanimal useinschools

• obtainingwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAECpriortocommencementforany activitiesusinganimalsforwhichapprovalisrequired(seeAppendices6and7)

• maintainingappropriaterecordsasrequiredbytheAustralianCodeandthe AwlO(seepage32)

• carryingoutcloseandcompetentsupervisionofstudentswhentheyareengaged intasks

• ensuringthatparentshaveprovidedanappropriatewrittenundertakingtocare adequatelyforanyanimalsthatstudentsmaytakehome

• ensuringthatappropriatemonitoringoftheanimalsoccursatalltimes(including duringweekendsandholidays)

• takingimmediatestepstoalleviateanypain,distressorillnessinanyanimal

• disposingofanimalsappropriately.


The studentStudentsshouldbestronglyencouragedtotreatanimalswithrespectandconsidertheirwelfareatalltimes.Studentsshouldbegivenopportunitiestoexerciseresponsiblecareanduseofanimalsandshould:

• careforanduseanimalsinaccordancewithinstructionsfromresponsible teachers

• beresponsibleforobtainingawrittenundertakingfromtheparentorcaregiver thattheanimalwillbeadequatelycaredforifthestudenttakestheanimalhome

• complywithlegislationrelatingtothecareanduseofanimalsforscientific purposes

• activelyconsiderethicalandcommunityvaluesandexpectationsaswellas legislativerequirementsforthecareanduseofanimals.


Alternativesandthe3Rs

The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique (1959),preparedbywilliamRussellandRexBurchfortheUniversitiesfederationforAnimalwelfare,emphasisedtheneedforscientiststoappraisetheirworkbasedontheprincipleofthethreeRs:thereplacementofanimalswithothermethods;thereductioninthenumberofanimalsused;andtherefinementoftechniquesusedtoreducetheimpactonanimals.

Theserecommendationshavebeenwidelyacceptedasanimportantfeatureofmodernresearchandteachingpractices.TheAustralianCodeincludesthesethreeimportantprinciples.Theseguidelinesinterprettheintentionofthe3Rsastheyapplytoschools.

Replacemeansthattechniqueswhichsubstituteorcomplementtheuseofanimalsinscientificandteachingactivitiesmustbesoughtandusedwhereverpossible.

Thefollowingareoptionsforschools:

• theuseofnon-biologicalresources.Non-biological alternativeswhichcanreplacevertebratesinclude computersimulationandtheuseofaudiovisualaids.The computersimulationofvirtualrealityhasthepotentialto provideanotheralternativeinthefuture.

• theuseoforgansfromanimalsthathavealready beenslaughteredforhumanconsumption.Thesecanbe obtainedfromthebutcher,supermarket,orfishmarket.

• theuseoflesssentientorganisms.Insomeactivities, itispossibletosubstitutelesssentientlifeforms(e.g. invertebratesandmicro-organisms)inexperiments thatmightotherwiseinvolvevertebrates.Organisms suchasflatworms,earthworms,somemolluscs,insects andcrustaceanscouldbesubstitutedforvertebrates whenobservationoforgansystemsisappropriate.Plants shouldalsobeconsideredassuitablealternatives.

Thelasttwooptionsprovideanexcellentopportunitytodiscusswithstudentstheethicalandmoralreasonsfortheuseofnon-humansentientorganismsandorgansfromanimalsthathavebeenslaughteredforfood.


Reducemeansareductioninthenumbersofanimalsused.Twooptionsforimplementingreductionare:

• thepoolingofavailableresources,includingthedataderivedfromprevious activities,sothatthedatabeingmanipulatedisfromalargergroup

• theuseofappropriatestatisticaltechniques.

whileitisalwaysimportanttoreducethenumbersofanimalsused,itisalsoimportanttousesufficientnumberstohavecorrectexperimentaldesignandhencegainmeaningfulresults.

Toofewanimalsmaycauseunnecessarystressontheindividualsthroughexcessivehandlingbystudents.Therefore,forexample,inthecaseofbroilerchickens(assuminghousing,processinganddisposalarenoproblem)alargerratherthanasmallernumbermayproducelessstressforthebroilers.

Refineinvolvesthemodificationofthedesignoftheactivitysoastominimisetheadverseimpactontheanimalsused.Thisshouldincludeusing:

• up-to-dateinformationregardinganimalwelfareandprojectdesign

• currentinformationrelatingtohousingandhandlingofanimals(seeSpecies- specificnotesformoredetails)

• low-stressanimalhusbandrytechniques

• observationoffreelivinganimalsinschoolgrounds,localparks,bushlandand streams,visitstofaunaparks,interactionswiththeyoungorelderlyornon-human sentientanimals.

whereverpossibletheinitialtrainingofstudentsinanimalhusbandrytechniquesshouldusenon-animalmodelsorsimulation,e.g.simulationoflambmarkingtechniquesusingfilledsocksorstockingsandpiecesofleather.


Issuesarisingfromusinganimalsinschools

Acquisition of animalsSchoolshavetodecide,beforeacquiringananimal,whetheritistobeaproductionanimalorpetorifitistoparticipateinapprovedactivities,asdescribedintheguidelines.Theapprovedsourceoftheanimalwilldependonthatdecision.

Schoolsmayacquireanimalsaspetsfromtraditionalpetsources,solongastheanimal’spurposeisforcompanionshipanditiskeptinamannerwhichsimulatesthatofahomeenvironment.

Allanimals,apartfromlivestock,ownedbytheschoolforuseinteachingactivitiesapartfromCategory1activities,mustbeobtainedfromalicencedanimalsupplier.Schoolswhichbreedanimalsfortheirownuseasaneducationalactivitymayusetheseanimalsforotherapprovedactivitieswithouttheneedforasupplier’slicence.

Schoolswishingtosupplyanimals,otherthanlivestockasidentifiedintheAct,tootherschools,willrequireananimal supplier’s licence.

free-livinganimalsshouldnotbecapturedandusedforeducationalpurposesunlessrelevantwildlifelicencesandACTSAECapprovalhavebeenobtained.SeetheSpecies-specificnotes.

Thecollectingoftadpolesforlong-termobservationoftheirlifecycleisnotallowedunlesstheschoolisparticipatinginthefrogwatchcomponentofStreamwatch.TheymaybeusedonlyforCategory1observationactivitiesunlesspriorapprovalhasbeenobtainedfromtheACTSAEC.

Animals as food for other animalsforalimitednumberofspecies,otheranimalsarerequiredasfood.Thisdoesnotmeanmeateatenbydogsandcats,butreferstothoseanimalsthatconsumewholeanimalsthathaverecentlybeenkilled.

Speciesthatrequirethistypeoffoodarenotwellsuitedtobeingkeptbyaschool.Studentscanhavemeaningfullearningexperienceswiththeseanimalsthroughreptileshowsandzoos.

Ifthesituationdoesarisethatanimalsarerequiredasafoodsource,suchasforreptiles,thentheanimalmustbekilledhumanelybeforebeinggivenasfoodtoanotheranimal.

Animal eventsSomeschoolsallowtheirfacilitiestobeusedbyothergroupsororganisationsforeventsthatareunrelatedtotheschool’seducationalprogram.Thesemaybeonaweekendorevening.AlthoughtheyarenotsubjecttotheprovisionsoftheAct,theywillbesubjecttotheprovisionsofotherlegislation,suchastheACT Code of Practice for Short Term Display of Animals.

Principalsneedtobeaware,whenconsideringapplicationstoholdtheseevents,thattheycouldbeopentochallengeifthestandardofcareisquestionedlegallyundertheActandtheCode of Practice for Short Term Display of Animals.

Breeding animalsInsomecasesanimalsmaybekeptforbreedingpurposes.Thebreedingprogrammustbecarefullyplannedsothatthenumberofanimalsbredislimitedtotheminimumnumberneededtoachievelegitimateeducationaloutcomes.

Amajorproblemwithanimalbreedingprogramsisthedisposalofsurplusanimals.Optionssuchassellinglivestockthroughcommercialoutletsortoindividualsshouldbeinvestigatedbeforethebreedingprogrambegins.

If killing(notasafoodanimal) is the only disposal option, then the breeding program is not allowed(seepages30-31).

Closeobservationofanimalsengagedinmating,birthorcareofyoungoffspringcancausedistressandmayevenresultinsevereconsequences,suchasabandonmentorkillingoftheyoung.Theextentofthisdistresswillvaryaccordingtothespeciesofanimal,itsindividualtemperamentandthedegreeofinterferencefromtheobservers.PleaserefertoPartB,Species-specificnotes.

Teacherswishingtobreedanimalsmust:

•ensurethattheyarefamiliarwiththecharacteristicsofthespeciesand temperamentoftheanimalsinvolved

•beexperiencedinbreedingthatspecies

•haveconsideredthefateoftheanimalspriortobreeding

•ensurethatstudentsdevelopskillsinrelationtoresponsibleanimalcareand management.

Teachersmustalsobemindfulofthenumbersofstudentsobserving,theirproximitytotheanimalandthetimetheyspendobserving.

24 PerformanceinIndigenousEducation


Complaints and GrievancesAcomplaintistheregisteringofaconcernabouttheuseofanimalsinwaysthatapparentlycontravenetheAct,theRegulations,theAustralianCodeorotherrelevantcodesofpractice.

Agrievanceoccurswhenthecomplainantisdissatisfiedwiththeoutcomeoftheinvestigationofthecomplaint.

Appendix1describestheprocedureforresolvingcomplaintsorgrievancesthatmayoccurinACTpublicschools.forCEOandAISschoolspleaseconsultwiththerelevantsystemauthorityfortheappropriateprocedure.

InextraordinarycircumstancesthecomplaintmaybepassedstraighttotheACTSAECforinvestigation.SeeAppendix1forfurtherexplanationofthegrievanceprocedure.

Disposal of animalsThereisanumberofoptionsfordisposingofanimalsthatincludethefollowing:

•Return to source:Animalsthathavebeenobtainedfromfarms,studsorother breederscouldbereturnedtotheiroriginalsource.Thisoptionwoulddependon arrangementsmadebeforetheanimalhadleftitssource,suchasthe maintenanceofroutinehealthcareorotherconditionsmutuallyagreedupon. Manyschoolshavearrangementslikethisregardingcattle,sheepandgoats, allowingthestudentstocompeteinagriculturalshowseachyear,butthen returningtheanimalstotheirownersbeforetheChristmasschoolholidaysand termbreaks.

•Release to the wild:free-livinganimalsshouldbereleasedtothewildonlyon theadviceoftherelevantwildlifeauthority.Non-native,domesticatedandcage- rearedvertebratesofanykindmustnotbereleasedtothewild.

•Release of animals to students:Beforeanyanimalistakenhomebyastudent, writtenpermission,aswellasevidencefromtheparentsthattheanimalwillbe caredforadequatelyandresponsibly,mustbeobtainedbytheteacher.This meansthatbothstudentsandparentsareawareoftheneedsoftheanimaland canprovideasafe,secureenvironmentforit.Thisappliestobothlong-termcare aswellasthetemporaryreleaseofanimalsforcareduringweekendsandschool holidays.

•Death: Animalsmaydieatschoolthroughillness,injuryoroldage.Anyanimal thatdiesatschoolneedstobedisposedofinawaythatisappropriatetothetype ofanimal,thefacilitiesoftheschoolandthelocalordinances.

Theonusisontheschooltodeterminethelikelycauseofdeathofanyanimalthatdiesunexpectedly.Ifananimalunexpectedlydiesatschoolitmaybeappropriatetohaveapostmortemcarriedoutbyaqualifiedpersontodeterminethecauseofdeath.Thismustbecarriedoutusingtheappropriateequipmentandwithcaretakentopreventthetransmissionofanyzoonoticdiseases.Students’sensitivitiesshouldbeconsideredwhendealingwiththedeathofallschoolanimals.


•Sale:livestockmaybesoldtoappropriatepurchasers.Ifanimals,otherthan livestockaretobesoldforuseinteachingorresearch,thesupplyingschoolmust holdananimalsupplier’slicence.

Animalsarenotconsideredtobeappropriateobjectsforprizesorraffles.

Dissection of animalsSchoolsshouldfirstconsiderusingvideos,models,virtualdissectionandpreparedspecimensfrombiologicalsupplycompaniesasappropriatealternatives.

Iftheteacher’sdecisionistouseanimalmaterialinordertoteachdissection,studentsmustbeofferedanalternativeactivitythatallowsthemtoachievethesameoutcome.

Nostudentcanbecompelledtoundertakeadissectionofadeadanimal.

Noliveanimalsmaybeacquiredorbredforthesolepurposeofdissection.Animalsthathavebeeneuthanasedbecauseofageorinjurymaybedissected.(See Form B Approval to obtain euthanased rats from The John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University).

wheredissectionisconsideredanecessaryactivity,schoolsshouldconsiderusingthefollowing:

•deadwholeanimalse.g.fish,crustaceansandmolluscsthatcanbepurchased readilyfromfoodoutlets

•animalparts,e.g.sheep’skidneys,hearts,lungs,livers,thatcanbepurchased fromthesupermarket,butcherorabattoir

•wholedeadchickens,purchasedfromthesupermarketorbutcher,whichcanbe usedforexaminingskeletalandmusclesystems•plantorothernon-animalmaterial,onwhichstudentsmaypractisetodevelop dexterityandproficiencyinusinginstruments.

Emergencies and disastersSchoolsthatkeepanimalsmusthaveariskmanagementplantoensurethewelfareofanimalsissafeguardedintheeventofflood,fire,drought,stormdamageand/orvandalism.

Schoolsmusthaveanemergencyplanthatprovidesforeasyaccesstoasafeevacuationsiteandasafe,suitablemethodoftransportingtheanimals.

Goodrelationshipswithnearbyschoolsareadvantageous.Schoolsareencouragedtoestablishacloseworkingrelationshipwithalocalveterinariancompetentintherelevantspeciesandwhocanberelieduponforassistanceinanemergency.

SchoolsshouldconsulttheStateEmergencyServicesplanfordealingwithanimalsinemergencies.

Refertothesectiononcritical incidents (pages34-35).Somesituationsmayactivatethatpolicy.


Excursions to sites where animals are kept or may be encounteredInthecaseofanexcursiontovisitorinteractwithanimals,theteachershouldbeawareofappropriatestandardsandrequirementsrelevanttothepurposeofthevisit.Studentsshouldbeencouragedtodiscuss“bestpractice”inthelightoftheirvisit.

Studentsshouldnotinterferewithfree-livinganimals,andteachersshouldbeinapositiontoalerttheproperauthoritiesifanyproblemarises,suchasthedetectionofapotentiallydangerousanimalorreptileonschoolpremises.

Exhibiting animalsAway from school

Manyschoolsexhibitanimalsinagriculturalshows.Schoolsexhibitinganimalsshouldbeseentoembracetheconceptof“bestpractice”inalltheirdealingswiththeirownandotheranimalsattheshow.Thisshouldincludethefollowing:

•Discussthewholeprocesswiththestudentsbeforecommencing.

•Animalsshouldbeselectedandadequatelypreparedpriortotheshow.

•facilitiesandcareprovidedforshowanimalsmustconformtotheseguidelines andtherelevantACTcodesofpractice(seepage42).

•ThetransportofanimalstoandfromshowsmustcomplywiththerelevantACT codesofpractice(seepage42).

•Aresponsiblepersonmustbeinconstantattendanceattheshowtoensurethe safetyandwelfareoftheanimals.

Someschoolshaveparticipatedin“hoofandhook”competitions.Inthesecompetitions,cattleandlambsaresoldpriortoslaughter,withtheschoolgainingfeedbackabouttheanimal’sperformanceasacarcass.

Studentsneedtobemadeawareoftheultimatefateoftheanimalbeforetheybecomeinvolvedintherearing,trainingandpreparationoftheanimalsforthecompetition.Ethicalissuesinvolvedinraisinganimalsforthepurposeofslaughtershouldbediscussed.Teachersneedtobeawarethatsomestudentswillbecomeemotionallyattachedtotheanimals,andthesestudentswillneedhelpinacceptingthefinaloutcome.

Schoolsshouldconsiderofferingstudentsanalternativeexperienceinrearingandshowinganimalsthatdoesnothavedeathastheend-pointfortheanimal.Breedshowsareanexample.

At school

Animalskeptatschoolaspartoftheschool’seducationalprogrammaybemadeavailableforviewingbystudentsofotherschools,solongasthatviewingcomplieswiththeguidelinesforobservationofnormalbehaviour.

wheretheschoolwishestoallowinteractionwiththeanimals,thefollowingguidelinesapply:


•Theresidentandvisitingteachersmustensurethatstudentsaregivenappropriate instructionsinanimalhandling.

•Animalsdesignatedforhandlingmustbeselectedfortheirgentle,calmdemeanor andbeconditionedforhandling.

•Thenumberofanimalschosenfortheactivityshouldbeconsistentwiththeneed toreducetheimpactonindividualanimalsandtheseverityofthatimpact.

•Thedecisiontoinviteavisitinganimalshowisatthediscretionoftheschool underSchoolBasedManagement.Departmentalpolicyrequiresthatthese visitorsarelicencedanimalexhibitors.

Familiarisation and adaptionAnimalsthatareaccustomedtotheirenvironmentandroutinesandarecomfortablearoundpeoplehandlingthemaresafertokeepforbothteachersandstudents.Theprocessoffamilarisationalsoaimstoreducetheanimal’sfearandanxietybygraduallyintroducingnewstimuliintotheanimal’senvironmentatsucharateastoavoidraisingtheanimal’slevelofstress.

Themajorityofanimalsthatarekeptatschoolshaveundergoneaprocessoffamiliarisationwithhumansandtheirenvironment.Thisresultsinanimalsthatareateasewithhumans,andoftenabletotolerateconsiderablymoreinteractionandnoisethanwouldoccurnormallyonafarmorinadomesticsituation.

Animalsthatarebornattheschoolgenerallybecomeaccustomedtotheschoolenvironmentquiteeasily.Incontrast,animalsthatarebroughtintotheschoolwill,ingeneral,needtoundergogradualfamiliarisation.Teachersshouldselectstockthathavethetemperamentsuitableforthisprocessandshouldbeabletorecognisesignsassociatedwithfearandanxiety.

Thekeycomponentsinfamiliarisationaretime,patienceandconsistency.Itisaprocessthatcannotberushedifitistobesuccessful.

Gentling or taming animalsInadditiontofamiliarisation,animalscanundergo“activelearning”.Thisactivelearninginvolvesteachingananimaltorespondincertainwaystoparticularstimuliorsituations,andisknownastamingorgentling.Itcanbeusedtoeliminatefractiousbehaviourinfavourofmoredesirabletraits,aswellasteachinganimalstoleadandstand,comingintoyardsandacrush,andmovingfromonepaddocktoanother.

Handling of animalsIngeneral,animalsthatarekeptinschoolsexperienceaconsiderableamountofhandlingandthereforeneedtobewelladjusted.Anyanimalthatdoesnotadjustshouldnotbeheldforlongerthanisnecessaryandshouldbedisposedofappropriatelyassoonaspracticable.

Animalsmustbehandledonlybypersonswhohavehadappropriateinstructionandarecompetentinmethodswhichavoiddistressanddonotcauseinjurytoanimals


orhumans.Studentsneedtodevelopskillsthatallowthemtohandleanimalssafely.Teachersneedtobegoodrolemodels,encouragingtheirstudentstodevelopappropriatehandlingtechniques.

Reward-basedanimaltrainingmethodsshouldalwaysbeusedinpreferencetocoercivemethodsoftraining.Animalsrespondwelltofoodrewards,andagooddailyroutinemakesthemanagementofanimalseasy,particularlywhentheyarebeingmoved.

Toassistinthehandlingofanimals,theschoolmayneedtoobtainsuitablehandlingequipment,suchassheepyardsoracattlecrush.

Homework using animalswhereaneducationalactivityistobecarriedoutathomeusingthefamilypet,theteacherisresponsibleforensuringthatnoactivityorprocedurebeyondCategory1or2isrequired.

IfaCategory2activityisspecified,thentheteachermustensurethat:

•thestudentknowsandunderstandswhatistobedone

•writtenapprovalofaparentorlegalguardianfortheactivitytotakeplacehas beensighted

•theactivityisevaluatedbythestudentandtheteachertoensurethatthe educationaloutcomeshavebeenachieved.

Identification of animalsAnimalsinschoolsmustbeabletobeidentifiedsotheycanbeaccuratelytrackedfromacquisitiontodisposal.Suitablemethodsincludeatattoo,aneckband,anindividualtag,anelectronicnumberingdevice,aphysicalmark,oralabelormarkingattachedtothecage,container,pen,yardorpaddockinwhichtheanimalsarekept.

Themethodofidentificationshouldbereliableandcausetheleaststresspossible.Themethodofidentificationwilldependonthespeciesandsourceoftheanimalandthemethodofhousingthatisusedfortheanimal.

AdvicerelatingtosuitablemethodsofidentificationwillbeprovidedinPartB,Species-specific notes.

CatsanddogsownedbytheschoolmustcomplywiththeDomestic Animals Act 2000 (seeSpecies-specific notesandTerritoryandMunicipalServices(TAMS)Dog and Cat LawsfactSheets,seepage41).

‘Imprinting’Thisexercisehasbeenusedinthepasttodemonstrateawell-knownearlybondingeventundertakenbyyounganimals,particularlyusingducklingsandchickens.ImprintingexercisesmustnotbecarriedoutwithoutthewrittenapprovaloftheACTSAEC.Theseexerciseshave,inthepast,presentedsignificantanimalwelfareproblems,includingdifficultiesinfindingsuitablehomesfortheimprintedanimals,


inweaningthemfromhumandependencypriortotheirreturntoaherdorgroup,prematuredeath,avoidabledisease,malnutritionandsocialdysfunction.

Theonly‘imprinting’exercisethatisnowacceptableisthatwhichmaybeconsideredananimalhusbandrytechnique.Thisisknownasgentlingorfamiliarisationandwasdiscussedearlieronpage29.

whengentlingiscarriedouttocreateabondbetweenananimalandthehumanlookingafterit,theanimalbenefitsinthelongerterm.Thisoccurswhereafemaleanimalthatisalreadycomfortablewithhumansallowsapersontogentle,strokeandhandleheroffspringinthefirsthoursafterbirth.Inthisprocess,theoffspringacceptsthehumanaspartofitsherdandhenceformsabondwiththehuman.Thisexerciserequiresagreatdealoftimeandeffortbythehuman.Thisisnotanexercisethatinvolvesanumberofpeople;thefamiliarisationiscarriedoutbyanindividualwithanindividualnewbornanimal.

Thistechnique,oncelearnt,maybeofbenefittohorse,sheep,goatandcattlehandlers,wherethenewbornanimalsaretobeusedforshowing.Iteliminatestheneedto‘break’theanimal.

Intensive animal managementAnimalskeptunderintensiveconditionsmayexperiencehigherriskstotheirhealth.TheDepartmentdoesnotcondonetheuseofintensiveformsofagriculture.PermissionmustbeobtainedfromtheSAECtoraiseanimalsinintensivecircumstances.

Asof1January2008withtheintroductionofthe Animal Welfare Amendment Act 2007,Section9A,http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_28899/current/pdf/db_28899.pdfbattery cages are not permitted in the ACT.

Othersuchoperationsmustcomplywiththeconditionsspecifiedinthepublicationscitedonpages41-42.

Killing of animalsTherearedifferentreasonswhyanimalsmaybekilled.Manyanimalsarekilledasafoodsourceforhumansandthisisthebasisofmanyagriculturalenterprises.Inotherinstancesanimalsusedinagriculturemaybekilledbecauseofculling,diseasecontrolmeasures,illness,injury,oldage,orwhentheyreachtheendoftheirproductivelife.

Itisessentialthatteachersdiscusswithstudentstheethicsandresponsibilitiesthathumanshaveinboththelifeanddeathofanimals.

Anyanimalsthatareslaughteredforfoodandthensoldmustbeslaughteredandprocessedbyanapprovedfacility.Schoolsmaynotslaughteranimalsandthensellthemasfood.Thisincludespoultry.

Anotherexamplewhereitmaybejustifiedtokillananimalatschoolarisesifitiscrueltokeeptheanimalalive.Ifthatsituationarises,killingmaybeperformedonlybypersonscompetentinarecognisedandapprovedmethod.Therearepreferredwaysofkillingparticularspecies,andthemostacceptablemeansshouldbeused.


Ifthereisnotapersonwhohastheappropriateskill,orthepreferredmethodisunknown,thenaveterinarianshouldbecalled.

whateverthecircumstances,theprocedureusedforkillingananimalmustavoiddistress,bereliable,andproducerapidlossofconsciousnesswithoutpainuntildeathoccurs.Theprocedureshouldminimiseanyimpactonnon-targetanimals.wherepossible,theanimalmustbeunawareofdangerbeforebeingkilled.

Theremustbenodisposalofthecarcassesuntildeathisestablished.Themeansofdisposalofthecarcasswilldependonthespeciesofanimal.Smallanimals,(smallerthanachicken),maybewrappedinnewspaperandaplasticbaganddisposedthroughstandardwastecollection.foranimalslargerthanadomesticcat,disposalthroughtheAnimalwastefacilitiesManagementatMuggalanetipisappropriate,orcontactDomesticAnimalsServicesforassistanceon132281.

whenfertilisedeggsareused,themethodofdisposalmustensurethedeathoftheembryo.Theholdingoffertilisedeggsover10dayswiththeintentionofdisposingofthempriortohatchingisnotpermitted.

Exceptfortheabove,animalsshouldnotbekilledinschools.

LivestockThesupervisingteacherisresponsibleforensuringthattheappropriatehousing,nutritional,healthandbehaviouralneedsaremetforlivestock(seeSpecies specific notes).

Carefulconsiderationisneededwhenanimalsarekeptatschoolsoverlongperiods.Issuesmayinclude:

•thehighcostofhand-feedinglargeanimalsoverlongperiodsoftime,particularly wherethepressureongoodqualitypastureisincreasedasstockingratesrise becauseofreproduction

•animalsthatarenolongerrequiredbytheschoolandneedtobedisposed ofinanappropriatemanner;animalstobeslaughteredforhumanfoodmustbe processedinaccordancewiththecurrentMeatIndustryActandhealth regulations

•theincreasedriskofdiseaseandparasiteinfestationwhenanimalsarekeptin intensiveconditions

•thesecurityofanimals(seebelow).

MaintainingastudisseenbytheACTSAECtobewithinguidelines,aslongastheanimalsarekeptinappropriatenumbersforthespeciesandthefacilitiesoftheschool.

Ownership issuesAnimalsusedinschoolsmaybeownedbytheschool,ateacheroradministrator,astudent,aparent,acommunitypersonorbyanorganisation.Ingeneraltheownerisresponsibleforthewelfareoftheanimalunlessthathasbeendelegated.


Animal owned by the school.TheAwlOisgenerallyresponsibleformonitoringtheuseandwelfareofallanimalsintheschool.Theteacherusingtheanimalsisresponsiblefortheircare,health,needsandwelfareatalltimes,fromacquisitiontodisposal,includingduringweekendsandholidays.

Animal owned by a teacher. Theteacherwhousessuchananimalisresponsibleforitswelfare.

Animal owned by a student brought to the school for a visit.Theteacherisresponsiblefortheanimal’swelfarewhilsttheanimalisatschool.

Animal owned by parent, community person or organisation.Apartfromlivestock,animalsmaynotbeloanedtotheschool.Animalsownedbyparents,thecommunityoranorganisationmaybeusedforCategory1or2activities,providedtheanimalremainsundertheeffectivecontroloftheowner.

RecordsItisarequirementoftheActthatschoolsmaintainrecordsdocumentingtheuseofanimalsintheschool.

Teachersresponsibleforusinganimalsmustkeepclearandaccuraterecordsof:

•thenameandnumberofeachspeciesownedbyorkeptattheschool

•thelabelonindividualanimals(oronthecagesofanimals,whereappropriate)

•thedatesandsourcesofacquisition

•disposaldetailsanddatesforeachanimal

•completebreedingrecords

•thedatesandtypesofhusbandrypracticescarriedout,includingthenameofthe operator

•anyaccident,illnessorinjuryinvolvingschoolanimalsandtheveterinarytreatment provided(ifneeded)

•descriptionsinteachingprogramsofactivitiesinvolvingtheuseofanimalsand clearlinkstoexpliciteducationalobjectivesandrelatedoutcomes

•anysignificantoccurrencesthatadverselyaffectthewelfareofschoolanimals, suchasvandalism,dogattack,outbreakofdiseaseetc.

Incidents involving animals that activate a response to a Critical Incident or similar policy must be reported to the ACT SAEC.

Research projects using animalsAresearchprojectusinganimalsmayrequireACTSAECapprovalpriortoitscommencementbecauseitcouldinvolve:

•ananimalbeingusedforanactivitythatisnotcoveredintheguidelines

•astudentconductingaCategory4or5activity.


Ifanapprovalisrequiredforaproject,thentimemustbeallowedfortheplanfortheprojecttobeassessedbytheACTSAECbeforeitbegins.Atimeperiodofthreemonthsshouldbeallowedforconsiderationofsuchanapplication.InordertoobtainACTSAECapproval,schoolswillneedtosatisfactorilyanswerthequestionsontheapplicationformD(Appendix6).

Belowarequestionsthatshouldbeansweredbyboththesupervisingteacherandthestudentsintheplanningphase.Thesequestionsassumethereisnoalternativetotheuseofanimalsandthattheuseofanimalsisessentialtotheachievementoftheeducationalobjective.Thesequestionswillnotonlyassistteachersorstudentstocompletetheapplicationform(forthoseprojectsrequiringpriorwrittenapproval)buttheywillalsoassiststudentscarryingoutprojectsinvolvingCategory1-3activities.Thesequestionswillassiststudentsplan,identifyappropriateresearchquestionsandanticipatepotentialproblems.

1. Haveyoudiscussedtheethicalconsiderationsinvolvedinsettinguptheproject? (Seepage21)

2. Istheprojectjustifiedonthegroundsofbeingofagriculturalorscientific significance?(Seelistofobjectivesonpages8-9)

3. Haveyouinvestigatedalllegalrequirementsforthetypeofanimalandproposed investigationtobesetup?

4. Istheaimoftheprojectsimple,clearandachievablebytheproposedmethod?

5. Hasathoroughsearchbeenmadeofallreasonablyaccessibleresources providinginformationconcerningtheproject?Thisisanessentialsteptoensure that:

•thegeneticmake-upoftheanimalisthemostsuitabletoachievetheaim

•theminimumnutritionalrequirementsfortheparticulartypeofanimalare determined,takingintoaccountitsage,sexandstageofproductionandthat theserequirementscanbesatisfied

• knowndiseasesandpeststhatmaybeencounteredareidentified,alongwith adviceonprocedurestominimisetherisk

•thewelfareneedsoftheanimalareidentifiedandcanbemet

• themostappropriatetypesofcagingorpenareknown

• thedensityofhousingisappropriate

•theeffectsofnoiseareidentifiedandcanbelimitedtoacceptablelevels

•theappropriatephotoperiod,temperature,humidityandventilationare identifiedandprovided

•thesocialrequirements-numberandfamilygroupings-areidentifiedand provided

• theanimal’ssuitabilityforinteractionswithhumansisestablished

• theappropriatesourceofanimalsisidentified

•anappropriatemethodfordisposingoftheanimalsoncompletionofproject hasbeendecided.


6. Doyouhavetheresourcestoprovideappropriateenvironmentalconditions necessaryforthecareofthechosenanimal?

7. Hasthemostappropriatespeciesbeenselected,consideringtheaim,available resourcesandanimalrequirements?

8. Haveallstaffandotherstudentswhowillsharefacilitieswith,andhelpwith,the projectbeenfullyinformedoftheprojectandtheanimal’sneeds?

9. Istheprojectdesignedsothatstatisticallyvalidresultscanbeobtained,using theminimumnumberofanimalsnecessary?

10.Bywhomandhowoftenwilltheanimalsbemonitored?

11.whatothersimilarstudieshavepreviouslybeencarriedout?Howdoesthisone differ,andwhatreasonsarethereforthisonebeingrepeated(ifthesame)?

12.Aretherepermitsthatmustbeobtainedforthecapture,keeping,use, destructionorreleaseoftheanimals?

Security of animalsTheschoolisresponsibleforhousingandfencingthatissoundlyconstructed,maintainedingoodrepairandinasanitarycondition.Allstepsmustbetakentoprotectanimalsfrompredatorsandharassment.whenlivestockiskeptontheschoolfarm,asectionofthefarmmustbeenclosedbyadog-prooffence.Additionalmeasures,dependingonthehistoryoftheschool,mayalsoberequired,includinggatesanddoorssecuredusingtoughenedsteelchainandpadlocks,lighting,alarms,electricfencesand/orbarbwire.

Sinceschoolpremisesarelargelyunoccupiedforpartofeachday,onweekendsandduringvacations,securityrequiresspecialattention.Arrangementsforregularandon-goingmonitoringmustbemadeforthosetimes.

Schoolsmayconsiderencouraginginterestedneighboursorstudentslivingincloseproximitytotheschoolwhomayassistin“watchingover”theschoolfarmanditsanimalsinadditiontothenormalmonitoringandcareundertakenbytheschool.

Circumstancesmayarisewherethesecurityofananimalcannotbereasonablyassured.Inthiscasetheanimalmustberemovedfromtheschooltoanothersecurelocation.Theschoolisresponsibleforitsanimals,evenwhentheyarenotheldonschoolgrounds.

Critical incidents where animal welfare is compromisedIfanincidentcompromisingthewelfareofanyanimaloccursattheschoolthefollowingshouldoccur:

•Theimmediateneedsoftheanimalsmustbeassessedandattendedtobythe responsibleteacherorotherappropriatelytrainedperson(suchasaveterinarian).

•Students’needsforcounsellingmustbeassessed.

•Ifwarranted,theschoolshouldrespondusingtheCriticalIncidentfactSheet(#5) (seep.41)orequivalentCEOorAISpolicy.


•Ifananimalisinjuredorkilledasaresultofvandalism,outsideanimalattack orfromamaliciousact,theACTSAECandthelocalpolicemustbeadvised immediately.

TheACTSAECwillprovideadvicetoalleviateimmediateconcernsandpreventfutureincidents.

ThissectionshouldbereadinconjunctionwiththeCriticalIncidentsfactsheet(#5)orequivalentCEOorAISpolicy.

Acriticalincidentmaybebroadlydefinedasaneventwhichresultsin:

•significantdisruptiontotheschool’snormalprocedures;or

•aschoolbeinglockeddown,evacuatedorrequiringclosure;or

•policenotificationandinvolvementintheschool;or

•significantthreattothesafetyofstudentsand/orstaff.

Anexampleofacriticalincidentislistedasinjuryordeathofanimalsattheworkplaceduetovandalism.

Service animalsInthecaseofservice animalsusedtocompensateforaphysicalimpairment,suchasaseeing-eyedog,thehandlerorownerisresponsibleforthewelfareoftheanimal.Thesupervisingteacherisresponsibleforprovidingappropriatefacilitiesiftheyarerequired,aswellasassistingotherstudentstounderstandtheanimalanditsneeds.

Theseanimalsarenottobeusedforanypurposesapartfromtheobservationoftheirbehaviourwhilsttheyarewiththeirowner.

Sick, diseased and injured school animalsThetreatmentofsick,diseasedorinjuredanimalsisnotanapprovedactivitywithinthemeaningoftheseguidelines,itisarequirement.

Ateacher’smanagementofunwellanimalscanhaveaprofoundinfluenceonastudent’sattitudestowardsanimalsandtowardslifeingeneral.Thereforeitisimportanttorecognisethattheprimaryfocusofthecareofsick,injuredordiseasedanimalsistheanimal’swelfareandnotthechild’seducation.Ontheotherhand,valuablelessonscanbegeneratedbythoughtfultreatmentofanunwellanimal.Thisexperiencecanbuildastudent’sknowledge,skillandempathyforanimalsinhisorhercharge.whereappropriate,studentsshouldlearntorecognisesignsofanunwellanimal,theneedtoseekexpertadviceontreatmentandtofollowacourseofactionthatisinthebestinterestoftheparticularanimal.

Ifananimalthatisnormallykeptbyaschoolbecomessick,diseasedorinjured,immediateandappropriatetreatmentshouldbegivenbyanexperiencedperson,whichinmostsituationswouldbeaveterinarian.

Supervisingteachersneedtohaveenoughexperienceandexpertisetoenablethemtorecognisesickorinjuredanimalsandhenceseektreatment.Thismayinvolve


takingtheanimaltoaveterinarianorhavingaveterinarianvisittheschool.Suitablefacilitiesmustbeavailabletoallowforsafetreatmentoftheanimalattheschool(e.g.acattlecrushorisolatedholdingpen).

Inthecaseofananimalbecomingsosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,theneuthanasiamustbearrangedimmediately.Asintheissueofkillinganimals(seethesectionKilling of animalspage30),euthanasianeedstobecarriedoutbyapersonwiththeappropriateskill.

Simulated parenting activitiesTheuseofanimalsinsimulatedparentingactivitiesbystudentsorteachersisnotpermitted.

Alternativestotheuseofanimalsinthisexerciseinclude:

•observingnormalanimalbehaviourofoffspringwiththeirparents

•observinghumanparentswiththeiroffspring

•involvingstudentsinpeersupport

•undertakingworkexperienceinchild-carecentresorjobsinvolvingcaringfor animals

•theuseofdollsorothercomputeriseddeviceswhichsimulatetheparenting experience.

Stray, feral and free-living animalsAnyfree-livingordomesticatedanimalthatissick,stray,feral,injuredororphanedandendsupinaschoolneedstobetreatedwithgreatcare.Thehealthandconditionoftheanimalneedstobequicklyassessed,usuallybyaveterinarianorqualifiedwildlifeorwelfareofficer,whowilldecidetheultimatefateoftheanimal.

Itistheresponsibilityoftheprincipaltoensurethattheappropriateactioniscarriedoutasquicklyaspossible.Schoolsmayneedtodevelopasetofproceduresfordealingwithstrayanimalsfoundatschooloronthewaytoschool.TheActandCodeofPracticeappliestoallanimalsonschoolpremises.Ifastraydogorcatisfoundonschoolpremisesandisseizedbyanyperson,thepersonmusttakethedogorcattothepound(contacttheDomesticAnimalServiceson62072424)ortoitsowner.

Transporting animalswheneveranimalsaretransported,facilitiesandconditionsprovidedmustbeappropriateforthespecies,sex,ageandsizeoftheanimal.

TheActandGuidelinesdescribesrequirementsrelatingtothetransportationofanimals,asdotheActGazettedcodesofpractice.Thecodesofpracticedescribetheminimumfacilitiesandconditionsthatmustbeprovidedforeachspeciesoflivestocklikelytobetransported.Itisessentialthattheseareadheredto.


Glossary

Accredited animal research establishmentAllcorporationsorestablishmentsconductinganimalresearch(includingteaching)usinganimalsarerequiredtoapplytotheACTAnimalwelfareAuthority,EnvironmentandRecreationunit,DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices(TAMS).InthecaseoftheDepartment,theDepartmentisissuedalicencewhichisreviewedeverythreeyears.

ACT Code of Practice for Short Term Display of AnimalsThiscodeofpracticesetsouttheminimumstandardsforthecareandmanagementofanimalsinvolvedinshort-termdisplays,lessthan14days,forthepurposeofentertainment,educationand/orcompetition,suchasanimaldisplays,petshowsandagriculturalshowsnotcoveredbyothercodesofpractice.http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdffile/0003/5717

ACT Animal Welfare Authority (located at TAMS)ThisistheAuthorityresponsibleforthelicensingofscientificinstitutionsandschoolsfortheuseofanimalsforresearchandteachingpurposes.Theschoolsystemsareaccountabletotheauthority.

AlternativesProcedureswhichcancompletelyreplacetheneedtouseanimals,reducethenumberofanimalsrequired,ordiminishtheamountofpainordistresssufferedbyanimals.

AnimalAnylivenon-humanvertebrate,thatisfish,amphibians,reptiles,birdsandmammals,andencompassingdomesticanimals,livestockandwildlife.Thetermincludesferalandpestspeciesaswellaspetsandlivestock.

Animal supplier’s licence(seelicencedanimalsupplier)

Animal Welfare Act 1992The Animal Welfare ACT 1992islegislationintroducedtoprotectthewelfareofanimalsbyensuringthattheiruseinresearchandteachingisresponsible,justified,humaneandconsiderateoftheanimals’needs.http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/1992-45/current/pdf/1992-45.pdf


Animal Welfare Liaison Officer (AWLO)Thisisthewithin-schoolpersonappointedasrequiredbytheRegulationtomonitortheschool’scompliancewiththerequirementsofanimalresearchlegislation.TheAnimalwelfareliaisonOfficermaybethePrincipaloranothersuitablyqualifiedteacherappointedtothepositionbythePrincipal.

Animal Welfare Regulation 2001The Animal Welfare Regulation 2001isthesetofregulationsthatapplytothecareanduseofanimals.http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/sl/2001-26/current/pdf/2001-26.pdf

Approved activityNoanimalmaybeusedforscientificpurposeswithoutthepriorapprovalofanACTSAEC.TeachersmayuseanimalswithoutseekingACTSAECapprovalforproceduresinCategories1to3,astheseactivitieshavealreadybeenapprovedbytheACTSAEC.TheAwlOmustapproveanyCategory3activitiescarriedoutattheschool.ApprovalmustbesoughtthroughACTSAECforstudentstoparticipateinCategory4-5activitiesandforanyactivitiesnotcoveredbyCategories1-5.BeforedemonstratingCategory5activities,teachersmusthavetheircompetencyaccreditedbytheACTSAEC.

Australian CodeTheAustraliancodeofpractice(2004)forthecareanduseofanimalsforscientificpurposesisthebenchmarkagainstwhichthepracticesofschoolsinkeepingandusinganimalscanbeassessed.Thiscodesetstheminimumstandardsforthecareanduseofanimalsinteachingandresearch.http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/_files/ea16.pdf

CullingTheagriculturalpracticeofselectinganimalstoberemovedfromtheherdorgroup.

DistressAnacuteorchronicresponseofananimalcausedbystimulithatproducebiologicalorbehaviouralstress.Itmanifestsitselfasobservable,abnormalphysiologicalorbehaviouralresponses.

Exempt animalsCertaincategoriesofanimalsmaybeusedforscientificpurposeswithoutneedingtobeobtainedfromalicencedsupplier,eganyanimalmaybeusedforapprovedCategory1activities.

EuthanasiaTheprocessofinducingpainlessdeathonhumanegrounds.Theprocedureusedmustavoiddistress,bereliableandproducerapidlossofconsciousnesswithoutpainuntildeathoccurs.

FamiliarisationTheprocessofaccustomisinganimalstotheschoolenvironmentandroutinessothattheyarecomfortablewiththepeoplehandlingthem.Thisresultsintheanimalscopingbetterandbeingsafertokeep,fromtheteacher’s,student’sandanimal’sperspective.


FeralAnintroducedspeciesofanimalthatisbreedingsuccessfullyinthewild.

GentlingIsageneraltermthatreferstotaminganimals.

Licenced animal supplierApersonwhoholdsalicencefromtheEnvironmentProtectionandHeritagesectionofTAMSallowinghimorhertoproduceandsellanimalsforthepurposeofteachingandresearch.

LivestockAnimalsthatareusedincommercialagriculture,includingcattle,sheep,pigs,poultry,goats,deer,andhorses.

Model codesAseriesofcodesofpracticethathavebeendevelopedtoprotectthewelfareofanimals.TheyhavebeendevelopedbyapermanentcommitteesupportingtheworkoftheAgriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand.Themodelcodesdescribeminimumstandardsforkeeping,managing,handling,transportingandusinganimals.

Environment Protection and HeritageAnACTGovernmentdepartmentwithinTAMSresponsibleforissuinglicencesforthekeepingofnativeanimals.

OutcomesStatementsthatexpressthespecificintendedresultsofteaching.Theyarederivedfromtheobjectivesandothercontent.

PestsAnimalsthathavebeendeclaredbylegislationtobenoxiousordestructive.

3 Rs •thereplacementofanimalswithothermethods•thereductioninthenumberofanimalsused•therefinementoftechniquesusedtoreducetheimpactonanimals.

TheyareincorporatedintotheAustralianCode,theuseofwhichisalegislativerequirementintheACT.

Schools Animal Ethics Committee (SAEC)AcommitteeconstitutedinaccordancewiththetermsofreferenceandmembershipcontainedintheAustralianCodeofPracticeforthecareanduseofanimalsforscientificpurposes.

Scientific purposesAllthoseactivitiesperformedtoacquire,developordemonstrateknowledgeortechniquesinanyscientificdiscipline,includingactivitiesforthepurposesofteaching,fieldtrials,environmentalstudies,research,diagnosis,producttesting,andtheproductionofbiologicalproducts.


SentientReferstohavingthepowerofperceptionbythesenses.lesssentientorganismsareconsideredtohavelessperceptionbythesensesandthereforeitisbelievedthattheymaynothavethesame,strongsensationsofpainanddiscomfortasmoresentientorganismsaswellaspsychologicalpainandsufferingassociatedwithfear.

Service animalAnanimalusedasacompaniontocompensateforaphysicalimpairmentinsuchareasassight,hearingormobility.

SlaughterKillingandbutcheringofanimals,especiallyforfoodorfibre.

StrayAdomesticatedanimalthathas,forsomereason,becomeseparatedfromitsowner.

Wildlifefreelivingvertebratesofnativeandnon-indigenousspecies.


listofrelevantACTlegislation

(Theregulationsandotherlegislativeinstrumentscanbeaccessedifyouscrolldownthelinkedpage)

Name of legislation Address

ACT Code of Practice for Short Term Display of Animals

http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/5717

Australian code of practice (2004) for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes

http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/_files/ea16.pdf

Animal Diseases Act 2005and Regulations, etc

http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2005-18/default.asp

Animal Welfare Act 1992and Regulations, etc


Animal Welfare Amendment Act 2007 http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/db_28899/current/pdf/db_28899.pdf

Domestic Animals Act 2000 and Regulations, etc


Environment Protection Act 1997 and Regulations, etc


Fisheries Act 2000 and Regulations, etc


Meat Industry Act

National Environment Protection Council Act 1994


Nature Conservation Act 1980 and Regulations, etc


Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 and legislative instruments


Stock Act 2005 and Regulations, etc


Further Resources

Name of Resource Address

TAMS Dog and Cat Laws fact sheets http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/pets/dgctfactsht

ACT DET Critical Incident fact sheet https://index.det.act.gov.au/information/pdf/FS6_critical_incidents.pdf

The Feedlot Manual NSW, published by NSW Agriculture

Available for purchase at:http://www.shop.nsw.gov.au/pubdetails.jsp?publication=5139

National Guidelines for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Australia (2nd Edition), Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management

Available for purchase at:http://www.publish.csiro.au/pid/114.htm

Application for a licence to keep, possess, breed, buy, sell or dispose of native animals

http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/wildlife/birds/protected_native_animals


ACTCodesofPractice

http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/1992-45/li.asp

Name of Document Section Date Effective Electronic Link

Animal Welfare (Amphibians in Captivity) Code of Practice Approval 2004

s 22 16 January 2004 DI2004-4

Animal Welfare (Animal Boarding Establishments) Code of Practice Approval 1993

s 22 8 December 1993 DI1993-163

Animal Welfare (Animals at Saleyards) Code of Practice Approval 1993

s 22 8 December 1993 DI1993-165

Animal Welfare (Animals in Pet Shops) Code of Practice Approval 1993

s 22 28 September 1993 DI1993-139

Animal Welfare (Australian Model Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes) Approval 2005

s 22 19 August 2005 DI2005-188

Animal Welfare (Cattle) Code of Practice Approval 1993 s 22 8 December 1993 DI1993-167

Animal Welfare (Code of Practice for the Humane Destruction of Kangaroos) Approval 1994

s 22 16 November 1994 DI1994-149

Animal Welfare (Domestic Poultry) Determination 2002

http://www.publish.csiro.au/books/download.cfm?ID=3451 (large file)

s 22 10 January 2002 DI2003-2

Animal Welfare (Fox Control) Code of Practice Approval 1997 s 22 18 June 1997 DI1997-110

Animal Welfare (Goat Welfare Code of Practice) Approval 1995 s 22 5 July 1995 DI1995-98

Animal Welfare (Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice) Approval 1995

s 22 5 July 1995 DI1995-95

Animal Welfare (Handling of Companion Animals in Pounds and Shelters Code of Practice) Approval 1995

s 22 5 July 1995 DI1995-97

Animal Welfare (Horses Code of Practice) Approval 1996 s 22 6 February 1996 DI1996-9

Animal Welfare (Horses) Code of Practice Approval 1993 s 22 8 December 1993 DI1993-162

Animal Welfare (Livestock and Poultry) Code of Practice Approval 1993

s 22 8 December 1993 DI1993-166

Animal Welfare (Pet Grooming Establishments) Code of Practice Approval 1993

s 22 8 December 1993 DI1993-164

Animal Welfare (Recreational and Sport Fishing) Code of Practice Approval 1997

s 22 24 January 1997 DI1997-28

Animal Welfare (Sheep) Code of Practice Approval 1993

http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/48824/sheepwelfare-codeofpractice.pdf

s 22 8 December 1993 DI1993-168

Animal Welfare (Welfare of Captive Birds Code of Practice) Approval 1995

s 22 15 September 1995 DI1995-129

Animal Welfare (Welfare of Cats in the ACT) Code of Practice 2007 s 22 29 March 2007 DI2007-67

Animal Welfare (Welfare of Dogs) Code of Practice Approval 1997 s 22 28 January 1997 DI1997-30

Animal Welfare (Welfare of Farmed Deer Code of Practice) Approval 1995

s 22 5 July 1995 DI1995-96


Schedule2oftheAnimal Welfare Regulation 2001

Animals permitted to be used for teaching in certain schoolsSection6.oftheAnimalwelfareRegulations2001statesthat:

PrescribedanimalsforAct,s25(2)(c)TheAct,section25doesnotapplytoapersonwhousesananimalmentionedinschedule2forteachingpurposesinapreschoolorprimaryschool.

Note:TheAct,s25(1)prohibitstheuseorbreedingofananimalforresearchorteaching.

Schedule 2Part 2.1 Amphibians1. axolotl2. frog

Part 2.2 Birds3. budgerigar4. chicken5. cockatiel6. finch7. pigeon8. quail

Part 2.3 Fish9. goldfish10.guppy11.platy12.silverperch13.swordtail

Part 2.4 Mammals14.guineapig15.mouse16.rabbit17.rat


Notify the SAEC Executive Officer (contact details on P2 of these guidelines).The SAEC Executive Officer will:-• provide advice to the school about any breach of the animal Research Act and suggest appropriate actions to ensure ongoing safety of the animals• advise other schools that may need to adjust their systems to avoid similar incidents• report to the ACT SAEC

The Principal and/or Schools Director may need to be notified depending on the seriousness of the incident.

The principal attempts to esolve the complaint/grievance using the appropriate process described in the Department’s Complaints Resolution policy.

The Schools Director may consider asking the chair of ACT SAEC to assist with or conduct the investigations.

The principal attempts resolution but complainant may appeal.

Report forwarded to Schools Director and ACT SAEC for action on recommendation.

The Schools Director follows the Department’s Complaints Resolution policy

YES NO

RESOLUTION

END

CONTACT BOTH

NO RESOLUTION

Appendix 1: Complaints/grievances made to schools about mistreatment of animalsThisflowchartisdesignedtohelpschoolsadequatelyandeffectivelyresolvecomplaintsmadetoschoolaboutthemistreatmentofanimals.Anypersonwhoreceivesacomplaintinvolvinganimalsmustattendtotheimmediateneedsofanyinjuredorharmedanimals.Thismaybedonebycontactingtheownerorappropriatelyqualifiedperson,egveterinarianorteacherwithappropriateskills.Theimmediatesupportneedsofanystudentmustalsobeassessedandaddressed.

All complaints/grievances must in the first instance be considered by the person receiving the complaint.

Is the complaint/grievance about cruelty causing immediate harm to an animal?

The complaint/grievance is about less immediate or obvious harm to an animal. It may relate to the way animals are housed or teachers’ or students’ treatment or use of animals at school.

This is a serious incident.1. Contact an appropriately qualified person to attend any injured animals2. Put in place any changes required to improve the future safety of animals.


Appendix 2: Accreditation IndependentschoolsthatarenotpartofthestateschoolsystemoraffiliatedwiththeCatholicEducationOfficemustapplyannuallyforaccreditationtouseanimalsforteachingpurposes.Anapplicationformmaybeobtainedfrom,andwhencompleted,returnedto:

ACTAnimalwelfareAuthorityEnvironmentandRecreationNetwork,DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServicesGPOBox158CANBERRAACT2601

Phone62077140

fax62072244


Flowchart Of Procedures For Schedule 2 Animals In Preschools And Primary Schools

Primary Schools and Pre-schools

For animals contained in Schedule 2 (see P 43 of

the Guidelines).

ACT Schools Animal Ethics Committee (SAEC)

automatically provides a certificate of permission to use animals in Schedule 2.

Schools must complete:

Form G Annual Report of Animal

Holdings (Due September of each year)

For animals NOT contained in Schedule 2(see P43 of the Guidelines)

Or for activities in Categories 4 or 5 (see P12 of the Guidelines).

Refer to Flowchart for Secondary Schools and follow all procedures required for

secondary schools.


Flowchart Of Procedures For Animals In Secondary School

Individual applications are required for dissections and activities in Category 4 – 5

(see p12 of Guidelines).

Form ECertification to demonstrate Category 5 activities

All animal holdings must be reported on annually

If any of the following changes occur: • change in staff• change of animals• change to the program.

Form DUse of animals in teaching for

teaching activities in Category 4 or 5

Form F

Notification of changes to staffing and/or activities.

Secondary Schools(High Schools & Colleges)

Form BDissections

Form A (Due February 2010)Authorisation lasts for 3 years.

All teaching and learning activities involving vertebrate animals must be approved by the ACT Schools Animal

Ethics Committee (SAEC)

Form CAnnual School Report on Acquisition, disposal and

husbandry activities (Due September each year)


ACT schools Animal Ethics Committee (SAEC)

Appendix 3: Application Form ARequest for Animal Research Authorisation (Schools) UndertheAnimalwelfareAct1992theACTDepartmentofEducationandTrainingholdsalicencefortheuseorbreedingofanimalsforthepurposeofresearchorteaching.TheconditionsofthislicencemeanstheDepartmentmaintainsanAnimalEthicsCommitteetoensurethehumanecareofanimalsusedforscientificpurposes.TheACTSAECauthorisesschoolstokeepanduseliveanimalsinschoolsforteachingpurposes.

Principalsofschoolsarerequiredtosubmitthisformonatriennialbasis,orwhenachangeoccurstostaffingortheprogrambeingoffered.SchoolswithanapprovedAnimalResearchAuthorisationarealsorequiredtosubmitanannualreport(formC).ThecontinuationoftheAuthorisationissubjecttothereceiptofthisannualreport.

Note:PrincipalsofprimaryschoolsareNOTrequiredtocompletethisformiftheyhaveanimalsinSchedule2(seepage43)andtheydonotintendtoundertake

• animalbreedingactivities

• anynonpre-approvedactivitieswithintheGuidelinesor

• activitiesinCategories4or5oftheGuidelines.

Inthiscase,thePrincipalisconsideredtobetheAwlO.

School/Unit Address Phone Fax

1. Animals in school Doestheschoolkeepanduseanimals

Yes (gotoQ3) No (gotoQ2)

2. Use of Animals in the future Istheschoolplanningtouseanimalsinthefuture?

Yes (gotoQ3) No (thereisnoneedtocompletethisform)

3. Staff involved in keeping and use of animals PleaseprovidethenameofthenominatedAnimalwelfareliaisonOfficer (AwlO)responsibleforapprovingCategory3activitiesasdefinedinthe Guidelines(pages11-16)andstaffthatareresponsiblefortheemergencyand day-to-daycareofanimals.

Name Position in School Experience with Animals


4. Has an emergency contact list been provided to relevant teachers?

Yes No

5. Have animals been obtained from a breeding or supply facility that maintains conditions consistent with the code or relevant industry codes?

Yes No

6. Please provide a list of animals kept in the school and approximate duration (if insufficient room please attach a separate list)

Animal Type or species Location Duration Number

7. Are the animals housed in a safe, correctly sized, suitable and purpose built facility?

Yes No

8. Is water attached to a permanent supply?

Yes No

9. Has housing, feeding and maintenance of the animals been budgeted for?

Yes No

10. Is the feed kept in vermin proof, dry conditions?

Yes No

11. Are any permits required for the animals you are keeping?

Yes No (gotoQ12)

Ifyes,havetheybeenobtained?

Yes No

12. Have arrangements been made for the care and feeding of animals on weekends and holidays?

Yes No

13. Has the regular feeding, watering and cleaning of the animal(s) been provided for?

Yes No

Pleaseprovideabriefdescriptionofthesearrangements


14. How, when and by whom will animals be assessed for distress or illness?

15. How will live animals be disposed of at the end of the teaching program?

16. Has an emergency plan been made in case of fire, power failure or flood?

Yes No

Pleaseprovideabriefdescriptionofthesearrangements

17. Have you used the decision making flow chart (p10) of the Guidelines in your decision to use animals in your teaching programs?

Yes No

18. Please provide a paragraph indicating the educational use of the animals and how this links to the school’s curriculum, the framework or BSSS courses. Please attach appropriate course documentation.

19. Please indicate the categories of activities to be undertaken by the school (Further information on categories can be obtained from pages 11-16 from the Guidelines for the Care and Use of Animals in ACT Schools).


20. Please provide the name and contact details of the veterinarian used by the school.

21. Do you intend to breed animals?

Yes No (gotoQ16)

Pleaseprovideanattachmentdescribingthebreedingprogram,theteacher’sexperiencewiththespeciesinvolvedandmethodsofidentificationusedforanimalsandplanneddisposalmethodsforsurplusanimals.

22. Please provide the names of any other schools or institutions involved in the care and use of animals in your school. (Note: Institutions other than ACT schools require approval from that institution’s AEC to use animals as part of a project)

NOTE: 1. TheACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommittee(SAEC)hastheobligationtoensure theCodeofPracticeandallrelevantlegislationarebeingmetinschools.Assuch,the committeecouldvisityourschoolatanytimetoobservepractice,housingandanimal carerecords.

2. Shouldanyadverseeventsoccur,(e.g.death,majortreatment,oreuthanasiadueto illnessorinjury),theschoolmustreportthisinformationtotheACTSAECwiththe reasonsfortheactions.SeeformfintheGuidelines.

3. TheACTSAEChastherighttoremoveanimalsfromaschoolforthepurposesof diagnosisofdiseases.

4. Studentstakinganimalshomemusthavewrittenapprovalfromtheirparentsorlegal guardians.

IhavereadtheDepartment’sguidelinesfortheCareandUseofAnimalsinACTSchoolsandIacceptresponsibilityfortheethicalconductoftheseprogramsaccordingtotheprinciplescontainedinthatdocument.IacknowledgethatthewelfareofanimalsinschoolsistheresponsibilityofthePrincipal,andthatthecareandmaintenancemaybedelegatedtosuitablytrainedorexperiencedstaffinanimalcare.

Signature of Principal Date Signature of AWLO Date

Pleaseforwardthisformto:ACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommitteeDepartmentofEducationandTrainingGPOBox158CANBERRAACT2601


Appendix 4: Application Form BApplication for Approval to obtain euthanased rats from The John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National UniversityThisformshouldbereturnedtotheSecretariatoftheACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommittee(ACTSAEC)(MinisterialRelations)andacopyshouldbekeptonfileintheschool.

Teacherswillbenotifiedinwritingoftheresult.Ifapprovalisgiven,requestscanthenbemadetoJCSMR/ANUusingtheapprovalnumberprovidedbytheACTSAEC.Aseparateprojectproposalisrequiredforeachproject.

TheteachermakingtherequestfillsoutallsectionsofthisformbeforetheACTSAECconsiderstherequest.

Details of Teacher making request

Name:

School:

Telephone: Fax number:

Details of proposed activity

Date of proposed activity

Type of activity planned Number of rats Number of students

Pleaseprovidebriefdetailsoftheproposeddissection,includingprocedure,instructionstostudentsanddisposal(thedissectionmethodmaybeincludedasanattachment):

Questions (pleaseticktheappropriateresponse)

TheanswerstothesequestionsenabletheACTSAECtoreachadecision.

1. I confirm that student participation in the dissection / demonstration is optional.

Yes No

2. I confirm that non-participating students will not be disadvantaged or receive a lower grade.

Yes No


3. I confirm that I am aware of computer simulation software.

Yes No

4. I confirm that on this occasion, dissection is more appropriate than computer simulation software or the use of other 3D models

Yes No

Pleaseexplainthereasonswhy‘replacement’ofthedissectionwithothermethodsis notappropriate*

5. Please explain why the number of rats requested cannot be further ‘reduced’

6. I confirm that the dissection is a documented part of the course.

Yes No

*Ihaveconsideredthefollowingprinciplesbeforedecidingtoproceedwiththefollowingapplicationfortheuseofanimalsassetoutbelow.

Reduction Thesmallestnumberofanimalsrequiredtoachievetheaimoftheworkhasbeenconsidered.Refinement TheimpactofproceduresormanipulationscarriedoutonanimalshasbeenminimisedReplacement Theuseofanimalshasbeendiscountedifthereisasatisfactoryalternative

waytoachievetheaim.(Based on Marbrook et al 1994)

Contact Please forward this form to:ACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommitteeDepartmentofEducationandTrainingGPOBox158CANBERRAACT2601

Teacher Signature Date SLC Signature Date

AWLO Signature Date


Appendix 5: Application Form CAnnual school report on acquisition, disposal and husbandry activitiesSchoolswithanimalsnotlistedinschedule2mustmaintaincomprehensiverecordsdocumentingacquisition,disposalandallhusbandryactivitiescarriedoutwiththeanimalskeptbytheschoolforeducationalpurposes.TheseschoolsarerequiredtoprovideanannualreporttotheACTSAECinSeptemberofeachyear.


1. Have any new animals been acquired by the school over the past 12 months.

Yes No (gotoQ2)

Pleasecompletethetablebelow:

Breed of animal Number of animals

Educational purpose Name of teacher and their experience with the breed

Pleaseattachacopyoftheplannedhusbandrytechniquesfortheseanimals

2. Please provide a list of the total number of animals kept in the school and approximate duration (if insufficient room please attach a separate list. If the same as above, please write as above).


3. Please attach a copy of the calendar of husbandry activities carried out over the past 12 months for the animals listed above. Please include any movement activities undertaken.

4. Please provide details of the death and disposal of any animals over the past 12 months.

Animal Type or species Number Cause of death Means of disposal


5. Please describe educational outcomes that have been achieved as a result of the use of animals in the school.

6. Please describe any problems that have been encountered.

7. How consistent has the wellbeing of the animals been with that anticipated at the beginning of the teaching period?

8. Are any changes envisaged over the coming year to the program, number or type of animals used?

9. Please tick the educational objectives below that are being met by the curriculum at your school.

Objective 1 Developingstudents’skillsinrelationtoresponsibleanimalcareand management.Objective 2 Developingstudents’skillsinobservinganimalstoenhancetheir understandingofthebehaviouralcharacteristicsofspecies.Objective 3 Developingstudents’skillsofinvestigationwherethepurposeisto improvemethodsofanimalmanagementortoimproveproduction.Objective 4 Assistingstudentstodevelopempathywithandrespectforanimals.

Signature of Principal Date AWLO Signature Date



Appendix 6: Application Form DApplication to use an animal in teaching that is not on the approved list or is in Category 4 or 5forthefollowingactivitiesusinganimals,writtenapprovalfromtheACTSAECisrequired,priortocommencementoftheactivity.Theyare:

•whenstudentscarryoutCategory4or5activities

•whenteachersdemonstrateCategory5activities

•wheneitherteachersorstudentscarryoutanactivitynotlistedinTable3, Descriptionofactivities,(pages13–15)

•whenteachersapplyforalicencetokeep,possess,breed,buy,sellordisposeof nativeanimalsfromtheDepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices. http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/wildlife/birds/protected_native_animals

TheteacherneedstodescribeclearlyhowtheactivityistobecarriedoutandthelevelofsupervisionofstudentssothattheACTSAECcanobtainaclearpictureofwhatisproposedtohappentoindividualanimals.Theinformationyousupplyontheformshouldfocusonwhatishappeningtotheanimalsandwhatisbeingdonetoensuretheirwellbeing.TheACTSAECrequiresthatthepersonteachingthestudentshasanappropriatelevelofknowledgeabout,andskillin,carryingouttherequestedactivity.

whereapprovalisbeingsoughtforstudentstocarryoutanactivity,itisessentialtoexplainwhythestudentneedstobetheonecarryingouttheactivity.Animalhusbandrygroundsalonewillnotbesufficient.forexample,thejustificationforstudentstocarryoutlambmarkingisnotbecauseitneedstobedoneforanimalhusbandryreasons(ateacherorotherexpertcoulddoit).Aneducationaljustificationforstudentstocarryoutlambmarkingcouldbethatitallowsthemtomeetacompetencystandardorachieveaspecificteachingoutcome.

Associatedwiththiseducationaljustificationisthattheteacherhasappliedtheprinciplesofthe3Rsintheplanningoftherequestedactivity.(Seepage21)

Theincorporationofthe3Rsisreflectedinthepreparationofthestudentsforcarryingouttheactivity,decisionsrelatedtothesource,number,speciesandagesofanimalstobeusedandconsiderationofthepotentialimpactoftheactivityontheanimalandhowtheimpactmaybeameliorated.

ItisadvisablethatwhenanapprovalistobesoughtforstudentstouseananimalforaresearchprojectwhichinvolvesaCategory4or5ornon-approvedactivity,theteacherandstudentshouldcompletetheapplicationformtogetherasavaluablelearningandteachingmethod.

Teachersareremindedthattheapplicationmustbeappliedforwellinadvanceandapprovalreceivedpriortocarryingouttheproposedactivity.

Appendix 6: ACT Schools Animal Ethics Committee (SAEC)


Aseparateapplicationformisneededforeachactivity.Ifadditionalspaceisrequiredpleaseattach.

1. (a) Does your school hold a current Animal Research Authority for Category 1–3 activities?(pleasetick)

Yes No

(b) Do you hold a current Animal Research Authority for Category 4 or 5 activities?(pleasetick)

Yes No

2. School name

__________________________________________________________________________

School address

__________________________________________________________________________

3. School telephone no. Fax:

_________________________________________________________________________

4. Name of within-school Animal Welfare Liaison Officer

__________________________________________________________________________

5. Name of teacher supervising the activity

__________________________________________________________________________

6. (a) Briefly describe the activity for which you are seeking approval. Please include a description of your method.

(b) Is the approval for a Category 4 or 5 activity?(pleasetick)

Category4 Category5

Note: If you are seeking approval for a Category 5 activity, please ensure that whoever is doing the actual teaching has a current ACT SAEC certification to demonstrate the procedure. Refer to Appendix 7


7. Please indicate whether the teacher will be the instructor carrying out the activity or if an instructor who is not a classroom teacher will be carrying out the activity while the teacher supervises.

Theteacheristheinstructor Yes No

Describethequalificationsand/orexperienceofthepersonforthisactivity.

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

8. Describe the preparation or training of students PRIOR to the actual activity for which approval is sought (your answer could include examples of skill-building with equipment, using alternatives to simulate the task and risk assessment for animals and students).

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

9. (a) What outcomes or competencies will students achieve by carrying out this activity?

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

(b) Why do students need to use animals, rather than alternatives, to achieve these outcomes or competencies? (See page 7).

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

10. Where will the activity be carried out? (Include address)

__________________________________________________________________________

11. Using the table below, describe what potential impact your activity will have on animal wellbeing and how you will ameliorate the impact.

Impact Amelioration of impact


12. What responses have you planned in the event that complications arise from the activity that adversely affect the animal (e.g. illness, infection, injury)?

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

13. Please provide the following information about the animals to be used in this activity:

(a)Speciesoftheanimal(s)_________________________________________________

(b)Ageoftheanimal(s)tobeused_________________________________________

(c)Numberofanimal(s)tobeused_________________________________________

(d)Genderoftheanimal(s)________________________________________________

(e)Sourceoftheanimal(s)__________________________________________________

(f)Historyoftheanimal’spriorexposuretohumans_____________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

14. (a) Have these animals been used for any other Category 4 or 5 or non-approved activities?

Yes No

(b) If yes, please provide brief details.

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

15. (a) Where will the animals for this activity be housed?

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

(b) Describe the type of animal housing to be provided.

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

(c) If animals are to be penned or caged describe their numbers and allocated space per animal.

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________


16. What will the animals be fed, and how often will they be fed?

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

17. Please provide the following information about the organisation of the activity:

(a) Maximum number of students to be supervised by the teacher at one time for the activity

__________________________________________________________________________

(b) Number of students carrying out the activity at the one time

__________________________________________________________________________

(c) Minimum and maximum number of animals to be used by each student

__________________________________________________________________________

(d) Details of supervision by teacher

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

(e) After-activity monitoring of animals

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

18. What will happen to the animals at the end of the activity?

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

wedeclarethattheinformationprovidedaboveisaccurateanddescribestheproposedactivity.AsthesupervisingteacherIacceptresponsibilityforthecareoftheanimalstobeusedandIdeclarethattheactivitywillbecarriedoutasdetailedintheapplicationform.


Signature of Teacher Date

Pleaseforwardthisformatleast12weeksinadvanceto:-ACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommitteeDepartmentofEducationandTrainingGPOBox158CANBERRAACT2601


Appendix 7: Application Form EApplication for certification to demonstrate a Category 5 activity

Name of teacher:_________________________________________________________

Date of this application: _________________________________________________________

Date of approval:_________________________________________________________

(ACTSAECOfficeronlytocomplete)

School: _________________________________________________________

School address: _________________________________________________________

__________________________________Post code: ___________

School telephone:_________________________________________________________

Fax no:_________________________________________________________

Name of Animal Welfare Liaison Officer within the school:_________________________________________________________

PleaseattachacopyoftheapprovedcoursethatrequirestheneedtodemonstrateaCategory5activity.

DoyouholdacurrentAnimalResearchAuthorityforCategory4or5activities?(pleasetick)

Yes No

PleasetickanyCategory5activityforwhichcertificationissoughtandwriteinthespeciesoftheanimalonwhichthisactivityistobecarriedout.

Collectionofruminalfluid: Species:____________________________________

Collectionofbloodsample: Species:____________________________________

Collectionoffaeces(invasive): Species:____________________________________

Artificialinsemination: Species:____________________________________

Semencollection: Species:____________________________________

Mulesingofyoungsheep: ____________________________________________

Noseringingofcattle: ____________________________________________

Slaughteroreuthanasiaofstock: Species:____________________________________


Proposedmethodofeuthanasia:___________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Evidenceofdemonstratedcompetencymustbeprovidedforeachactivityforwhichcertificationisapplied.

Anypersonverifyingthecompetencyoftheteachermustsigntheevidenceandprovidecontactdetails.

BoththeapplicantandtheschoolprincipalandtheAwlOmustcompletetheattacheddeclaration.

Theevidencemustbeattachedtothiscompletedapplicationformandthenforwardedto:

ACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommitteeDepartmentofEducationandTrainingGPOBox158CANBERRAACT2601

Applicant’s declaration

IdeclarethattheinformationprovidedaboveisaccurateandtrueandIunderstandthat,ifcertificationisgranted,itwillbeforaperiodofthreeyears.

Signature:_________________________________________________Date:___________

Principal’s declaration

Iunderstandthat____________________________________isseekingcertificationforaperiodofthreeyearstodemonstratetostudentsaCategory5activity.Tothebestofmyknowledgetheinformationprovidedby___________________________________isaccurate.

Signature:________________________________________________Date:___________

AWLO Signature

IdeclarethattheactivityaboveisanintegralpartofthecurriculumandIunderstandthat,ifcertificationisgranted,itwillbeforaperiodofthreeyears.

Signature:_________________________________________________Date:___________


Appendix 8: Application Form FNotification of changes to staffing and/or activities whenachangeoccurstostaffingortheprogrambeingofferedaNotificationofchangestostaffingand/oractivities,includinganimaldeathorinjury(formf)mustbesubmitted.TheseactivitiesmustnotbeundertakenwithoutapprovalandcertificationbytheACTSAEC.


1. Please tick the area of change being notified

• Achangeinstaffmembersundertakingtheprogram (gotoQ2)

• Achangeintheprogramactivitiesbeingundertaken (gotoQ3)

• Adeathoreuthanasiaofanimals (gotoQ4)

• Treatmentsprovidedtoanimalsforseriesinjuries/illness (gotoQ5)

• Discontinuationoftheprogram (gotoQ6)

2. Please provide details about the new staff member including their experience

Name Position in School Experience with Animals

3. Please describe the changes in the program activities, including changes in animal numbers or husbandry

Change to program/activities Change in Husbandry

4. Please provide the type or breed and number of animals and the cause of death. If euthanasia was used please give the reason and the name of the person administering the euthanasia.

Type or breed of animals and Number of animals

Cause of death If euthanasia was used, the reason and name of person administering this.

If the death was unexpected has an autopsy been undertaken?

Yes No (gotoQ5)

listthequalificationsofthepersonundertakingtheautopsy


5. Please complete the table below including the treatment given and the person/s administering the treatment

Type or breed of animals and number of animals

Diagnosis of illness including the name and expertise of the person completing the diagnosis

Treatment provided, including the name and experience of person/s administering the treatment

Is quarantine required? YesNo(gotoQ6)

What procedures have been used?

6. Please provide the reasons for the discontinuation of this teaching program.

NOTE:A finalAnnual school report on the acquisition, disposal and husbandry activities(Form C) will need to be completed and attached.


Signature of Teacher Date



Appendix 9: Application Form GAnnual Report of Animal Holdings (Schools) PrimarySchoolsthathaveonlyanimalslistedinschedule2oftheAnimal Welfare Regulation 2001(seepage43oftheGuidelines)mustcompletethisformannually.IfanimalsoutsideSchedule2areheld,formsAandCwillapply.

School Contact Officer: _________________________________________________________

School:_________________________________________________________

School address: _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

__________________________________Post code:___________

School telephone: _________________________________________________________

1. Please provide a list of animals kept in the school and approximate duration (if insufficient room please attach a separate list)


2. If you had approval to use animals in your school last year, please indicate on this table their current whereabouts.

Animal Type or species Whereabouts/disposal Current number

Signature of Principal Date Signature of AWLO Date



Contents

PARTB:SPECIESSPECIfICNOTESAlpacas 68

Aquaculture 77

Aquariums 84

AustralianNativeAnimals 90

Axolotls 92

CagedBirds 98

Cats 105

Cattle 109

Dogs 121

DucksandGeese 124

frogsandToads 131

fishing 136

fowls 142

Goats 151

Guineapigs 162

Horses 169

Mice(Housemouse) 179

Pigs 186

Rabbits 196

Rats 205

Sheep 212

Turkeys 225

Alpacas

Thisspeciesspecificguidelineisaguideonlyandwasaccurateatthetimeofpublication.StaffresponsibleforanimalsinschoolsshouldrefertotheACTCodes of practice for the welfare of animalstoensurethatcurrentACTlegislationisfollowed.

ThereisnotaseparatecodewithinTAMSforthecareanduseofalpacas.

Theimportanceofgoodstockmanshipinanimalwelfarecannotbeover-emphasised.Personsresponsibleforthecareofanimalsshouldbewelltrained,experiencedanddedicated.Staffshouldbeencouragedtoundertakeappropriatetraininginanimalmanagementandhusbandryappropriatetothespeciesbeingkeptinschools.Knowledgeofthenormalappearanceandbehaviouroftheiranimalsisessentialforthemtobetreatedeffectivelyandefficientlyandwithconsideration.

Activitiesinvolvinglargedomesticandfarmanimalsthatmightstandon,crushorotherwisecausephysicalinjurytoapersonareclassedas‘highrisk’(level3)activitiesinthePolicy and Guidelines for Risk Management in ACT Government Secondary Science Programs 2001.Highriskactivitieshavethepotentialforriskofseriousinjurytostudentsorothers(e.g.anirreversibleinjury,permanentdamagetohealthorafatality).

Teachers/leadersarerequiredtoprovidedirectsupervision(onetotwostudentsatanyonetimeworkingwithteacherguidance).Appropriatepersonalprotectiveequipmentmustbeusedtominimisetheriskofinjury,andtheactivityistobeundertakeninasafeanddefinedarea.

Ariskassessmentmustbecompletedanddocumentedbyseniormanagementpriortothecommencementofhighriskactivities.Intheeventofastudentaccident,acopyoftheriskassessmentformandotherrelevantdocuments(e.g.studentsafetytest,pre-activityteachingandlearning,coursedocuments)shouldbeattachedtothestudentaccidentreportformaandforwardedtoworkplacerelationsandGovernmentlegalandliaisonsection.



Physical attributes

Size: 78–104cmatthewithersweight: 47–80kgAgeatadultsize: 2–3yearsweightatbirth: 5–10kgGestationperiod: 11.5months,range11–12monthsNumberofoffspring: 1weaningage: 6–8months

Sexualmaturation: females:12–14months Males:1.5–2yearslifeexpectancy: 20–25yearsHealthycharacteristics:Temperature:36.4–37.8ºCHeartrate: 60–100beats/minRespiration: 20–30/min

Environment

SpaceAlpacasmaybekeptinextensivesituationswithacarryingcapacitysimilartothatoflargesheep.

Movement and exerciseAlpacasneedtorunandneedroomforadustbath.Accesstoshadethroughoutthedayisessentialandsprinklersmaybeprovidedonveryhotdaystoallowtheanimalstocooldown.Alpacasprefersheltersthatallowthemtoseeout.

Fencing1.2mhighsheepfencingisadequatetokeepalpacasin.Donotusebarbedwirewherealpacasmaycomeintocontactwithit.Alpacasrarelytestfencesbut,iftheyareconfinedandstressed,willeasilyjumpover1mhighpens,particularlyiftheyareconfinedwithoutacompanion.forthisreason,itisalwaysadvisabletotakeapairtoshowsanddisplays.

Stepsshouldbetakentoensurethat,asfaraspracticable,animalscanbeattendedtopromptlyintheeventoffire,flood,injuryordisease.

TemperatureAlpacasaresusceptibletoheatstress.Theyshouldbeprovidedwithaccesstoshadeandsprinklersinveryhotweather.ShearthemeachyeararoundSeptemberorOctober.Theyrarelyseekshelterfromrainbutusuallyliedownwiththeirlegstuckedunderneaththem.Criaandfreshlyshornalpacasneedprotectionfromthecold.

BeddingDuetotheproblemsoffleececontamination,beddingforpennedanimalsshouldbemadefromrubber,wovenorslattedmattingratherthanstraw.Ifstrawisused,ensurethatitisfreefromseedasitisverydifficulttoremovefromthealpaca’sfleece.


CleaningAlpacasavoiddefecatingintheirpensunlessconfinedforlongperiods.Theyusuallywaituntiltheycangettothedungpile.

Food and water requirements

Althoughslightlyheavierthansheep,alpacasarealsomoreefficientfeedconverterssorequireasimilaramountoffeedtosheep.Aswithmostanimalsonschoolfarms,supplementaryfeedingwillprobablybenecessaryduetoashortageofspaceand,consequently,insufficientgrazing.Alpacacanhavetheirdietssupplementedwithastudmix,lucernehayoralpacapellets.Amaintenancedietforalpacasisabout1.5%oftheirbodyweighteachdayonadryweightbasis.Theenergyandnutrientrequirementsofalactatingalpacaincreasesby2to2.5timesthatofmaintenance.

Handling

Alpacasneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimalsandthehandlers.whenworkingwithalpacas,consistentquietandslowbehaviourmakesthemveryeasytohandleandtheywillusuallyherdeasily.Alpacaslearnquicklyandwillusuallylearntocomeuptoafeedingpenwhencalled.

Normal behaviour

Alpacasarenormallyalertandinquisitive.Theymovetogetherwhenherded.Theygroomthemselvesbyhavingregulardustbathsandscratchingonpostsorbushes.Theherdwillhaveacommunitydungpileand,ifnecessary,willevenlineupandwaitfortheirturn.Alpacaschewtheircud,usuallywhilelyingdownearlyinthemorning.Theywillsprawloutandsunthemselves,especiallyafterperiodsofrain,andwillwadeincreeks,damsorevenwatertroughstocooldown.Alpacascanswim.

Disease prevention

DiseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarianorAgricultureofficer.Allactionshouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Signs of illness

Thefirstsignnoticedisachangeintheanimal’snaturaldemeanour.Itmaybelistlessorlethargic.Closerexaminationsmayshow:

Variations in:bodytemperaturegastrointestinalfunction,e.g.diarrhoea,weightloss,lossorchangeofappetite,lackofregulardustbathingorbathinginunusualplacesurogenitalfunctionsuchasabortion,infertilityorabnormaldischargesrespiratoryfunction,e.g.persistentcoughing,gaspingorpanting;or


Evidence of:bodytemperatureskinconditionsuchaslesionsorabnormalgrowthsatuckedupappearance,stiffgait,abnormalposture,patchycoatorlossofhairexcessivescratchingorrubbingswollenjointsorlameness.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.

Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofillhealth,assistancefromaveterinarianfamiliarwithalpacasshouldbesought.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentsgiven,mustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia

whereanimalsaresosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,theneuthanasiamustbearrangedwithalocalveterinarian.

Disposal

Alpacascanbesoldprivatelyoratauction.Carcassesmustbedisposedofinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.

Suggested resources

Web sitesPolicyandGuidelinesforriskManagementinACTGovernmentSecondarySciencePrograms,2001,ACTDepartmentofEducationandTraining,viewed1October2008https://index.det.act.gov.au/resources/im_safety.html#publications

AnimalHealthAustralia:July2005,AnimalHealthAustralia,viewed25September2008http://www.aahc.com.au/

ACTDepartmentofagriculture,fisheriesandforestry,15September2008,CommonwealthofAustralia,viewed25September252008http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health

AustralianAlpaca,1999-2008AustralianAlpacaAssociationlTD,viewed25September2008http://www.alpaca.asn.au/pub/sitemap.shtml

Printed textsBravo,w.(1995)Female Reproduction, Cria to Criation,InternationalAlpacaIndustrySeminarProceedings,AustralianAlpacaAssociation,Victoria.

Coleby,P.(2000)Natural Goat and Alpaca Care(2nded.),CSIROPublishing,Australia.

Hoffman,E.andfowler,M.(1995)The Alpaca Book,ClayPress,California.

Pigot,R.(1996)Practical Alpaca Nutrition,InternationalAlpacaIndustrySeminarProceedings,AustralianAlpacaAssociation,Victoria.


Contacts

TheAnimalwelfareAuthorityDepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices(TAMS)POBox249CIVICSQUAREACT2608

CommonwealthofAustralia,DepartmentofAgriculture,fisheriesandforestry

localcouncil

localfarmsuppliestrader

Approved activities: alpacasPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage54,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.

A. Very low impact activity

• Observation of the normal behaviour of animals (Category 1)Alpacascanbeobservedcarryingouttheirnormalactivitiesofsunning,wading,dustbathingandcommunicatingwitheachother.Dependingonthecircumstances,alpacashaveawiderangeofnoises,themostcommonbeingagentlehumming.

B. Low impact activity

• Capture, restraint and handling(Category 2)Amoveablefencecanbeestablishedbyhavingalongropeheldatwaistheightbetweentwopeopleandstretchedacrossapaddock.Thisenablesthealpacastobeherdedtoaparticularspot.Captureiseasiestwiththehandler’sarmlowdownaroundthealpaca’sneck.Mostalpacaswillbequitecomfortableinthispositionwhileahalterisfitted.Beforestudentsattemptthesetasks,theyshouldbefamiliarwithalpacabehaviourandbeinstructedtomovequietlyandslowly.Analpacacanberestrainedbyholdingtheanimal’sheadandneckfirmlytothehandler’schestwhilsttheotherhandrestsovertheanimal’swithers.Ifnecessary,anotherpersonmaybeusedtopinthebackendoftheanimalfirmlytothesideofapen.Takecarethattheanimalisnotabletogetitslegscaughtinfencing.Alpacasmayberestrainedfurtherbytyingaloopofsoftrope,withapproximately15cmofslack,aroundthebody,justinfrontofthepelvis.Therearlegscanthenbeliftedandthefeetplacedintotheloopundertheabdomen.Ifitisnecessarytolaytheanimal


down,usetwopeoplestandingononesideoftheanimal.Bothleanacrosstheanimal’sbackandgraspthelegsclosesttothehandlers.Carefullyfliptheanimaloverwiththefronthandleralsosupportingtheneck.

C. Non-invasive measurement of

1. body weight (Category 2)Alpacasthatarehandledregularlycanbeeasilytrainedtostandquietlyonlivestockscales.

3. growth(Category 2)Theanimal’sgrowthcanbefollowedbymeasuringtheheightoftheanimalatthewithers.woolgrowthcanbemeasuredbyusingarulertotakeaseriesofrandommeasurementsondifferentsectionsoftheanimal’sfleece.Studentscancomparethegrowthrateofthedifferentsections.whilethequalityofthesaddleandneckfleecemayoftenbesimilar,itisthedifferentgrowthratesthatnecessitateitsseparationduringclassing.Aftershearing,woolcanbesentofforfibrediameteranalysis.Thisprocessisquitecheapandprovidesanexcellentresourceforstudents.

4. body proportions (Category 2)Photographinganimalsprogressivelythroughouttheirgrowthperiodcanshowbodyproportions.

5. pulse or blood flow (Category 2)Thepulsecanberecordedbyfeelingtheanimal’scarotidarteryatthebaseofthejaw.withalittlepractice,studentsshouldbeabletoheartheheartbeatusingastethoscope.Itisbestifstudentspractiseoneachotherfirst.

6. respiration(Category 2)Respirationcaneasilybemeasuredbyholdingahandclose,withouttouching,totheanimal’snostrilstofeelthebreath.

D. Measurement of mild dietary modifications

4. palatability (Category 3)Thisshouldberestrictedtoobservationofgrazingpreferencesandpalatabilityofdifferentfeeds,e.g.offernativeorintroducedgrasses,differenttypesorgradesofhay,etc.

E. Behaviour activities

2. taming and gentling (Category 3)Allalpacastobeusedatschoolsshouldbetamedasearlyaspossibletoavoidstressontheanimalswhenstudentshandlethem.Younganimalsat6–8months,thathavejustbeenweaned,areeasytotame.Olderanimalsthathavebeenhandledextensivelyandarewelltamedwillbethemostsuitabletopurchasefortheschoolenvironment.Older,untamedanimalsmayneversettleinandarelikelytobecomestressedwhenhandledextensivelybystudents.Evenwhenthereisadequatepasture,animalscanbegivenasmallamountofhandfeedingeachdaytohelpthe


tamingprocess.Alpacasrespondtocalmandgentlehandlingandusuallyprefernottobetouchedonthehead.

3. training for showing (Category 3)Allschoolalpacasshouldbehalter-trained.Todothis,thehandlerneedstoholdananimalfirmlyanduseareassuringvoice.Then,withaleadattachedtothehalter,thehandlerstandsinfrontof,andfaces,thealpacaandpullstheanimalgentlyforward.Assoonastheanimaltakesastepforward,thetensionontheleadisloosened.Continuethisprocessuntilthealpacawalkswiththehandler.Thealpacacanthenbetaughttowalkbesidethehandler.withayoungalpacathatishappytobehandled,itmaybeeasierforthehandlertowalkbesidetheanimalwithonehandholdingtheleadandtheotherhandoveritswitherstocomfortit.Ayoungalpacawillfrequentlyfollowacompanionwhohasalreadybeenhaltertrained,makingthejobverymucheasier.Ifanimalsaretobeshown,theyneedtobecomeusedtogrooming.Groomingconsistsofpickingdebrisoffthefleeceandlightlyblowingthedirtoutofthefleeceusingtheblowerendofavacuumcleaneroracattleblower.Mostshowshaveclassesforalpacawethersandforfleeces.

F. Collection of samples from livestock

1. wool (Category 2)Ifasmallsampleisrequired,scissorscanbeused.Ensurethattheanimalisadequatelyrestrained.

2. milk (Category 2)Thisprocedureshouldonlybecarriedoutifaweak,newborncrianeedshandfeeding.Toobtainthemilk,cuttheendoffa20mldisposablesyringeandremovetheplunger.Inserttheplungerthroughthecutoffendasfarasitwillgo.Usingalittlemilktocreateagoodseal,placethenoncut-offendofthesyringeovertheteatand,veryslowly,pulltheinsideplungerdownwards.Itisimportanttomaintainstricthygieneproceduresthroughout.

3. faeces and urine (non-invasive)(Category 2)faecescanbeeasilycollectedfromadungpile.Toensurethatthefaecescomefromaparticularanimal,alargeclothorfeedbagcanbeplacedoverthedungpileandtheanimalwilldefecateontopof,orveryclosetoit.Studentsshouldwearglovesandfollowproperhygieneprocedures.Collectionofurinewouldrarelyneedtobecarriedout.Ifitisdeemednecessary,abucketplacedoverthedungpilemaybeausefultechniquetocollectthesample.Ensurethatstudentswearglovesandfollowstricthygieneprocedures.

6. ruminal fluid (Category 5)(furtherapprovalrequired)

7. blood (Category 5)(furtherapprovalrequired)


G. Standard husbandry activities

1. administering treatments oral• drench(Category 3)whilstitisgenerallyacceptedthatalpacasdonothaveaseriousproblemwithintestinalwormsduetotheiruseofadungpile,mostschoolalpacaswillberunwithotherlivestockand,therefore,willneedtobedrenchedroutinelyatthesametimeastheotherstock.Thedosewilldependontheweightoftheanimal.Ensurethedoseiscalculatedaccurately.Restraintheanimalsecurelyandplacethenozzleofthegunontopofthebackofthetongue.Holdtheanimal’sheadupwardsuntilithasswallowedthedrench.

injection• subcutaneous(Category 3)Alpacasshouldberegularlyvaccinatedusingeither5-in-1or7-in-1vaccine.firstvaccinationsshouldoccuratthreemonthsofage.Injectionshouldbesubcutaneousandplacedbehindtheelbow.Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofparasitesforallalpacas.whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allanimalsshouldbetreatedatthesametimeandpasturesshouldberotatedinconjunctionwiththedrenchprogram.Theseactivitiesneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.whenusingvaccines,drenchesoranyotheranimalcarechemicals,caremustbetakenandnotedaboutthefollowing:•readingalllabels•maintainingappropriatestorage•adheringtowithholdingperiods•determiningtheweightofanimals•determiningthecorrectdoserate•usingprotectiveclothingifrequired.

4. ear marking/tagging of livestock (Category 3)Registeredalpacashaveabrasseartagthatisplacedontheleftearforamaleandontherightearforafemale.Plasticnumberedtagsmaybeusedintheoppositeear.Theanimalshouldbecarefullyrestrainedwhiletheeariscleaned.Applicatorsshouldbesmooth,sharpandthoroughlycleaned.Ensurethatthetagdoesnotpuncturetheveins.

6. hoof paring or nail clipping (Category 3)Analpaca’snailsmayoccasionallyneedclipping.Thiscanbedoneusingstandardhoofparingorfootrotshears.

8. temperature (Category 3)Temperatureismeasuredrectallyusingaclinicalthermometer.Ensurethattheanimaliscarefullyrestrainedanduseaplasticdigitalthermometertopreventinjuryfromabrokenglassthermometer.

9. shearing of alpacas and llamas (Category 4)(furtherapprovalrequired)Thisprocedureisbestcarriedoutbyanexperiencedalpacashearer.Alpacasarerestrainedbybeingstretchedoutonthefloorandhavingtheirlegstiedtowoodenspacers.Ahandlerholdstheheadoftheanimal.whenonesideoftheanimalhasbeenshorn,theanimalisflippedoverandtheothersideisdone.


Itisimportanttohavethefleeceascleanaspossiblebeforeshearingandstudentscanpickoffdebrisandblowoutdust.Placealargetarpaulinonthegroundtolaythealpacaonduringshearing.Studentscanclassandseparatethefleeceaftershearing.

33. pregnancy detection(Category 3)Initialdiagnosisismadebythefemalespittingoffamalewhenhetriestomate.Pregnancycanbeconfirmedafter15daysbyultrasonography.Duetoahighrateofearlyembryonicmortality,30–35%inthefirst40days,itisbesttodelayultrasonographyuntilafter40days.Repeatat120days


Aquaculture

Thisspeciesspecificguidelineisaguideonlyandwasaccurateatthetimeofpublication.StaffresponsibleforanimalsinschoolsshouldrefertotheACTCodes of practice for the welfare of animals toensurethatcurrentACTlegislationisfollowed.

ThereisnotaseparatecodewithinTAMSforaquaculture.


AquacultureiscurrentlynotusedintheACT.

Aquacultureisthecommercialfarmingoffish,molluscs,crustaceansandaquaticplants,innaturalorcontrolledmarineorfreshwaterenvironments.Aquaculturewillgrowinimportanceaspressureincreasesonwildfisheries.Atpresenttheindustryisdominatedbyoysterfarmingwithprawnfarmingalsomakingavaluablecontribution.ThesilverperchindustryisbecomingthemostvaluablefreshwateraquaculturespeciesinNSw.OtherimportantspeciesinNSwaquacultureincludetrout,snapper,mussels,yabbies,barramundiandMurraycod.

Therearevariousspeciesoffishthataresuitableforusinginaschools’aquacultureenterprise.Careshouldbetakentoensurethatspeciesthataremostappropriatetotheschoolenvironmentareselected.Characteristicsthatneedtobeconsideredintheselectionofspeciesforaschool-basedaquacultureenterpriseinclude:•Abilitytothriveincaptivity•Suitablebehavioursuchasschoolingandswimming nearthewatersurface•Capableofrapidanduniformgrowth•Amenabletoartificialfeeding•Efficientfoodconversion•Non-canabalistic

•Diseaseresistant


•Hardy

•Highmeatrecovery

•Marketability.

Note:ItisillegaltostockthefollowingspeciesinNSwwaters:

•Tilapis

•Redfin

•Gambusia(mosquitofish)

•Carp

•Koicarp.

Aquaculture permits

AnaquaculturepermitisrequiredunderS.144oftheFisheries Management Act 1994,whereaproponentintendstocultivatefishormarinevegetationforthepurposesofharvestingthefishormarinevegetationortheirprogenywithaviewtosale;orkeepingfishormarinevegetationinaconfinedareaforacommercialpurpose.Anaquaculturepermitisrequiredwhetherfisharegrownforhumanconsumption,orusedintheaquariumtrade,forsaletootherfishfarmersorsaleoffishforstockingfarmdamsorwaterways.Anaquaculturepermitisnotneededwhereaproponentkeepsfishinapetshopforsaleorinanaquariumforexhibition,orwherefisharemaintainedfornon-commercialpurposes,e.g.stockingafarmdamwithfishforpersonalrecreationuseorconsumption.MoreinformationaboutaquaculturepermitscanbefoundthroughtheNSwDepartmentofPrimaryIndustrieswebsitewww.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries

Environment

Allfacilitiesusedtohousefishmustbeoperatedinamannerthatoptimisesconditionsfortheparticularfishspecies.Suitablefacilitiesforholdingfishincludeponds,raceways,tanks,cagesandaquaria.Allfacilitiesshouldbeaerated.Tanksandaquariashouldbeaeratedcontinuouslywithdiffusedairandpondswithmechanicalaeratorssuchaspaddlewheelsforaround8hours/day.Incircular,self-cleaningtanks,aconstantflowofwatermustbeusedtofacilitatetheremovalofsolidsanddissolvedwastes,e.g.ammoniatosupplementaeration.Iftanksneedtobestatic,e.g.duringchemicaltreatment,fishshouldnotbefedandwater(10–30%)shouldbeexchangeddaily.

SpaceThestockingdensityforfishisdependentontheprevailingwaterquality,thesizeofthefish,thetemperatureofthewaterandtheoxygensupply.Table1liststheoptimumstockingdensityforeachofthehousingtypes.

HousingtypeOptimumstockingdensity:Tank10kg/m³Cage20kg/m³Pond20t/ha


Covers or shelter for tankTanksshouldbeplacedundercoverorinabuildingoutofdirectsunlighttoprovideanenvironmentwithrelativelylowlightintensity.Duringwintermonthstheneedtoheatindividualtankscanbeavoidedbykeepingtanksinaclosedenvironmentwheretheairtemperatureoftheroomcanbemaintained.Heatingshouldbeusedbeforethewatertemperaturedrops.Thisreducestheamountofheatingrequiredandsavespowerandmoney.

Water qualityMaintenanceofgoodwaterqualityisthemostimportantaspectoffishhusbandry.Maintenanceofgoodwaterqualityrequirestheregularmonitoringoftemperature,dissolvedoxygen,pHandammonia,andformarineandbrackishwaterspecies,salinity.

Temperaturefishareectothermsbecauseheatisobtainedfromoutsidetheanimalunlikeendotherms(e.g.mammals)thatgeneratetheirownbodyheat.Usually,thebodytemperatureofectothermsisclosetothatoftheirsurroundings;theyareoftendescribedaspoikilothermic(havingvariabletemperature).Temperatureaffectsallchemicalandbiologicalprocesses.Themetabolicrateoffishdoublesforeveryriseof10°C.Therefore,temperaturehasadirecteffectonimportantfactorssuchasgrowth,oxygendemand,foodrequirementsandfoodconversionefficiency.Thehigherthetemperature,thegreatertherequirementforoxygenandfoodandthefasterthegrowthrate.Temperaturepartlydeterminestheconcentrationofoxygeninwater.Thesolubilityofoxygendecreaseswithincreasingtemperature,andsoconcentrationsareusuallylowerinsummer.

Silverperchhaveatemperaturetolerancerangeof2to38°Cwithoptimumgrowthoccurringbetween23and28°C.Duringwinterwhenwatertemperaturesarelower,silverperchwillrequirelessfoodandhaveaslowergrowthrate.Attemperaturesbelow10°Cthefishmayenterastateoftorpor,withgreatlyreducedappetiteandactivity.Asthewatertemperatureincreasesinspringandsummer,thefishwillrequirealargerquantityoffoodduetotheincreaseintheirmetabolicrate.Ifthetemperatureistoexceedthecriticallevelforaparticularspecies,fishmaybecomestressed,morevulnerabletodisease,stopgrowingandcandie.

Dissolved oxygenDissolvedoxygenisthemostcriticalandlimitingvariableinfishhusbandryandculture.likeallanimals,fishcannotlivewithoutoxygen.Althoughfishcansurviveatlevelsof4mg/l,theymaysufferstress,reducedgrowthandincreasedsusceptibilitytodisease.Oxygenenterswaterthroughdiffusionattheair-waterinterfaceandasaresultofphotosynthesiswhenthereareplantsinthewater.foraquaria,tanksandraceways,dissolvedoxygenisusuallysuppliedthroughlowpressurecompressorsorblowers(throughdiffuserslikeairstones).Inponds,paddlewheelaeratorsareamongthemostefficientmethodsoftransferringoxygenfromtheairtothewater.Thisalsohelpswithmixingwaterthroughoutthepond.


SalinitySalinityreferstothetotalconcentrateofalldissolvedions.ManyAustraliannativefishtolerateawiderangeinsalinity,withfreshwaterspeciescopingwithupto5g/landmanyestuarinespeciescopingwithsalinityaslowas10g/l.fishneedtobegiventimetoadjusttochangingsalinity.

phThedesirablerangeforfishisaround6–9,dependingonthespecies.ApHof4islethalformostspecieswhileprolongedexposuretopHlevelsofabove10isalsolethal.Othervariablesthatinfluencethewaterqualityincludealkalinity,hardness,turbidityandammonium,nitrite,hydrogensulphideandcarbondioxidelevels.

Water exchangePoorwaterqualitycanresultfrominadequatewaterexchange.waterexchangecanbeachievedthrough:•partialdrainingofthepondortankandthenreplacingthelostwater.•flow-throughsystemswiththepond,tankorracewayremainingfullthroughwater enteringandleavingthesystematthesametimefromdifferentlocations.•recirculatingsystems.

FiltrationThemaintenanceofwaterqualityintanksandaquariumscanbeassistedthroughafiltrationsystem.Thedifferenttypesoffiltrationinclude:•mechanical•chemical•biological.

CleaningTanksshouldbecleanedregularly,bysiphonorvacuumpump,toreduceproblemswiththeaccumulationoforganicmatter(uneatenfood,faeces)andfoulingorganisms,bacteriaandalgae.filtersneedtobebackwashedregularlytopreventbuildupanddecompositionofaccumulatingwastematerial.floorsanddrainsassociatedwithtankroomsshouldbecleanedandsterilisedonaregularbasis.Dilutepoolchlorineorsodiumhypochlorite(NaOCl20ppm)orcausticsoda(NaOH1%)aresuitablecleaningagentsforthispurpose.

Food requirements

TypeCommercialdietsareavailablefromanumberoffeedmanufacturersformarineandfreshwaterfishincludingdietsforlarvae,shouldbedesignedforthetargetspecies,lifestageandsize.Commercialfishdietsshouldbestoredforasshortatimeaspossiblebeforeuseandkeptcoolanddry.Ifthedietsaretobestoredforlongerthanonemonththeyshouldbekeptincool(<15ºC),dryconditionsorfrozen.Silverperchareoftenfedfreshorfrozenbaitfishoraquaticplantmaterial.Thisfoodneedstobestoredfrozenandcaremustbetakentoensureitisnotcontaminatedanddoesnotdeteriorate.


Quantity and regularityfishshouldbefedtooptimisesurvivalandgrowth.Eachspeciesshouldbefedappropriately.Iffisharenotfeedingvigorously,excessfeedingcanadverselyaffectwaterquality.Atsuchtimesfeedingshouldbereducedorsuspendeduntilconditionsimprove.

Normal behaviour

Varieswithspeciesandthereforeotherreferenceswillneedtobeconsultedforthetypeoffishyouplantokeep.

Signs of illness

Signsofillnessincludeskinlesionssuchasspots,finerosion,grosscoloniesofbacteria,ulcersorgrowths,floating,listing,swellingofthebodycavityandswimmingupsidedown.

Handling

fishmustnotbehandled.Asuitablenetcanbeusedtocapturethefish.

Euthanasia or humane killing

wherefishbecomesosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,euthanasiashouldbecarriedout.Thepreferredmethodofeuthanasiaisbyafirmtapontheheadwithasuitablebluntobjectfollowedbyrapidseveringofthespinalchord.

Disposal

fishshouldnotbereleasedintonaturalwaterwayswithouttheappropriatelicence.

Suggested references

WebsitesDepartmentofPrimaryIndustries/fishingandaquaculture,2005,StateofNSw,viewed25September2008.www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries

AquaculturecouncilofwA,viewed25September2008www.aquaculturecouncilwa.com/home

freshwaterfishspeciesindangerofextinction,viewed3March2009http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/13846/freshwaterspeciesriskofextinction.pdf

Nativefishfactsheet,viewed3March2009http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/water/fisheries_management/fish_information_sheets/native_fish


AustralianAquacultureportal,viewed3March2009http://www.australian-aquacultureportal.com/index.html

Printed textsGrant,E.M.(2002)Grant’s Guide To Fishes,E.M.GrantPtylimited,Brisbane.

Hollaway,M.andHamlyn,A.(2001)Freshwater Fishing in Queensland: a guide to stocked waters,DepartmentofPrimaryIndustries,Brisbane.

Merrick,J.R.andSchmidaG.E.(1984)Australian Freshwater Fishes: Biology andManagement,GriffinPresslimited,SouthAustralia.

DepartmentofPrimaryIndustries(2002)Fish Guide. Saltwater, Freshwater and Noxious Species,TheGreatOutdoorsPublications,Brisbane.

McDowall,R.(1996)Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia,ReedBooks,NSw.

Bryant,C.andRowland,S.J.(1994)Silver Perch Culture: Proceedings of Silver PerchAquaculture Workshops,NSwfisheries.

Contacts

MarineTeachersAssociationofNSw,C/-BallinaHighSchool,lockedBag1,BallinaNSw2478.

Approved activities: aquaculturePlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Anyactivitythatinvolvesremovingfishfromthewaterisprohibited,exceptwheretransferringfishforcleaningorrehousingpurposes.Removingfishfromwatertostudyrespirationorcirculationisnolongeracceptable.

A. Very low impact activities

• Observation of normal behaviour of fish(Category 1)Thismayincludeobservingactivitiessuchasfishswimming,feedingandbreathing.Observationdoesnotinvolvecaptureandstudentsmustnotknockonthetank.

• Fish photography (Category 1)Thiscanbeconductedeitherinasmallphotographytankorinanaquarium.Providesupervisionandcarewhentransferringfishtothephotographytankandbeawareoftheheatthatmaybegeneratedbyphotographiclights.Verygoodresultscanbeobtainedusingashort,telephotolensfittedtoadigitalcameraoracameraequippedwitha200ASAfilmandagoodlightingsystem.Ateacherofphotographymaysupervisethis.


B. Low impact activities

• Capture, restraint of fish (Category 2)Toallowsomemanagementactivitiestobecarriedout,e.g.cleaningofthetank,movingfishtoanothertank,fishmayneedtobecaught.Thisshouldbedoneusingasuitablenetandeveryeffortshouldbemadetoensurethatfishareoutofwaterfortheshortestpossibletime.wellestablishedroutinesshouldbeappliedtothecareandfeedingpatternsusedintheclassroomtobothminimisethefrequencyofcleaningandthemovingoffish.

C. Standard husbandry activities

4.1 Slaughter/euthanasia of stock(Category 5) (furtherpermissionrequired)

Aquariums


ThereisnotaseparatecodewithinTAMSforthecareanduseofaquariums.


InAustralia,thecommonnameforparticularfishspeciesisvariablebetweenstatesorevenbetweendifferentpartsofthesamestate.forthisreason,itisadvisabletousescientificnames.Asthereisalargevarietyoffish,thismaterialcanonlyprovideinformationingeneralterms.

Keysanddescriptionsofspeciescanbeobtainedfromscientificpublications.ThereisamplematerialaboutAustralianmarineandfreshwaterfish(refertothelistofreferences)andthefishdepartmentintheAustralianMuseumcanbecontactedformoredetailsconcerningidentification.

Awidevarietyoffishspecies,bothnativeandexotic,areavailablecommercially.Itisveryeasytokeepfishinanaquariumintheclassroom.Asaneducationaltool,aquariacanbeusedtostudythehabitatsoffish,theirreproductiveandotherbehavior.withasmallbreedingtank,forexample,studentscanwatchthespawning,hatchinganddevelopmentoffish.Inaschoolenvironment,itismucheasiertokeep,andmaintain,freshwatertanksthanmarineones.

wheredifferentspeciesarekeptinacommunityenvironment,considerationmustbegiventospeciescompatibility.Itisimportanttonotethat,assomefishgrow,theymaybullysmallerindividuals,evenofthesamespecies.whenconsideringwhichfishtouse,yourcapacitytomaintainandcareforthefishshouldalsobeconsidered.



Thoughtmustbegiventothecareoffishduringschoolholidaysandarrangementsmustbemadeforappropriatemaintenanceoftheaquariumduringtheseperiods.

TocollectfreshwaterfishfromtheenvironmentintheACTisillegal.AnlicensemaybeobtainedthroughtheACTDepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices.InNSwyouwillneedapermitfromNSwfisheries.

Varietalrangedifferencethereissome25000speciesoffishdividedintothreegroups:jawless,cartilaginousandbony.Manyofthesearesuitableforschoolaquaria.

Physical attributes

Size: thesizeofafishwillbedeterminedbyfactorssuchas thesizeoftheaquarium,numberofotherfishand availabilityoffood.GoldfishandRainbowfishrangefrom 10–160mm.weight: inanaquarium2–250g.Rangeofbreedingages: adulthoodvarieswiththespecies.Spawningcontinues fromadulthoodtodeath.Temperature: fisharepoikilothermic,thatis,theirbodytemperatureis determinedbytheirenvironment.Referenceswillneedto beconsultedforthephysicalattributesofparticular species.

Environment

Theleastcomplicatedenvironmentisanaturalpondintheschoolgrounds.Ifthisisnotpossible,anaquariumintheclassroomisrelativelysimpletomaintain.Thetankneedstobekeptatroomtemperatureandshouldnotbeexposedtodirectsunlight,asthesunlightwilloverheatthewaterandcausearapidgrowthofalgae.Itshouldincludeplantsandotherinvertebrates,andbeallowedtostabilizeforonetotwoweeksbeforethefishareadded.

filtrationandaerationcanbeaddedtofacilitatefishsurvivalbuteachadditionofphysicalsupporttothetankincreasestheprobabilityofthesystembreakingdown.Italsoaddstotheamountofmonitoringrequired.Iftropicalfisharetobekept,aheatingandtemperaturecontrolsystemmustbeused.

withamarinetank,thesystembecomesevenmorecomplexandisnotrecommendedunlessyouhavepriorexperienceandsuccessinanothercontextsuchasathome.

Thefollowingpointsaregeneralrulesforpreparingfreshwateraquariasuitablefortropicalandtemperatefishspecies,includingAustraliannativefish.

SpaceThesizeoftheaquariumdependsonthesizeofthefish.Aformuladeterminesthemaximumcarryingcapacityofanaquarium.Thisformulaprovidesforaround1.5cmlengthofafishper4.5litersofwater.Morespaceisrequiredifthetankisnot


ventilated.Oneortwosmallerones,connectedtoanaerator,mustbeusedfora35–70litretank.Moreshouldbeusedforbiggertanks.Bewareofoilscumonthesurfaceofthewater,asitwillinterferewithgasexchange.

CoversIntheschoolcontext,theuseofasuitablecoverisessentialforallaquaria.Thispreventsfishfromjumpingoutanddustandtoxins,suchasinsectsprays,enteringthetank.Aglassorothersolidcovershouldonlybeusedifthetankisventilated.foranunventilatedtank,itmaybenecessarytomakeaframeandcoverfromsuitablemesh.Appropriatecaremustbetakenifinsectsprayisused.Anadditionalcoversuchasatowelshouldbeleftinplaceforsixhoursaftersprayingtheroom.

Temperatureformosttropicalandtemperatefish,awatertemperaturerangeof22–25°Cisadequate.Anaquariumheatermaybeusedtocontrolthetemperature.

LightTheaquariumshouldnotbeexposedtodirectsunlightasthesunlightwilloverheatthewaterandcausearapidgrowthofalgae.Adiffused,filterednaturallightcanbeused.Ifusingartificiallight,fluorescenttubescanbeusedforalmostallaquariums.Atimermustcontroltheamountoflight.lightsmustnotbesuddenlyturnedonandoffbecausesomefishmaybecomeverynervousandmoveerraticallyaroundthetank.Adimmerlightswitchwillavoidthisproblem.Thecorrectlightingisveryimportantforaquariumplants.Inanewaquarium,12hoursofartificiallightingeachdayshouldbeenoughformostaquaticplants.Theexposuretimemaybeincreasedordecreaseduntilagoodplantgrowthrateisachieved.

ShelterAnaquariumshouldtrytoreplicatethenaturalenvironmentofthefish.

Beddingwashedrivergravelisidealasbedding.Thebottomofthetankshouldbecoveredwithanaverageof75mm.

FiltrationThisprocesshasaverysignificanteffectonthewaterqualityandfishhealth.Thethreetypesoffiltrationaremechanical,biologicalandchemical.Themostpopularandeasiesttoapplyismechanicalfiltration.

Cleaningwatershouldbechangedaboutonceeveryonetotwomonths.Itisimportantnottoreplaceallthewateratonce,20–25%ofthevolumeissufficient.Amajorcleaningshouldbeundertakenonceeveryfourmonths.Thefishmustberemoved,placedinacontainerwith25%oftheoriginaltankwaterandcovered.Thewallsofthetankmustbecleanedcarefully,withallchemicalresiduesfromthecleaningbeingrinsedaway.Thoroughlywashsandandgraveltoremoveanyaccumulateddebris.Thetankshouldbetwo-thirdsfilledwithtapwaterandallowedtostandforatleasthalfadaybeforetheremainingsandorgravel,waterandfisharereturnedtothetank.waterisagedbyleavingitstandfor24hoursorbyusingachemicalageingagent.


NestingDetailsaboutbreedingtanksvarywitheachspecies.Separatebreedingtanksmayberequired.

Food requirements

TypeTropicalandtemperatemanufacturedfoodsarerequiredtwiceaday.Ifthefishisanativethathasbeencollected,valuableinformationaboutfoodcanbeobtainedbyobservationofthehabitatandinreferencematerials.Othertypesoffoodsmaybegiven,forexample,frozenfoodmixtures,prawns,brineshrimpandmosquitolarvae.Unlessexpertadviceisavailable,commerciallyavailablefoodsarepreferred.

QuantityThisdependsonthetype,ageandnumberoffishinthetank.However,asageneralrule,sufficientfoodthatcanbeeatenwithinafewminutesshouldbegiven.Overfeedingcancausehealthproblems.

Regularityfeedingonceadayisusuallysufficient.Donotfeedmorethantwiceaday.

Waterforthefirstfilling,tapwatermustbelefttoageinthetankfor24hoursbeforeintroducingplantsorfish.ThemostimportantfactorstobemonitoredarethewaterpH,dissolvedoxygenandhardness.Therecommendedlevelsforatemperatureof20–25°CarepH6.5–8,anoxygenlevelnotlessthan5partspermillion(ppm)andtotalhardnessabout100ppm.

Normal behavior

Varieswithspeciesandthereforeotherreferenceswillneedtobeconsultedforthetypeoffishyouplantokeep.

Signs of illness

Signsofillnessincludeskinlesionssuchasspots,ulcersorgrowths,floating,listingandswimmingupsidedown.

Handling

fishmustnotbehandled.Asmallaquariumnetcanbeusedtocapturethefish.

Euthanasia

Inthecaseofananimalbecomingsosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,andtheneuthanasiamustbearrangedwithapersoncompetentinthetechniquewiththisspecies.


Disposal

SeeDisposal of Animalsonpage25,inPartAoftheguidelines.fishshouldnotbereleasedintonaturalwaterwayswithouttheappropriatelicense.


Web sitesfishesAustralianMuseumfishSite,2004,AustralianMuseum,viewed25September2008http://www.austmus.gov.au/fishes/index.cfm

RecreationalfishingintheACT,2006,DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,ACTGovernment,viewed25September252008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/play/parks_forests_and_reserves/recreation_in_acts_parks_forests_and_bushlands/recreational_fishing_in_the_act

DepartmentofPrimaryIndustries/fishingandaquaculture,2005,StateofNSw,viewed25September2008.www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries

AquaculturecouncilofwA,viewed25September2008www.aquaculturecouncilwa.com/home

freshwaterfishspeciesindangerofextinction,viewed3March2009http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/13846/freshwaterspeciesriskofextinction.pdf

Nativefishfactsheet,viewed3March2009http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/water/fisheries_management/fish_information_sheets/native_fish

AustralianAquacultureportal,viewed3March2009http://www.australian-aquacultureportal.com/index.html

Printed textsThefollowingpublicationsareusefulforeducationalpurposesandforestablishingaquaria:

Allen,G.R.andCross,N.J.(1982)Rainbow fish of Australia and Papua New Guinea,AngusandRobertson,Sydney.

Grant,E.M.(1982)Guide to Fish,5thedition,Co-ordinatorGeneral’sDepartmentBrisbane,Queensland.

leggett,R.andMerrick,J.R.(1987)Australian Native Fish for Aquariums,J.R.Merrick,Sydney.

McDowall,R.M.(ed.)(1980)Freshwater Fish of southeastern Australia,(NewSouthwales,VictoriaandTasmania)A.H.andA.w.ReedPtyltd,Sydney.

McInerny,D.andGerard,G.(1980)All about tropical fish,3rdedition,Harrap,london.


Merrick,J.R.andSchmida,G.E.(1984)Australian Freshwater Fish: Biology and Management,J.R.Merrick,Sydney.Munro,I.S.R.(1958)HandbookofAustralianfishes.CSIRO,Australia.

Contacts

TheCanberraandDistrictAquariumSociety,http://www.cdas.org.au/index.htm

Approved activities: aquariumPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.

Anyactivitythatinvolvesremovingfishfromthewaterisprohibited,exceptwheretransferringfishforcleaningorrehousingpurposes.Removingfishfromwatertostudyrespirationorcirculationisprohibited.


• Observation of normal behavior offish (Category 1)Thismayincludeobservingactivitiessuchasfishswimming,feedingandbreathing.Observationdoesnotinvolvecaptureandstudentsmustnotknockonthetank.

• Fish photography (Category 1)Thiscanbeconductedeitherinasmallphotographytankorinanaquarium.Providesupervisionandcarewhentransferringfishtothephotographytankandbeawareoftheheatthatmaybegeneratedbyphotographiclights.Verygoodresultscanbeobtainedusingashort,telephotolensfittedtoacameraequippedwitha200ASAfilmandagoodlightingsystem.Ateacherofphotographymaysupervisethisactivity.


• Appropriate care of classroom pets (Category 2)Studentsmustonlyuncoverthetankandfeedthefishundersupervision,accordingtoarosterorwhentheyhaveacquiredthenecessaryskills.Studentscanchangethewaterandcleanthetank.Inthecaseofmajorcleaning,fishmustberemovedfromthetank,usinganaquariumnet,beforethestartofthecleaningprocess.Caremustbetakentoensurethatfishareoutofwaterfortheshortestpossibletime.well-establishedroutinesshouldbeappliedtothecareandfeedingpatternsusedintheclassroom.Routinesforcleaningandmaintenancemusttakeintoaccountschoolholidaytimes.

Australiannativeanimals(excludingfrogsandtadpoles)

Thisspeciesspecificguidelineisaguideonlyandwasaccurateatthetimeofpublication.StaffresponsibleforanimalsinschoolsshouldrefertotheACT Codes of practice for the welfare of animalstoensurethatcurrentACTlegislationisfollowed.

ThereisnotaseparatecodewithinTAMSforthecareanduseofaquariums.


NativefaunaisprotectedthroughoutAustraliabyStateandTerritorylaws.IntheACTallnativemammals,birds,reptilesandamphibiansareprotectedbytheNatureconservationact1980.Alicenceisrequiredtokeep,possess,breed,buy,sellordisposeofnativeanimals.

Undernocircumstancesshouldnativeanimalsbetrapped.

Anyteacherwhowantsto:•keepnativeanimalsaspets•keepandusenativeanimalsforeducationalpurposes•carryoutresearchintoprotectedfauna•movenativeanimalsacrossstateandterritoryborders ‘must’obtainalicencefromtheDepartmentofTerritory andMunicipalServices(TAMS).

Alistofprotectednativebirdspeciescanbeaccessedfromhttp://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/native_plants_and_animals/native_fauna/protected_native_animals

Alistofspeciesofnativebirdsandotheranimalsthatareexemptfromtherequirementforalicenceisavailable



throughDepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,2008,ACTGovernment.http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/wildlife/birds(viewed29September2008)

Informationaboutprotectednativebirdscanbeobtainedfromhttp://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/wildlife/native_plants_and_animals/native_fauna/protected_native_animal_information_sheet(viewed17December2008)

Anyteacherwhoisplanningtokeepanyspeciesofnativeanimal,otherthanthespecieslistedasexempt,orwhoalreadykeepsnativeanimalsforeducationalpurposesmustobtainalicencefromTAMS.Thislicenceallowstheanimalstobeusedforeducationalpurposesandtobetransportedforholidaycare.

Suggested resources

WebsitesKangaroosKeptIntentionallyinCaptivity

wildlife–Injured,SickorOrphaned

DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,2008,ACTGovernment, Codes of practice viewed29September2008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/local_wildlife/animalwelfare/animalwelfarestandards-codesofpractice

HowtoliveinharmonywiththelocalwildlifethataboundsinourBushCapital

DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,2008,ACTGovernment,viewed29September2008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/wildlife

Printed resourcesweigel,J(1988)Care of Australian reptiles in Captivity,ReptileKeepersAssociation,Sydney.

Contacts


Axolotls


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon3March2009at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/48813/amphibiansincaptivitywelfare-codeofpractice.pdf


Environment

Axolotlsshouldnotbekeptinaquariumswithotherspecies.

Adultsupervisionandasuitableretreatthatminimizesstressfromnoise,lightandsightshouldbeprovided.

Inanenclosure,axolotlsarevulnerableandwillrequireprotectionfrom:•verminandhouseholdpets;•escape;•directsunlight;•airborncontaminantssuchasaerosolsprays,smoke, vapoursandfumes;•chemicalssuchascleaningproducts;•extremesoftemperature;•excessivenoise;and•youngchildrenandroughorexcessivehandling.

SpaceAnaquarium,60cmx40cmx40cm,willhouseafull-grownpairofaxolotls.Thewaterheightshouldbe20–25cmordeepenoughtocoverthebacklegsoftheaxolotle.Tanksshouldeithercontainnogravelorhavegravellargeenoughthatitcannotbeswallowed.



Enclosuresforcaptiveamphibians:•shouldbeconstructedofmaterialthatiseasytoclean;•shouldbeeasilyaccessibletothehandlerformaintenance;•shouldhaveadequatespaceforthegivenindividualstomoveandexercise;and•shouldbewellventilated.


WaterThisisthemostimportantcomponentoftheaxolotlsenvironment.Neverhousetheminextremelysoftordistilledwater.Removeanychlorine,chloraminesorammoniathatmayhavebeenaddedaspartofwatertreatment.Commercialpreparationsareavailableforthispurposeorwatercanbeaged.KeepthepHbetween6.5and8.0.filtrationisnecessarytoprovideadequateoxygenlevelsinthewater.(Seefiltrationbelow)

Temperature

Axolotlsthriveatcooltemperatures.Theoptimumrangeis15–18°C.Theyshouldneverbekeptabove22°C.Topreventoverheating,neverhouseaxolotlswheretheyareexposedtodirectsun.Duringheatwaves,evaporativecoolingcanbeprovidedbydrapingadamptoweloverthetankwith,ifnecessary,thetowelendsinawaterbowlandafanforairmovement.

LightingAxolotlspreferdimlight.Normalindoorlighting,withoutaquariumlights,issufficient.Ifthetankisbrightlylitforthebenefitoflivewaterplants,thendarkerareasmustalsobeestablished.Ultravioletlightingsuitablefor‘reptiles’canbeusedtoensureadequateUVlightingfortheproductionofVitaminD.CareneedstobetakentoensurethisisnotbrightorstrongfortheAxolotl.OtherformsofUVlightingarenotsuitable.Aday/nightcyclesimilarthatfollowsseasonalchangeisrecommended.

VentilationAnaquariumlidisnotnecessaryifthewatersurfaceisatleast7cmlowerthanthetop.Thetankshouldbeaeratedasaxolotlsextractoxygenfromthewaterthroughtheirgills.Inlaboratorysettings,ameshorothersuitablecover,maybeappropriate.

FiltrationRapidlycirculatingwaterisstressfultoaxolotls.Iffiltrationisused,therateofcirculationshouldbeapproximately4to5timesanhour.

ShelterAclumpofwaterplantsorarockyoverhangprovidesarefugefrombrightlightsandfromotheraxolotls.waterplantsorsubmergedrockcanbeusedtoallowaxolotlstoescapefromdeepwater.

Cleaningweeklypartialwaterchanges,involvingremovalofabout25%ofthewater,isrecommended,usingconditionedwaterofthesametemperature.Regularremovalofsolidwasteisnecessary.Bacterialscumthatgrowsontheaquariummustbe


removedregularlyasitcanaffecttheaxolotl’sskinandcausetoeloss.Oncethewaterhasbeenremoved,thetankcanbecleanedsafelywithascourpaddippedinamixtureofbakingsodaandsaltata2:1ratio.Rinsethetankgentlyandfillwithconditionedwater.Avoidbleach,detergentsanddisinfectantsinthetank.Priortodisposalofthewastewater,addableachsolutionofonepartbleachtofivepartswater.Pourthewaterdownatoiletbowl.Untreatedwatershouldnotbediscardedintostormwaterdrainsorseptictanksystems.

SubstrateSubstratesshouldeitherbeavoidedorbelargeenoughtonotbeswallowedandcauseconstipation.

Anymaterialusedonthebottomofyourenclosurewillneedtobe:•Easytoclean;•freeofbacteria;•Non-adherent.

Newsubstratetobeintroducedtoatankshouldbedisinfectedbythoroughlydryingeitherinsunlightorbydryinginaslowovenfor2–3hourswithfrequentturning.

Breeding

Breedingshouldbeavoidedinschoolswherepossible.Ifcarriedout,thenre-homingmustbeconsideredandsuitablehomesfound.licensingforthesaleofaxolotlsmayberequired.(Seecodesofpracticeforfurtherinformation).

Quarantine

fiveweeksofquarantineinaseparateenclosureisrecommendedbeforeanaxolotlisintroducedtoatankcontainingotheraxolotls.Sickanimalsshouldberemovedandplacedinquarantinewhilerecovering.

Food requirements

Type

Earthworms,insects,smallcrustaceans;narrowstripsofrawleanbeef,fishorchicken,fedbyhandandwiggled;manywilllearntotakepelletfoodforcarnivorousfish,e.g.salmonpelletswithapreferenceforsofterpellets.Hatchlingstakebrineshrimp,tubifexworms,waterfleasandsmallinsects.

Quantityfeedadultsthreetimesaweek,withasmuchastheywillconsumewithinaboutonehour.feedjuvenilesmoreoften.Removeuneatenfoodandexcretapromptly.

Essential dietary needs (variations)Axolotlsrequireavarietyoffooditems,asmonotonousdietsmaycausenutritionaldeficiencies.


Normal behaviour

Axolotlsaremoreactiveatnightthanduringtheday.Inbrightlight,theytendtorestundercoverofvegetationorunderoverhangs.Axolotlsarecannibalisticwhendifferentsizerangesarekepttogetheroriftheyareunderfed.

IncheckingthedailyhealthofanAxolotl,considerationshouldbegivento:postureandattitudeinandoutofwateractivitylevelinandoutofwaterresponsetostimuliincludinghandlingwithdrawalreflexandtheabilitytorightitselfassessmentofbodyconditionassessmentofstateofhydrationappetiteanddietaryhistory,andobservingfaecalmatterforanyabnormalities.

Signs of illness

Theaxolotlmayshowsignsof:•lossofappetite•deteriorationofthegills•jaundice•skinlesions•backdeformities•poorbalancewhileswimming•injuriestolimbs,gillsortail

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.

Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofillhealth,assistancefromaveterinarianfamiliarwithaxolotlsshouldbesought.Aquariumfishremediescanbetoxictoaxolotlsandshouldnotbeusedwithoutconsultationwithanexpert.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Handling

Axolotlsshouldbehandledaslittleaspossibleandshouldnotbekeptoutofwater.whencaptureisnecessary,anaquariumnetshouldbeused.Axolotlsarebestexaminedinclear,watertightplasticbags,half-filledwithwater.

Careshouldbeexercisedwhenhandlingisnecessarytopreventinjuryanddiscomforttotheanimal.Theanimal’sabdomenshouldbesupportedbythepalmofthehandwiththeotherhandplacedoveritsshoulderstopreventescape.Amphibiansshouldbeheldsecurely,butnottightly,astheirbonesarefragile.


Transport

Axolotlsaresensitivetosunlightsoitispreferabletotransporttheminadarkenedcontainerusingitsowntankwater.Donotplaceheavyrocksordecorationsinthetankastheycouldmoveandinjuretheamphibian.Theyshouldbetransportedinasealedplasticcontainerwithasmallamountofcottonwoolsoakedinwater.Transporttimeshouldbekepttoaminimum.Ifabriefstopisrequiredduringtravelling,thevehicleshouldbeleftinashadyspotwithfreshaircirculating.Ifalongerstopinrequired,(longerthan30minutes)removetheanimalsfromthevehicleandkeeptheminacoolplace.

Euthanasia

whereananimalbecomessosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,theneuthanasiamustbearrangedwithaveterinarian.

Disposal

Axolotlsareanintroducedspeciesandmustneverbereleasedintotheenvironment.


Web sitesBurkesbackyardfactsheets,2007-2008CTCProductions,viewed25September2008http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/factsheets/Others/Axolotls/365

KidcyberPetPages,July2007,Axolotls(2002).[Online],Available:www.kidcyber.com.au,viewed25September2008http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/petsaxolo.htm

Axolotl,1999-2008,JohnP.Clare&Caudata.org,viewed25September2008http://www.axolotl.org/

DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,2008,ACTGovernment,viewed29September2008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/local_wildlife/animalwelfare/animalwelfarestandards-codesofpractice

Printed textsIndiviglio,f.(1997)Newts and Salamanders: A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual,Barron’sPetHandbooks,NewYork.

Approved activities: axolotlsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines



• Observation of normal behaviour of axolotls (Category 1)Thismayincludeobservingactivitiessuchasaxolotlswimming,feedingandbreathing.Observationdoesnotinvolvecaptureandstudentsmustnotknockonthetank.


• Appropriate care of classroom pets(Category 2)Studentsmustonlyuncoverthetankandfeedtheaxolotlundersupervision,accordingtoarosterorwhentheyhaveacquiredthenecessaryskills

Cagedbirds


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March09at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/13045/captivebirdwelfare-codeofpractice.pdf

Alistofprotectedspeciesisavailableat:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/native_plants_and_animals/licensing_of_plants_and_animals/protected_native_animals

Alistofspeciesthatcanbeheldwithoutalicenseisavailableat:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/native_plants_and_animals/licensing_of_plants_and_animals/exempt_animals


Varietal range difference

Theseguidelinesaresuitableforthevarietyofbirdscommonlykeptascagedpetssuchasbudgerigars,canariesandfinches.

Basic requirements•accommodationdesignedtosuitthebirds’physical characteristicsandbehaviours•spaceenoughtofly,roostandeludeothercagedbirds•shelterfromdraught,directsunlightthroughwindows andacapacitytocontroltemperature,ventilationand lighting•protectionfrommenaceorintimidationbypredators•feedandwatertoprovideessentialnutrients



•protectionfromdisease•regularsurveillancetodetectproblems.

Environment

Inthedesignofanybirdcage,theratiobetweenthelengthandwidthofthecage,atrightanglestoeachother,shouldnotexceed4:1unlesstheshorterofthesetwolinesisatleast900mmlong.Theshorterdistanceshouldbeatleasttwicethespanofthewingsofthelargestbirdtobekeptinthecage.

Cageconstructionshouldbeofstrongimperviousmaterialsthatcanbethoroughlywashedandsterilized.

Metalperchesareunsuitable.woodenperchesmustbeprovidedandhaveadiameterandlengththatenableeverybirdinthecagetoperchcomfortably.Perchesshouldnotimpedelinesofflightorbeplaceddirectlyaboveotherperchesorfoodanddrinkcontainers.Hangingdecorations,toysandvegetationinsidethecageshouldnotbeallowedtoclutterthecageorimpedelinesofflight.

Stepsshouldbetakentoensurethat,asfaraspracticable,birdscanbeattendedtopromptlyintheeventoffire,flood,injuryordisease.


FoodAdequatefoodsuitablefortheneedsoftheparticularspeciesofbirdshouldbeavailableatalltimes.Containersusedtosupplyfeedshouldnotbeconstructedorusedinamannerthatmaycauseinjurytothebirds.Theyshouldbesituatedincagesinapositionwherethefoodisleastlikelytobespoiledorcontaminatedbyfaeces.foodshouldbechangeddailyandstalefoodremoved.

Avarieddietshouldbesupplied,alternatingregularlybetweenfreshfruit,vegetablesandseedinggrasses,asappropriatetothebirdspeciesbeingfed.Mixedgritandasourceofcalciumshouldbeavailable.

WaterClean,coolwatermustbeavailableatalltimes.watercontainersshouldnotbelocatedindirectsunlightorplacedinpositionswheretheyarelikelytobecomecontaminatedbyfaeces.Containersshouldbekeptinacleancondition,freeofforeignmatter,throughweeklywashingwithalowtoxicitydisinfectantandrinsing.

Handling

Birdsshouldbeconditionedtoaccepthandling.Theyneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcare.Trainingbirdstoaccepttransferbetweencagesonadailybasisensuresthattheycanbehandledeasily,providesalevelofenvironmentalenrichmentandmayameliorateterritorialbehaviour.


Normal behaviour

Acagedbirdisnormallyalertwithanerectcarriage.Cagedbirdsshouldbeabletoflyfreely.Thecuttingoffeathersorpinioningofwings,unlessadvisedbyaveterinarianfortherapeuticreasons,mustnotoccur.

Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethods,andinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprograms,shouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.Allactionshouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Signs of illness

Birdsmayshow:

changes in:•appearanceofdroppings•foodorwaterconsumption• attitudeorbehaviour•appearanceorposture•bodyweight•rateordepthofrespiration;

or evidence of:•enlargementsorswelling•vomiting,injuryorbleeding•dischargefromnostrils,eyesorbeak.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofillhealth,assistancefromaveterinarian,familiarwithcagedbirds,shouldbesought.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia

whereananimalbecomessosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,theneuthanasiamustbearrangedwithaveterinarian.

Disposal

Cagedbirdscanbesoldprivately.Carcasesmustbedisposedofinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.


Suggested resources

Web sitesAworldofPetcare,2000,Petalia™&©2000Petsite.comltd,viewed29September2008http://www.petalia.com.au/Home/

AustralianPetlink,2008,AustralianPetlink,viewed29September2008http://www.petlink.com.au/Birds/


Printed textsPizzey,G.andKnight,f.,(2007)Field Guide to the Birds of Australia,AngusandRobertson,imprintofHarperCollinsPublishers,Sydney

Koepff,C.andRomagnano,A.(2001)The Finch Handbook,Barron’sPetHandbooks,NewYork.

Macwhirter,P.(ed.)(1987)Everybird: A Guide to Bird Health,IntlSpecialisedBookService.Steele-Boyce,N.(ed.).AustralianBirdkeeperMagazine.

Vriends,M.andHeming-Vriends,T.(2001)The Canary Handbook,Barron’sPetHandbooks,NewYork.

Approved activities: birdsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of normal behaviour (Category 1)Observationdoesnotinvolvecapture.Careshouldbetakentolimitthenoiseandactivityofstudentsduringobservations,especiallyforbirdswhicharenottame.Allowasmuchdistanceaspossiblebetweenthestudentsandbirds.Studentsshouldbeencouragedtousebinocularsoracamerawithatelephotolens.


• Capture, restraint and handling(Category 2)Onlybirdsthathavebeenconditionedtoaccepthandlingshouldbeusedforthisactivity.Toavoidstress,birdsmustbeheldfortheleasttimepossible.Capturesshouldnotberepeated.


Beforeabirdisreleased,itmustbegivenaclearviewofthereleaseenvironmenttoavoidblindcollision.Prolongedactivityinoneaviaryshouldbeavoidedasallbirds,notjustthetargetone,willbecomestressedbythepresenceofpeople.


6. respiration (Category 2)Respirationshouldbemeasuredbyobservationonlyandnotbycaptivemethods.Timetheriseandfallofthebreastregion.Keepyourdistanceandminimisenoise.

D. Measurement of mild dietary effects

4. palatability (Category 3)Palatabilitymaybetestedbyofferingarangeoffoodssimultaneouslyandobservingbirdspreferencesorbycomparingvolumesofvariousfeedseaten.Timingtheperiodtakenforbirdstoinvestigateandbeginconsumingnewlyintroducedfeedtypeswouldbeappropriate.Highsugarfeedsorotherunsuitablefeedtypesshouldnotbegiven,norshouldthebirdbedeprivedofitsregulardiet.EnsurethatstudentsareawarethatfoodsthataresuitableforhumansmayNOTbeappropriateforbirds.Chocolate,coffeeandavocadoarepoisonoustobirds


2. taming/gentling (Category 3)

3. training (Category 3)Becauseofthetimeinvolvedintrainingparrots,itisunlikelythatthisactivitywouldbecarriedoutinschools.Ateacher,usinganalreadytrainedbird,maychoosetodemonstratetheprinciplesinvolved.Parrotscanbetamedandtrainedtoperformavastrangeoftricksandactivitiesincludingspeech.Thebirdsshouldberewardedfordesirablebehaviours,generallywithfood,butnormalfeedingmustnotbewithheldoroverlooked.Punishment,especiallyphysicalforms,shouldnotbeusedasadeterrentforundesirableactions.Rewardthebird’sspontaneousactionsthatapproximatedesiredbehaviour.Repetitionisthekeytosuccessanditmaytakeyearstoperfecttheperformanceofasingledesiredactiononcommand.


1. feathers (Category 2)feathersfoundinthecageshouldbeusedratherthanattemptingtotakefeathersfromthebird.featherpluckinginvolvesstress.


1. administering treatments

topical•spray(Category3)


oral•drench(Category3)

injection•subcutaneous(Category3)•intramuscular(Category3)

Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofparasitecontrolforallbirds.whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allbirdsshouldbetreatedatthesametime.Vaccinationshouldbecarriedoutbyaveterinarianunlessanexperiencedaviculturistispresent.Allactivitiesneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.whenusingdrenches,externalparasitecontrolchemicalsoranyotheranimalcarechemicals,caremustbetakento:•readalllabels•maintainappropriatestorage•adheretowithholdingperiods•determinetheweightofanimals•determinethecorrectdoserate•useprotectiveclothingifrequired.

Oralmedicationssuchaswormingcompoundsandvitaminandmineralsupplementsmaybeadministeredinthefeedorwater.Checktheinstructions.waterisgenerallywithdrawnfrombirdsovernighttoincreasethebird’sthirstpriortoadministeringmedicationsinthewater.Avoidwaterwithdrawalduringthedayparticularlyinhotweather.Drinkcontainersneedtobesuitablyanchoredtopreventtipping.

Itispossibletocontrolmitesandlicebyhangingapeststripintheareawherebirdsroostatnight.Onlypyrethrinbasedinsecticidesshouldbeusedincagesandonlyinaccordancewithdirectionsonthelabels.

2. toe nail trimmingToenailtrimmingshouldonlybecarriedoutbyexperiencedhandlers.Excessivelylongtoenailsshouldbetrimmedwithoutdrawingblood,buttoesshouldnotbecutwiththeintentofpermanentlypreventingnailgrowth.Overgrownnails,particularlyinsmallcages,maybeindicativeofinadequateconditions.

3. beak trimming Beaktrimmingmustbeperformedonlybyanaccreditedoperatorandmustbeperformedonlyinaccordancewithagreedaccreditationstandards.

4. transportationTransportinevitablycausesstressandthereforeshouldbekepttotheminimumnecessary.

Transportcagesshouldnotbetoolargebutshouldbespaciousenoughforthebirdstomovearound.forsomespeciestheroofoftransportboxesshouldbepaddedtopreventheadinjuries.Otherspeciesmayrequiretransportationinbagse.g.pheasants.Containersshouldbedarkened.Allwiremetalcagesshouldbecoveredwithdarkclothduringtransport,takingcarenottoobstructventilation.


feedshouldalwaysbeavailableduringtransport,especiallyforsmalloryoungbirds,andwatershouldbeprovidedatintervals,especiallyinhotperiods.Anexceptiontothisadviceisthatchickensbeingtransportedinthefirst24hoursoflife,donotrequirefoodorwaterinnormalcircumstances.Birdsdonottolerateextremesoftemperatureandshouldnotbeleftinparkedvehiclesinthesunorhotweather.

5. quarantineNewlyacquiredbirdsshouldbequarantinedforasuitableperiodfortreatmentandobservationbeforebeingreleasedintopermanenthousing.Afterquarantineabirdshouldonlybereleasedintonewsurroundingsearlyinthedaytoallowtimetoadjusttothenewenvironmentbynightfall.Theexceptiontothisiswhenpoultryarebeingintroducedtootherunfamiliarpoultry.Thisshouldalwaysbedoneduringthenight-timetoreducetheriskofinjuryduetofighting.


Cats


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon3March2009at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/12983/welfare_of_Cats_-_Code_of_Practice.pdf


whencatsvisitclassrooms,itisinappropriatetosubjectthemtoanyproceduresotherthanobservation,discussionofbehaviourandlimited,well-supervisedhandling.

Catsarenotconsideredsuitableanimalsforhousingatschool.


Manydifferentanddistinctbreedsexist.Catscanusuallybedividedintotwogroups:•longhairs•Shorthairs.

Physical attributes

length: 50–70cmheadtotailtipweight: 3–7kgBreedingage: from4–5monthsoldNumberofoffspring: 1–9weaningage: 5–8weeksGestationperiod: 58–65daysHealthycharacteristics: temperature:37.5°CHeartrate: 70–150/minuteRespirationrate:2 0–100/minute.


Environment

Catslikesafe,secureareastosleepinandtendtolikeheightwherepossible.Aboxenclosedonthreesidesoranopentransportbasketaresuitable.Theylikebedding,sowashableblanketsortowelsareverysuitable.

Catsburytheirfaecesandurineso,whenkeptindoors,theymustbeprovidedwithalittertray.Thisisbestmadeofplastictoallowforeasy,regularcleaninganddisinfecting.Itshouldcontainfreshsoil,woodshavingsorsomeotherabsorbentmaterialdesignedforthispurpose.Thelittershouldbechangedatleastoncedailytopreventabuild-upofcontaminatedmaterialandodours.Goodventilationisimportant.littertraysneedtobeinaquietareawherethereisminimalchanceofdisruptingthecat.


Catsmustbefedabalancedandnutritiousdietappropriatetotheirlevelofdevelopment.

weanedkittens,uptothreemonthsold,mustbefedtwiceadayorcanbefedadlibastheylearntoeatonlywhattheyrequire.

Oldercats,whichhavebeenfedatcertaintimes,shouldnotbechangedtoadlibfeedingastheytendtogorgeandovereat,leadingtoobesity.

Adultcatsmustbefedatleastonceaday.Everyadultanimalshouldbefedfromanindividual,cleanfoodbowl.Pregnantorlactatingcatsshouldbefedatleasttwicedaily.

Acat’sfoodmustbestoredandpreparedhygienicallytoensurethatitremainsfreshanduncontaminated.freshwatermustbefreelyavailableatalltimes.

Handling

Catsneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytoboththeanimalsandthehandlers.

Catsshouldbeliftedbysupportingtheirchestandrump.Theyshouldnotbepulledupbythefrontlegsandadultcatsshouldnotbeliftedbythescruff.

Catsshouldbetransportedinasecurewire,plastic,woodorastrong,cardboardcontainer.

Normal behaviour

Catsaresolitaryinthewildbutenjoyhumancompanywhenraiseddomestically.Theynormallysleepformuchofthedayand,whenawake,spendalotoftimegroomingthemselves.

Catsuseclawsandteethfordefenceand,ifaggressive,overstimulatedorthreatened,theymayscratchandbite.Catsshowingdifficulttemperamentsshouldnotbeusedintheschoolsituation.

Itisrecommendedthatcatsbedesexedattheappropriateage.


Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.Allactivitiesshouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Signs of illness

Asickcatmayshowanyofthefollowing:•lethargy•lossofappetite•unkemptcoat•lameness•coughing•sneezing•diarrhoea•excessivedribbling•droopingtongue•runnyeyesornose.

Catssufferingstressoftendisplayoneormoresignsofill-health.Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofill-health,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithcats.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentsgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia

Inthecaseofananimalbecomingsosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,theneuthanasiamustbearrangedwithalocalveterinarian.

Disposal

Adisposalplanneedstobeconsideredbeforeusingananimalinanyprogram.

Suggested resources

WebsitesDepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,2008,ACTGovernment,viewed29September2008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/local_wildlife/animalwelfare/animalwelfarestandards-codesofpractice

AmericanSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals(ASPCA),2008,ASPCA,viewed29September2008www.aspca.org/media

RSPCA,2007,RSPCA.org,viewed29September2008www.rspca.org.au


Printed textsDavis,K.C.(2000)The Cat Handbook,Barron’sPetHandbooks,NewYork.

fogle,B.(1995)The Cat’s Mind,Penguin,England.

Contacts


Approved activities: catsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.

A. Very low impact activities:

• Observation of the normal behaviour of animals (Category 1)

Intheclassroomsituation,itisunlikelythatstudentswillbeabletoobservethenormalbehaviourofacat.Observationmaybeanappropriatehomeworkactivity.

B. Low impact activities:

• Capture, restraint and handling (Category 2)Studentsmustbeinstructedonappropriatemethodsofhandling.Donotallowtoomanystudentstohandleacatatthesametime.


Cattle


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March09at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/13822/cattlewelfare-codeofpractice.pdf


Activitiesinvolvinglargedomesticandfarmanimalsthatmightstandon,crushorotherwisecausephysicalinjurytoapersonareclassedas‘highrisk’(level3)activitiesinthePolicyandGuidelinesforRiskManagementinACTGovernmentSecondarySciencePrograms2001.Highriskactivitieshavethepotentialforriskofseriousinjurytostudentsorothers(e.g.anirreversibleinjury,permanentdamagetohealthorafatality).





Manydifferentanddistinctbreedsexist.Cattleareusuallydividedintotwogroups:•Dairycattleusedformilkproduction,e.g.fresian,JerseyandIllawarra•Beefcattleusedformeatproduction,e.g.Hereford,Angus,MurrayGreyand Brahman.

Physical attributesSize: variesgreatlybetweenbreeds.Matureheightsupto1.5 metresweight: variesgreatlywithbreedandstageofgrowth,mayvaryfrom 400to800kgAgeatadultsize: variesbetweenbreeds,between2and4yearsweightatbirth: smallbreeds15–20kglargebreeds35–40+kgGestationperiod: average282days,range275–290daysNumberofoffspring: normallyoneRangeofbreedingages: matingbeginsfrom15–18months,reproductivelife 8–10yearsweaningage: 6–8monthsHealthycharacteristics:Temperature:38.6°C,range37.0º–39.3°CRespirationrate: 20–40/minHeartrate: 40–100/minOther: moistmuzzle,activeandalert,glossycoat,clearbrighteyes.

Environment

Cattlemaybekeptinextensivesituationsinapaddock.Moreintensivesituations,suchasfeedlotsarenotrecommendedforschoolsotherthanforshortperiodsoftime.Cattleperformwellinanopenpasturethathasplentyofavailablewateraswellasshelterfromwind,rainandsun.Theminimumspacerequiredinextensivesituationsis0.5haperheadassumingthepastureisbalancedandwellmaintained.


forcattlekeptinintensivesituations,caremustbetakenwiththefollowing:

Movement and exerciseCattleshouldbeexerciseddaily.

TemperatureHeatstresscanbeaconcern.Installs,provideadequateventilation;infeedlots,accesstoshade,suchastreesorshelter,ispreferable.

LightNospecialrequirements.


VentilationInstalls,allowfreeairmovementwithoutcreatingdraughts.

BeddingSuitablematerialsforstallsincludestraw,sandorsawdust.Suitabledrainageneedstobeprovided.

CleaningCleanthestallsdaily.

forfurtherinformationaboutyarding,pleaserefertopages5and6oftheACTCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals-Cattle

feedlotoperationsmustcomplywithconditionsspecifiedinthefollowingpublications:The Feedlot Manual NSW,publishedbyNSwAgriculture.

National Guidelines for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Australia(2ndedition),StandingCommitteeonAgricultureandResourceManagement.


Cattlearemostefficient,intermsofdigestion,withgoodqualitypasturecomprisingabalanceofgrassesandlegumes.fresh,cleanwaterthatisreadilyaccessibleisalsoneededforefficientgrowth.Caremustbetakenwhencattleareputonpastureswithahighlegumecontentasbloatcanoccur.

Remember,whenfeedingbyhand,theruleistointroducenewfoodtypesslowlyandcarefully,donotfeedexcessivegrains,feedplentyofhighqualityroughageandfeedsmallamountsatfrequentintervals.

Monitoringofliveweightorconditionscoringwillindicatetheadequacyorotherwiseofthefeedconditions.

TypeYoungcalves:suckleoncoworusemilkreplacer.Oldercattle:grazingisthemosteconomical.Supplementaryfeedingwithhayandconcentratemixesmaybenecessary.Ifthecattlearesolelygrazed,alocalveterinarianshouldbeconsultedtodetermineifthereisaneedforspecificsupplementation.

QuantityVarieswithweight,stageofgrowthandstageofproduction.Asaguide,anaverage450kgcowrequires0.5haofgoodqualitypasture.Tohandfeedthesamecowrequiresapproximately10kgofconcentratesplushay,eachday.

Regularityforhandfeeding,providefoodtwicedailyforyoungcalvesanddailyforothercattle.

Essentialdietaryneeds(variations)Newborncalvesmustgetcolostruminthefirst24hours.


WaterAclean,fresh,reliablesupplyisnecessary.Asaguide,asmallcowwillrequire30–50litresperdayandmoreifsheislactating.forcattlekeptinintensivesystems,feedbinsshouldbeoffthegroundandautomaticwaterers,whichsupplyclean,freshwateratalltimes,shouldbeinstalledandcheckeddaily.

Handling

Cattleneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimalsandthehandlers.Asetofsolidyards,preferablyincludingaraceandcrushorheadbail,isnecessaryfortheadequatehandlingofcattle.

Theuseofcattleprodsshouldbediscouraged.Cattlethatarekeptinschoolsshouldnotrequirethishandlingtechnique.If,inexceptionalcircumstances,acattleprodisneeded,onlytheteachershoulduseit.

forspecifichandlingtechniques,seetheApprovedactivities:Cattle.

Normal behaviour

Cattleintheschoolsituationshouldbedocile,spendingmostoftheirtimegrazingorchewingthecud.Theyaresocialandwillherdifkeptinnumbers.

Cattleshowingdifficulttemperamentsshouldbeculledandnotusedintheschoolsituation.

Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.Allactivitiesshouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Movement of cattle

Thereareanumberofrestrictionsrelatingtothemovementofcattle.Toensureyouabidebytheappropriatelegislation,contacttheDepartmentofMunicipalTerritoriesforACTrequirements,andtheRurallandsProtectionBoardorNSwAgricultureforNSwrequirements.

Signs of illness


variations in:•bodytemperature•gastrointestinalfunctionsuchasdiarrhoea,weightlossorlossofappetite•urogenitalfunction,e.g.abortion,infertilityorabnormaldischarges• respiratoryfunctionsuchaspersistentcoughing,gaspingorpanting;or


evidence of:• skinconditionsuchaslesionsorabnormalgrowths•atucked-upappearance,stiffgait,abnormalposture,patchycoatorlossofhair• excessivescratchingorrubbing• swollenjointsorlameness•bellowing.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Commonailmentsmayincludemastitis,bloat,internalparasitesormilkfever.

Ifthecauseofill-healthcannotbeidentifiedandcorrected,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithcattle.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentsgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia

whereananimalhasbecomesosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,euthanasiamustbearrangedwithalocalveterinarian.

Disposal

Cattlecanbesoldprivately,atauctionorconsignedtoanabattoir.Carcassesmustbedisposedofinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.

Suggested resources


PolicyandGuidelinesforriskManagementinACTGovernmentSecondarySciencePrograms,2001,ACTDepartmentofEducationandTraining,viewed1October2008https://index.det.act.gov.au/resources/im_safety.html#publications

NSwAgriculture,2005,StateofNSwGovernment,viewed29September2008www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture

UniversityofCalifornia,Davis,VeterinaryMedicineExtension,2005-2008,UniversityofCalifornia,viewed29September2008www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/home.html

Printed textsBannerman,S.,Thornthwaite,S.andGant,l.(2001)Enterprising Agriculture.MacMillan,Australia.

Newman,l.(1994)Practical Farming: Beef Cattle, Breeding, Feeding and Showing.InkataPress,Australia.


NSwAgricultureAgfacts.Informationsheets,Australia.

NSwAgricultureAgskills.HomeStudyProgramdevelopedatC.B.AlexanderCollege,Tocal,Australia.

SCARM(1992)Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Cattle.CSIRO,Australia.

TheUniversitiesfederationforAnimalwelfare(UfAw)(1988)The Management and Welfare of Farm Animals.Hertfordshire,UK.

wilson,J.(1983)Keeping a Cow.KangarooPress,Australia.

Yabsley,G.(1983)Farming in a small way.NSwAgriculture,Sydney.

Contacts


localCouncil


Approved activities: cattlePlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage55,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of the normal behaviour of animals(Category 1)Nospecialequipmentisnecessary.Asuitablegrazingareaisrequired.Refertofeedandwaterrequirementsandenvironment.


• Capture, restraint and handling (Category 2)Studentsmustbeinstructedonmethodsofherdingandrestraintbeforeparticipatingintheseactivities.Inparticular,donotallowstudentstobaulkcattleattheapproachtotheyards,therace,thecrushortheheadbail,causingrepeatedattemptsto


capturetheanimals.Toavoidinjurytobones,teethandhorns,careisnecessarywhenclosingheadbailsandcalfcradles.

C. Non-invasive measurement

1. body weight (Category 2)

2. body condition by visual assessment or condition scoring (Category 2)

3. growth (Category 2)

4. body proportions (Category 2)

5. pulse or blood flow(Category 2)

6. respiration(Category 2)

7. skin temperature (non-invasive) (Category 2)

8. age by dentition (Category 2)

9. scrotum and testicles (palpation) (Category 2)

Toobtainaccuratemeasurements,thecattlemustbecalm.Onlyanimalsthatareaccustomedtobeinghandledshouldbeinvolved.Aftercapture,itmaybenecessarytoallowthecattletostandundisturbedforatimetonormalise.Stressduetohandlingmayaffectmeasurements.in


2. taming and gentling cattle(Category 3)

3. training for competition or showing(Category 3)Restrictingtheareaavailabletocattleandmakingthemdependentonhandfeedingwillfacilitatethetamingprocess.Ensurethathandfeedingisregular,especiallyoverweekends.

Closesupervisionofstudentsisnecessarytoensurecalm,gentlehandling.Remember,cattlerespondtokind,gentletreatment,positivereinforcementandrepetition.Theyalsoremembermistreatmentforalongtime.Duetothesizeoftheseanimals,caremustalwaysbetaken.

Intheschoolsituation,theworkusuallyrequiredintrainingananimalforleadingandshowingisgenerallyconsideredastamingandgentling,ratherthanbreaking-in.Itispreferableifanimalsusedintheschoolsituationdonotrequirebreaking-in.

5. breaking-in cattle(Category 4)Trainingshouldbeginwhileanimalsareyoung,withabodyweightunder200kg.Cattleshouldberestrainedbeforeahalterisputon.whiletheanimalisstillrestrained,withthehalterinplace,gentlegroomingandhandlingwillreducedistress.Avoidsuddenmovementsandloudnoiseneartheanimal.whentheanimalisfirsttiedup,makesureitistiedtoasolidobjectbyashortlead.whenreleasingtheanimal,itshouldbegivenareward,suchassomepalatablefood,sothatitassociatessomethingpleasantwiththeexperience.Donotattempttoleadtheanimaluntilitistamedandwillallowgroomingandhandlinginthetiedposition.



2. milk(Category 2)

3. faeces and urine (non-invasive) (Category 2)

5. saliva(Category 3)Onlycattlethatareaccustomedtohandlingshouldbeusedfortheseactivities.Theyshouldbeadequatelyrestrainedinacrush,milkingbailorhalterandtiedupsecurely.feedingtheanimalwhilstcollectingsamplescanhaveacalmingeffect.Beforecollectingmilk,ensurethathandsarethoroughlywashed.washteatsandstimulateletdown.Aftercollection,teat(s)shouldbedippedtopreventinfection.

whencollectingfaecesandurinesamples,glovesshouldbewornandhandswashedaftercompletionoftheactivity.

whencollectingsaliva,theanimal’sheadshouldberestrainedsecurely.Injurycanoccurtotheanimalorhandleriftheanimalthrowsitsheadviolently.

4. faeces (invasive) (Category 5)

6. ruminal fluid(Category 5)

7. blood (Category 5)


Note:whencarryingoutseveraloperationsontheoneanimalattheonetime,e.g.calfmarking,plantheoperationssothattheonecausingmoststressisperformedlast.


topical•backline(Category3)• spray(Category3)•dip(Category3)


injection• subcutaneous(Category3)• intramuscular(Category3)

Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofallinternalandexternalparasitesforallcattle.whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allanimalsshouldbetreatedatthesametimeandpasturesshouldberotatedinconjunctionwiththedrenchprogram.Theseprogramsneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.


whenusingvaccines,drenchesoranyotheranimal-carechemicals,caremustbetakenandnotedaboutthefollowing:• readingalllabels•maintainingappropriatestorage•adheringtowithholdingperiods•determiningtheweightofanimals•determiningthecorrectdoserate•usingprotectiveclothingifrequired

wheninjectingcattle,ensuretheneedlesaresharpandsterile,andthateachanimalisadequatelyrestrained.Intramuscularinjectionsshouldbeadministeredintotheneck.Choosethesitefortheinjectionandcleanawayloosedirt.Aftertheinjection,removethesyringebeforetheplungerisreleased.


oral• winged capsule, (e.g. Rumensin) (Category 4)TheadministrationofRumensin(anti-bloatcapsule)isclassifiedasawingedcapsuleandshouldonlybegivenaspartofamanagementprogram.Theanimal’sheadmustbefirmlyrestrainedandthenoseraised.Theapplicatorshouldbecarefullyplacedatthebackofthethroat.whentheanimalswallows,introducetheapplicatorintotheoesophagusanddowntotherumen.Then,dischargethebloatbomb.Observeanimalsfor30minutesafterapplicationtoensurethemedicineisnotregurgitated.Reapplyifnecessary.

Injection• intrauterine pessaries (Category 4) TheintroductionofControlledIntravaginalReleasingDevice(CIRD)isclassifiedasadministeringanintrauterinepessary.Ensureequipmentiscleanedaftereachapplication.Carefullyintroducetheloadedapplicatortothecow’svaginaand,whentheapplicatorisinposition,dischargetheCIRD.

2. coat care and grooming (Category 2)

3. coat clipping (Category 3)Groomingisanexcellentmethodofgentlinganimalsandisnecessaryforshowpreparation.Thetypeofrestraintrequireddependsonthetypeofanimalbeinggroomed.Avoidoverwashingasthiswillremovetoomanynaturaloilsfromthecoat.Ifananimalisrugged,makesurethattherugisfittedcorrectlytoavoidchaffing.Ifrugginginsummer,becarefulnottooverheattheanimal.Clippingisusuallyonlynecessaryforshowanimalsortoremoveexcesshairbeforebranding.whenclippingshowanimals,takeextracarearoundthehead.Iftheanimalisfrightenedormovessuddenly,damagetoeyesorearscanoccur.

4. ear marking and tagging (Category 3)Boththeseoperationsaremoredifficultwitholder,strongeranimalsandonlyanexperiencedpersonshouldperformtheoperationsontheseanimals.Theheadmustbefirmlyrestrainedtoavoidtearingtheear.Equipmentshouldbecheckedforsharpnessandsmoothnessofactionbeforeuse.Itshouldbethoroughlycleaned


beforeandafteruse.Positioneartagsbetweenthetwomainveinsandthecartilageridges.Eartaggingtoolsvarybetweenbrandssoensurethemanufacturer’sinstructionsarefollowed.

5. tattoo application (Category 3)Ensuretheheadisthoroughlyrestrained.Beforeapplyingthetattoo,cleantheearwithmethylatedspiritsorsoapandwater.Positionthetattoobetweenthemainveinsandthecartilageridgesasshowninthediagramabove.

6. hoof trimming (Category 3)whilehooftrimmingcanbedoneoncattlewhentheanimalisstanding,itissafertouseatilttray,ifavailable.Toavoidtakingofftoomuchandcausingbleedingordamage,thehornofthehoofshouldbecutbackinseveralstages.Studentsshouldreceivepriorinstructiononhoofstructuretohelpavoidcuttingintosensitivetissue.

12. milking (Category 3)feedingthecowwhileitismilkingcanhaveacalmingeffectandisausefulwayofprovidingconcentratestotheanimal.Ensurethathandsandcollectionequipmentarethoroughlywashed.washteatsandstimulateletdownbeforecollectingthemilk.letdownisinterruptedifthecowisfrightened.Aftercollectingthemilk,teatsshouldbedippedtopreventinfection.Damagedteatsneedtobehandstripped.Studentsshouldbecloselysupervisedtoensuremilkingmachinesarenotleftontoolong.

14. nose ringing (Category 5)

15. loading cattle(Category 3)Ensurethatthetrucktobeloadedisbackedproperlyintotheloadingramp,withnogapbetweenrampandtruckandnolargestep,eitherupordown.Cattleshouldbeheldquietlyinaholdingpenatthebackoftheloadingrace.whenallisready,cattleshouldbecoaxedfirmlyalongtheraceandintothetruck.Cattleshouldmoveasagroupandnotindividually.

19. fire branding(Category 4)Calvesshouldbeatleastthreemonthsoldbeforebranding.Animalsmustbesecurelyrestrainedwiththeleft(near)siderumpexposed.Thecorrectheatoftheironisbluehot,redhotistoohot.Atthecorrecttemperature,theironwillreadilyburnintoaflatdryboard.Neverbrandcattlewhenthehideiswetasthiswillresultinscalding.Iftheareatobebrandedisthicklycoated,itshouldbeclippedfirst.Onlyusesmallbrandsoncalvesasthebrandgrowswiththegrowthofthehide.

20. freeze branding(Category 4)Theanimalmustbesecurelyrestrained.Priortoapplyingthebrand,theareatobebrandedmustbecloselyclippedandswabbedwithmethylatedspirits.Shakeoffthecoolingmixturefromthebrandbeforeapplyingittotheanimal.Thecoolingagentmixtureisdangerousifitcontactstheskinoftheoperator.

25. castration of immature calves (Category 4)•elastrator(under6weeks)•knife•emasculators


Themethodusedwilldependontheexpertiseavailable.Allmethodsinvolvesomestress,however,itisimportantnottoprolongtheoperationbystoppingforadetailedexplanationofeachstepcarriedout.Thedetailsshouldbeexplainedbeforeoraftertheoperation.Ensurethattheanimalisadequatelyrestrainedinacradleorheldbyexperiencedhandlers.Aftercareisimportantand,irrespectiveofthemethodused,theanimalshouldbecheckeddailyuntilitisfullyrecovered.Elastratorringsshouldnotbeusedincalvesoversixweeksofage.

Castrationbyknifeshouldbecarriedoutbefore12weeksofage.Antisepticmustbeused.

Castrationusingemasculatorscanoccuruptosixmonthsofage.Theanimalshouldbeproperlyrestrained,thatis,immobilisedandtheemasculatorsappliedtothecordsandarteriesofeachtesticleindividually.Appropriatesizeemasculatorsmustbeused.

Note:itisillegaltocastrateananimalaftersixmonthsofageunlessaveterinariandoesitandtheanimalisappropriatelyanaesthetized.

31. artificial insemination (Category 5)

32. semen collection (Category 5)

33. pregnancy detection rectal (Category 4)Intheearlystagesofpregnancyaccuratediagnosisbyrectalpalpationisverydifficultandshouldbecarriedoutbyaveterinarian.

Restrainthecow.Incasethecowfalls,ensuretherearenobarriers,suchascrushgates,betweenthecowandtheoperator.Toavoidagitatingthecow,ensurethatstudentswatchingthedemonstrationremainquiet.Supportingresourcessuchasawallchartordiagramwouldbenecessarytoshowtheactualprocedure.

35. microchip tagging (Category 4)Theheadmustbefirmlyrestrainedandtheequipmentcleanedtoavoidinfection.Themicrochipshouldbeplacedundertheskinatthebackoftheearoraccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstruction.

36. horn tipping older cattle (Category 3)Theanimalshouldberestrainedinaheadbail.Dehornersareplacedonthehornsothatnomorethantheouterthirdofthehornisremoved.Surgicalwirecanbeplacedattheouterthirdofthehornbeforeitissawedoff.

37. dehorning cattle under six months of age(Category 4)Onlypeoplewithdemonstratedexpertiseshouldundertakethisactivity.Cattlemustnotbedehornedwhentheweatheriscold,wetandwindy.Inordertocontrolbloodloss,infectionandflystrike,monitoringandcaremustbecarriedoutinthefirstfewdaysaftercompletingtheactivity.flyrepellentmaybeusedinordertocontrolflies.

39. disbudding calves(Category 4)Thisprocedureisbestcarriedoutoncalvesintheirfirsttwoweeksoflife.Onlypeoplewithdemonstratedexpertiseshouldundertakethisactivity.


Youngcalvesshouldberestrainedandalocalanaestheticusedbeforethehornbudsareremoved.Thisprocedurecanbedonebyusingahotdisbuddingironorscoopdehorners.

Calvesmustbecheckedaftertwoorthreeweeksasregrowthcanoccuriftheprocedureisnotcorrectlyperformed.

Over12monthsofage,cattlecanonlybedehornedbyaveterinarian.


Dogs


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon3March2009at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/13642/dogwelfare-codeofpractice.pdf


Ingeneral,dogsarenotconsideredsuitableanimalsforhousingataschool.

whendogsvisitaclassroom,itisinappropriatetosubjectthemtoanyproceduresotherthanobservation,discussionofbehaviourandlimited,well-supervisedhandling.


ThereisanenormousrangeofdogskeptinAustralia.Theyaregroupedaccordingtooriginalbreed,useortype:•Toys,includingMalteseandChihuahua•Terriers,includingAustralianTerriersandAiredales•Gundogs,includingSpanielsandPointers•Hounds,includingBeaglesandwhippets•working,includingGermanShepherdsandKelpies•Non-Sporting,includingDobermansandSamoyeds•Utility,includingBoxersandSchnauzers.

Section14oftheCompanion Animals Act (1998)prohibitsdogsonschoolgroundsexceptwheretheprincipalgivespermission.Dogsmustbekeptonaleashinschoolgrounds.

whenselectingdogstovisitschools,particularattentionshouldbegiventothesuitabilityofthedog’stemperament.


Dogsthathavedifficulttemperamentsandarefearful,timidordominant,shouldnotbeusedintheschoolsituation.

Anydogthathasbeendeclareddangerousundersection33oftheCompanionAnimalsActmustnotbeallowedonschoolgrounds.localcouncilsretainthisinformation.

Working dogs such as sheepdogs and cattledogs

Shouldworkingdogsbebroughtintoschoolswithlargeanimals,thecareoftheseanimalsistheresponsibilityoftheirhandlerswhoareexpectedtobeskilledinthecareandhandlingoftheirdogs.

Allrelevantvaccinationsandparasitecontrolshouldbeup-to-date,regularlyperformed,asperveterinaryrecommendations,anddocumented.

Itisexpectedthatwhenthesedogsarebeingusedtoassistwithhandlingoflivestock,theyhavebeensuitablytrained.Thisshouldprotectbothdogsandlivestockagainstinjury.Thefollowingwelfarepointsshouldbeconsidered:•donotmusterorherdanimalsinextremeenvironmentalconditions•donotallowdogstobiteorworrylivestock•excessivebarkingofdogsandyellingofhandlersshouldbepreventedsoasnot tooverstressthelivestockortheworkingdogs.

Suggested resources


AmericanSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals(ASPCA),2008,ASPCA,viewed29September2008www.aspca.org/media

RoyalSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals(RSPCA),2007,RSPCA.org,viewed29September2008www.rspca.org.au

Dumbfriendsleague,1990-2000,Dumbfriendsleague,Denver,viewed30September2008www.ddfl.org/tips.htm

DeltaDogSafe,2008,DeltaSocietyAustralia,viewed30September2008http://www.deltasocietyaustralia.com.au/dog_safe.htm

Printed textsAllen,E.etal(1992) Every Dog,Oxford,England.

AustralianVeterinaryAssociation(1999)Pet PEP.

fogle,B.(1992)The Dog’s Mind: Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviour,Penguin,England.


Contacts


RSPCA

DeltaSociety

AustralianVeterinaryAssociation

localcouncil

Approved activities: dogsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of the normal behaviour of animals(Category 1)Theinternalclassroommaybeunsuitabletoobservedogsbecauseoffloorsurfaces,hangingobjectsandunfamiliarsmellsthatmaycausestressfortheanimal.Outdoorareasarelikelytobemoresuitableforobservation.

whendogsvisittheclassroom,theyshouldbepresentonlyforthedurationoftheclasstime.Asourceoffreshdrinkingwatershouldbeprovidedanddogsneedtobeprotectedfromstresssuchasloudnoiseandcrowds.Ifadogbecomesdistressedforanyreason,itshouldberemovedimmediatelyfromthisenvironment.

whenaserviceanimalsuchasaseeing-eyedogvisitsaschool,thehandlerorownerisresponsibleforitswelfare.Thesupervisingteacherisresponsibleforprovidingappropriatefacilitiesiftheyarerequiredandassistingstudentstounderstandtheanimalanditsneeds.

Theserviceanimalisnottobeusedforanypurposeotherthanobservationofitsbehaviourwhileitiswiththeowner.

whenaserviceanimalvisitsaschool,thesupervisingteacherisresponsibleforprovidinganappropriateenvironmentforobservation.

Ducksandgeese


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March09at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/13360/domesticpoultrywelfare-codeofpractice.pdf


Physical attributes

Size:Geese: upto90cmDucks: upto60cmweight: Geese:Gander4–14kg Goose4–9kgDucks: Drakes1–5kg Ducks0.8–4kgAgeatadultsize: 6–12monthsweightatbirth: 50gIncubationperiod: a.Ducks28days b.MuscovyDucks35days c.Geese35daysBreedingages: Ducks:from6monthsGeese: from12monthsHealthycharacteristics:Bodytemperature:40–42ºCHeartrate: 180–340beatsperminute.

Environment

Movementandexercise:Ducksandgeeseappreciatearangingsituationandcanbesuccessfullyhousedatnightinmoreintensivesituations.Intensive(caged)raisingofanyformofpoultryisnotpermittedinACTschools.



TheCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals:DomesticPoultry(4thedition)providesadviceonthespaceallowancesforducksandgeese.

Sheltersshouldprovide1m2/birdfloorspaceforgeese.

TemperaturePreferredrangeis20–28ºC.Temperaturesbelow10ºCandabove32ºCcausestress.

LightSheddedbirdsmusthavereasonablelightandnotbekeptindark.

VentilationDraughtsandchillingwindsshouldbeavoided.Ventilationisrequiredtopreventammoniabuildupinintensivesituations.

ShelterSufficientshelterisrequiredtoprotectfromextremesofclimatesuchastemperature,wind,rainanddirectsunlight.Stepsshouldbetakentoensurethat,asfaraspracticable,birdscanbeattendedtopromptlyintheeventoffire,flood,injuryordisease.

BeddingClean,drylitterofricehulls,shavingsfromnon-treatedtimber,straworsand.

Cleaninglittlecleaningisrequiredifthelitterisdeepandkeptdry.

NestingDucksgenerallyrequirelittleassistanceinsettinguptheirnests.Thefollowinginformationmaybeofinterest.Suitablenestingmaterialsuchascleandrysand,ricehulls,straworwoodshavingscanbeprovided.Nestingboxesor,ifavailable,plasticdrumsofapproximately25litresinsizewiththebasecutoutleavingasmallliptoholdbacknestingmaterials,canbeprovided.Onenestingboxordrumcanservicebetweenthreeorfourbirds.Thenestshouldbereasonablydarkandhavesufficientsizetoisolateonebirdfromanothertoavoideggdamageandaggressivebehaviourfromsomebirdsduringnestingtime.

WaterApondofwater,deepenoughtoenabletheduckstodabbleregularly,isanadvantage.Ifthereisnoaccesstoapond,awatercontainerwhichislargeenoughtoenableduckstoimmersetheirheadsanddabbleisrequired.


TypeUsecommercialduckrations.Ifunavailable,domesticchickenfeedswillsuit.Geeseareexcellentgrazersofgrassbutrequirefoodsupplementationforgrowthandreproduction.Geesemustnotbeforcefed.foranyreason

Quantityforgeese:250–300gramsperdaywhenoncommercialrationsonly.Theamountislessifgeesegrazeongrass.Ducksrequire120–150gramsofmashorpelletsperday.


RegularityAdlibpreferredbutaminimumoftwiceperday,morningandevening.Donotforcefeed.Essentialdietaryneeds(variations):likedomesticchickens,goslingsandducklingsrequirehighproteinfoods.Geeseappreciateagrassed,grazingarea.

WaterAtalltimes,watermustbecool,cleanandfreshandofacceptablequalityandsufficientquantity.Thewatermustbedeepenoughtoallowthebirdstosubmergetheirheadsinforgroomingpurposes.

Normal behaviour

Thenormalbehaviourofaduckorgooseistobealertwithalevelcarriage.Theyoftenwaddlearoundandpeckastheyinvestigatethesurroundings.Ducksandgeesewillemitcharacteristicquackingorhonkingnoiseswhentheirterritoriesareentered.

Signs of illness

Ducksandgeesemayshowsignsofthefollowing:•inactivity,headunderwing,feathersruffledorisolatedfromgroup•frequentshuttingofeyes•littleresponsewhentouchedorpushedoroftenpeckedatbyotherbirds•reducedfeedingand/orwaterintake•lameness•reducedgrowthoreggproduction•diarrhoea.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofill-health,assistancefromaveterinarian,familiarwithducksorgeese,shouldbesought.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.Allactivitiesmustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Handling

Ducksandgeeseneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimals.forspecifichandlingtechniques,seetheApprovedActivities.

whereananimalhasbecomesosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,euthanasiamustbearrangedwithacompetentperson.

Inemergencycases,thebird’sneckcanbedislocatedbyapersoncompetentinthetechnique.


References

Web sitesCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals:DomesticPoultry(4thEdition),DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,2008,ACTGovernment,viewed30September2008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/local_wildlife/animalwelfare/animalwelfarestandards-codesofpractice

NSwDepartmentofPrimaryIndustries,2005,StateofNSw,viewed30September2008www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture

Printed textsNSwDeptofAgricultureandfisheries,Agfacts: Diseases of Ducks,Australia.

NSwDeptofAgricultureandfisheries,Agfacts: Geese Raising,Australia.

Reading,D.(1990)A Guide to Keeping Poultry in Australia,Penguin,Australia.

Contacts


localCouncil


Approved activities – ducks and geesePlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage54,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of normal behaviour of birds(Category 1)Bepatientasbirdsdonotlikeloudnoisesorsuddenmovements.Studentscanobserveonebirdforindividualbehaviourandtwobirds,amaleandafemale,forbreedingbehaviour.



• Capture, restraint and handling (Category 2)Birdsshouldbecapturedandhandledonlywhennecessary.Usebirdsthathavebecomeaccustomedtohandlingfromayoungage.Avoidchasingbirdsasthisagitatesthemandcausesthemtopileupincorners.

Ducks:Caremustbetakenincatchingduckstoavoidcreatingpanicandsubsequentinjuryorsmotheringofthebirds.

Theproperhandlingofducksrequiresspecialskill,anditshouldbeundertakenonlybycompetentpersonswhohavebeenappropriatelytrained.Itshouldbecarriedoutquietlyandconfidently,exercisingcaretoavoidunnecessarystrugglingwhichcouldbruiseorotherwiseinjuretheducks.Inhotweatherhandlingormovementofducksshouldbecarriedoutduringthecoolestpartoftheday.Day-oldandyoungducklingsshouldbepickedupbodilyinthepalmofthehandorifhandlinggroupsbytheneck.

Olderducksshouldbeliftedbytheneckorwingsandtheyshouldbesupportedeitherbytakingtheweightofthebirdbyahandplacedunderitsbody,orbyholdingthebirdwithahandoneithersideofitsbodywiththewingsintheclosedposition.

Oncesufficientlydeveloped,liftingbythewingsisthebestmethod,providingsupportisgivenundertheirbody.Ducksmustnotbeliftedbyasinglewing.Ducksmustneverbeheldorliftedbythelegs.

Geeseshouldalwaysbecaughtbytheneckandmustneverbecaughtbythelegs.Geeseshouldbehandledbycompetentexperiencedhandlerssothattheyarenotdisturbedunduly.

Geese:Shouldalwaysbecaughtbytheneckandmustneverbecaughtbythelegs.


1. body weight (Category 2)Onlyusebirdswhichareaccustomedtobeinghandled.Youngbirdscanbeweigheddirectlyonatriplebeambalance.Olderbirdsmayneedtoberestrainedinalightcardboardbox.forgrowersandadults,asetofbathroomscalescanbeusedwithatrainedhandlerholdingthebirdsappropriately.

3. growth (Category 2)Growthisusuallymeasuredbybodyweightchanges.Growthcanbeshownbyphotographingordrawingabirdagainstanappropriatebackgroundgridorscale.Useasufficientnumberofbirdstodetermineindividualdifferences.Videotapedrecordscanalsoshowabird’sgrowth.

4. body proportions (Category 2)Twohandlersarerequiredforthisactivity.Onepersonneedstoadequatelyrestrainthebirdwhiletheotherpersonmeasures.Donotdistortabirdexcessivelytomakemeasurementsofbodyparts.


5. pulse or blood flow (Category 2)forthisactivity,restrainabirdaspreviouslydescribed.Asbirdshaveaveryhighpulserate,itisdifficulttomeasure.Astethoscopeisrequired.

6. respiration (Category 2)Observebirdsinwarmerweatherasindicationsofrespirationaremoreobvious.Observeandrecordabirdwithitsbeaknaturallyopenandthetonguemoving.Thenumberoftonguemovementscanberecorded.

7. temperature (Category 3)Restrainabirdbythehandandarmmethod.Aclinicalthermometerisinsertedintotheventorcloaca.Slidethethermometerincarefullyandwashitbetweenbirds.warmthethermometerincoldweather.


1. high/normal protein(Category 3)

2. high/normal energy (Category 3)

3. high/normal fat(Category 3)Avariationindietcanbeachievedbyusingcommerciallypreparedfoodswhichuseadifferentformulathantheusualoneprovided.Anyvariationinthedietshouldbeanenhancementto,ratherthandeprivationof,thediet.Theminimumlevelofprotein,energyorfatselectedforthetrialmustbetheminimumacceptableforthelifestageoftheparticularbirdtype.Thetrialperiodshouldnotbelongerthanisnecessarytoachieveaclearlyobservableresult.Tentofourteendaysissufficientforyoungbirds,afterwhichthebirdsshouldbereturnedtotheirnormaldiet.

wherecomparativefoodtrialsarebeingundertaken,nolessthantheminimumproteinlevelsshouldbefedtobirds.Themaximumamountofproteinpermittedis20%abovetheminimumlevels.

Schoolsshouldnotkeepbroilersformorethan10weeks.Afterthisperiod,thelikelihoodofstressfracturesandbrokenlegsbecomesadistinctpossibility.

4. palatability (Category 3)foradultbirds,useavarietyofcommerciallypreparedlayerpelletsandmash,ensuringaplentifulsupplyofcleanfreshwater.Observetwoadultbirdsinseparatepens.


3. training poultry for showing (Category 3)Useanadequatelysizedtrainingpen,housedinashedorverywellshadedarea.Provideclean,dryfloorlitterandadlibfeedandwater.Treatbirdstominimiseexternalparasites.Coverthepenwithahessianbagtolowerthelightlevel.Ensurequiet,steadymovementsnear,andaround,trainingpens.Usehandstostrokeandhandlethebird.Ifitbecomesagitated,ceasehandling.

Ifabirdistoberemovedfromthepen,moveitinandoutheadfirst.


F. Collection of samples

3. faeces (non-invasive) (Category 3)Placethebirdinwire-flooredpen,elevatedofftheground,sothatfaecescanbecollected.Donotforcefaecesfromabird.




topical•dip(Category3)


injection•subcutaneous(Category3)

Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofparasitesforallbirds.whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allbirdsshouldbetreatedatthesametime.Theseactivitiesneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

whenusingvaccines,drenches,externalparasitecontrolchemicalsoranyotheranimalcarechemicals,caremustbetakenandnotedaboutthefollowing:•readingalllabels•maintainingappropriatestorage•adheringtowithholdingperiods•determiningtheweightofanimals•determiningthecorrectdoserate•usingprotectiveclothingifrequired.

Oralmedicationstobeadministeredincludewormingcompoundsandvitaminandmineralsupplements.Theymaybeadministeredinthefeedorwaterdependingoninstructions.

Ifwater-basedtreatmentsaretobeused,waterisgenerallywithdrawnfrombirdsovernighttoincreasetheirthirst.Avoidwaterwithdrawalduringtheday,particularlyinhotweather.

Drinkcontainersneedtobesuitablyanchoredtopreventtipping.

29. beak trimming(Category 4)Thisisusuallynotnecessaryinducksandgeese.RefertotheCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals,DomesticPoultry4thEditionforinformationaboutbilltrimmingforducksandgeese.

41. slaughter of livestock(Category 5)


frogsandtoads(includingtadpoles)


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon3March2009at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/48813/amphibiansincaptivitywelfare-codeofpractice.pdf

Alistofprotectedspeciesisavailableat:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/native_plants_and_animals/licensing_of_plants_and_animals/protected_native_animals

Alistofspeciesthatcanbeheldwithoutalicenseisavailableat:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/native_plants_and_animals/licensing_of_plants_and_animals/exempt_animals



Therearefivequitedifferentfamiliesoffrogs:•Treefrogs(familyHylidae)•Southernfrogs:grounddwelling(familyMyobatrachidae)•Narrowmouthedfrogs(familyMicrohylidae)•Truefrogs(familyRanidae)•Truetoads(familyBufonidae)

ItisillegaltotakefrogsortadpolesfromthewildintheACTormovethemfromonewaterbodytoanother.Schoolsandotherinstitutionscangetapermittotakefrogsortadpoles


fromthewildforstudypurposes.whentwotadpoleshavemetamorphosedintofrogs,theyshouldbereturned,withtheremainingtadpoles,totheplacefromwheretheywereinitiallycollected.Iftheenvironmentconditionsarenotsuitableforthespeciesbeingkept,thetadpolesmaynevermetamorphoseintofrogs.

whenschoolholidaysaredue,schoolsholdingtadpolesmustmakesuitableprovisionsfordailymonitoringduringtheseperiods.Ifdailymonitoringisnotavailable,thenallthetadpolesshouldbereturnedtotheplacefromwheretheywereoriginallycollected.

If,aftersixmonths,thetadpoleshavestillnotmetamorphosedintofrogs,thetadpolesshouldbereturnedtotheplacefromwheretheywereinitiallycollected.

Equipment

Thefollowingisrequired:•plastictuboraquarium.Aplastictubissaferforcleaning.•smoothpieceofwoodangledintotubfortadpolestomoveontoastheygrow legs•dipnetoraquariumnet•jugforwaterchanges•garbagebintokeepagedwaterin•householdbleach•pumpandairstone.

Setting up the environment

fillagarbagebinwithtapwater.Thewaterneedstobeagedfor24hourstoallowthechlorinetoevaporatebeforeaddingittotheaquarium.

Placethetubonaflatsolidsurface,outofdirectsunlight.Ifanairstoneisused,apowerpoint,nearandabovethetank’sposition,isrequired.

fillthetankwiththepreviouslyagedwater.Tadpolesarepoikilothermic,thatis,thetemperatureoftheenvironmentdeterminestheirbodytemperature.Ensurethetubmaintainsatemperaturerangeof18–22°C.

‘Reptile’ultravioletfluorescentlight,fittedwithatimer,shouldbeprovided.Amphibiansrequireanormalday/nightcycleandexposuretoultravioletrays.Directsunlightfilteredthroughglassaredangeroustoamphibians.


Collecting tadpoles

Ensurethatthehousingisreadybeforecollectingtadpoles.

Amaximumof20tadpolesonlycanbetakenfromonebodyofwater.Donotcollecttadpolesfromdifferentsitesasthiscouldcausediseasecontamination.TadpolesmustnotbecollectedfromaNationalPark.


Itisimportantthatallequipmentusedtocatchandcarrytadpolesiseithernewordisinfectedpriortouse.

How to care for tadpoles

Maintaining the environmentChange30–50%ofthewaterdaily.Theeasiestwaytodothisistomark,onthesideofthetub,alineshowing50–70%ofthewaterremaininginthetub.Toensurethattadpolesarenotinadvertentlycaughtinthejug,placethedipnetacrossthemouthofthejug.

Smallstandingbodiesofwaterneedtobechangeddaily.waterfiltersrequirechangingasperthemanufacturer’sguidelines.Cleaningtheglassshouldbeachievedwithouttheuseofanycleaningagentordisinfectantbytheuseofarazorblade,clothandwarmwateronly.

Feedingfeedthetadpolesoncedaily.feedonlyenoughtobeeatenwithinonehour.Ifthereisfoodleftattheendofthistime,removeitandfeedlessthenextday.Suitablefoodincludesalgaedisks,fishflakesorlettuce,whichhasbeenboiledorfrozentobreakdownthecells.

Healthlearnaboutwhatisnormalbehaviourfortadpolesandcheckthemdaily.Incorrectenvironmentalconditionsandinadequatenutritioncanmaketadpolessick.Tokeepthetadpoleshealthy,maintaingoodwaterqualityandfeedthemappropriatefoods.Bacteriaandfunguscanalsoaffecttadpoles.Thevolumeofwaterthattadpoleshaveaccesstocanaffecttheirgrowthrate.Donotovercrowdthetadpoles.

Keepadailymonitoringchart.Checkoffdailywaterchanges,feedingandanycommentsaboutthebehaviouroftheanimals.

Asthetadpolesdeveloplegs,theirgillsrecedeandtheyarethenunabletobreatheunderwater.Atthisstage,thetadpolesneedareaswheretheycansitabovethewaterline.

Release of tadpoles and frogswhentwotadpoleshavemetamorphosedintofrogs,theyshouldbereturned,withtheremainingtadpoles,totheexactplacefromwheretheywereinitiallycollected.Transporttheanimalsinnewordisinfectedcontainers.

formoreinformationaboutindividualfrogspeciespleaserefertothecodeofpracticeforthewelfareofamphibiansincaptivityat:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/48813/amphibiansincaptivitywelfare-codeofpractice.pdfviewedMarch09

Suggested resources

Web sitesProtectedNativeAnimalsandExemptAnimals,DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,2008,ACTGovernment,viewed30September2008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/local_wildlife/birds


AustralianandNewZealandCouncilfortheCareofAnimalsinResearchandTeaching(ANZCCART),2006,ANZCCART,viewed30September2008.www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART

EnvironmentAustralia,DepartmentoftheEnvironmentCommunityandtheArts,2008,AustralianGovernment,viewed30September2008www.ea.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/

frogAtlas,2008ZoosSouthAustralia,viewed30September2008http://www.frogatlas.com.au/home

frogwatchACTandRegion,2008,GinninderraCatchmentGroup,viewed30September2008http://www.ginninderralandcare.org.au/category.php?id=19

Printed textsCasey,K.(1995)Attracting Frogs to your Garden,EnvironbookPublishing.

Cogger,H.G.(1996)Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia,Reed,Australia.

NSwNationalParksandwildlifeService(2001)Hygiene Protocol for the Control of

Disease in Frogs,NPwS,Sydney.

NSwNationalParksandwildlifeService(2001)Helping frogs survive: a guide for frog enthusiasts,NPwS,Sydney.

Robinson,M.(1994)A field guide to frogs of Australia,Reed,Australia.

CDs and tapesDavidStewartNatureSoundFrog Calls of the Greater Sydney Basin,(narratedbyRichardMorecroft)(AustralianMuseumBookshop)

DavidStewartNatureSoundFrog Calls of North Eastern NSW,(alsoBird&MammalCalls),POBox1261AthertonQld4883.Email:[email protected]

GriggandBarkerFrog Calls of South-Eastern Australia,G.Grigg,DeptZoologyUniversityofQueensland,Queensland4072orAustralianMuseumBookshop.

littlejohn,M.Calls of Victorian Frogs,VictorianfrogGroup,POBox424,BrunswickVictoria3056.

Contacts


ACTfrogwatch

GinninderraCatchmentGroupPhone:(02)62783309fax:(02)62783926


Post:POBox446,Holt,ACT2615Email:[email protected]

frogandTadpoleStudyGroupofNSwInc.(fATS)POBox296,RockdaleNSw2216.Email:[email protected]

NSwNorthCoastfrogStudyGroup.Email:[email protected]

Approved activities: Frogs and toadsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Anyactivitythatinvolvesremovingtadpolesfromthewaterisprohibited,exceptwheretransferringforcleaningorrehousingpurposes.


• Observation of normal behaviour of frogs (Category 1)Thismayincludeobservingactivitiessuchastadpolesandfrogsswimming,jumping,feeding,corakingandbreathing.Observationdoesnotinvolvecaptureandstudentsmustnotknockonthetank.

• Frog photography(Category 1)Thiscanbeconductedeitherinasmallphotographytankorinanaquarium.Providesupervisionandcarewhentransferringfrogsortadpolestothephotographytankandbeawareoftheheatthatmaybegeneratedbyphotographiclights.Verygoodresultscanbeobtainedusingashort,telephotolensfittedtoacameraequippedwitha200ASAfilmandagoodlightingsystem.Ateacherofphotographymaysupervisethis.


• Capture, restraint of frogs (Category 2)Toallowsomemanagementactivitiestobecarriedout,e.g.cleaningofthetank,movingfrogsortadpolestoanothertank,frogsortadpolesmayneedtobecaught.Thisshouldbedoneusingasuitablenetandeveryeffortshouldbemadetoensurethattadpolesareoutofwaterfortheshortestpossibletime.wellestablishedroutinesshouldbeappliedtothecareandfeedingpatternsusedintheclassroomtobothminimizethefrequencyofcleaningandthemovingoffrogsandtadpoles.

fishing



Allstudentsandteachersinvolvedinfishingaspartofaschoolactivity,mustadheretotheadviceprovidedintheRecreationalfishinglaws,2006,DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,ACTGovernment,at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/play/parks_forests_and_reserves/recreation_in_acts_parks_forests_and_bushlands/recreational_fishing_in_the_act

Thecategoriesofactivities,asdescribedinAnimalsinschools:Animalwelfareguidelinesforteachers,donotapplytofishingwhenitiscarriedoutaspartofaschoolactivityandwhentheRecreationalfishinglawsandassociateddocumentsareadheredto.

Note:Teachersandstudentsmustadheretoallofthespecificprinciplesofthiscode.

whencatchandreleaseisnotpracticed,fishshouldbekilledbydispatchingthefishimmediatelywithafirmtapontheheadwithasuitablebluntobjectfollowedbyrapidseveringofthespinalchord.

Onanimalwelfaregroundsthismethodispreferredwhenundertakenbylessexperiencedpersons.

Thenationalcodeofpracticeforrecreationalandsportfishing(broughttoyoubyRecfishAustralia;Looking after our Fisheries)recommends:

1. Taking no more than our immediate needsAvitalwaywecanparticipateinconservingfishstocksistolimitourcatchbytakingonlyourimmediatepersonalneeds.



Overfishinghasadetrimentaleffectonfishstocksandinextremecases,entirefishspecies.

lookingafterourfisheriesmeans:•usingcommonsenseandconstraintwhenfishing,forexample,returnunwanted, endangeredorthreatenedspeciestothewater.•carefullyreturningunwantedlivebaittothewaterstheyweretakenfrom.livebait isanimportantpartofthefoodchainsoitisimportanttoleavesometosupport thefishwewishtocatchinthefuture.

2. Understanding and observing all fishing regulations and reporting illegal fishing activitiesStateandTerritoryfisherydepartmentsmakeregulationstomanagethefisheriesfornowandthefuture.Toprotectfishstocksandfishhabitat,reportillegalfishingactivitiestotherelevantauthorities.Itisimportantthatthefishingcommunitydoesnotignoreactivitiesthatthreatenthefisheriesanddamagethereputationofresponsiblefishers.

lookingafterourfisheriesmeans:•keepinguptodatewithregulationsandobservingthembecausetheyarebased onthebestavailablescientificevidence•acquaintingyourselfwithStateandTerritorybag,sizeandpossessionlimits•becomingfamiliarwithexistingtacklerestrictionsandcheckingthedatesoflocal seasonalclosures•helpingtoexplainfisheryregulationsandthereasonsforthemtoothers, especiallychildren•reportingblackmarketingoffishbyrecreationalanglers•reportingpoaching,theftandillegalnettingtotherelevantauthorities•notpresumingtoactasofficersofthelaw.

(For current details of State or Territory bag, size and possession limits contact your State or Territory Fishing Agency).

3. Supporting and encouraging activities that restore and enhance fisheries and fish habitatwearealldependentonhealthyecosystems.Habitatdestructionandmodification,resultinglargelyfromhumanactivities,presentsahugethreattothemaintenanceoffishstocksandtheavailabilityofotherspeciessuchasshellfish,rocklobstersandcrabs.

Restoringandenhancingfisheriesandfishhabitatmeans:•recognisingthefragilityandenvironmentaldiversityofstreamsidevegetation, estuaries,seagrass,mangroves,andreefs.Theseareasprovidefood,shelterand importantbreedingandnurseryareasformanyfishspecies•participatinginresearch,rehabilitationandmonitoringprogramssuchas Coastcare,waterwatch,Rivercare,landcareandtaggingprograms•educatingothers,especiallychildren,insustainablefishingpractices•becomingfamiliarwiththelifecyclesandbreedingseasonsofaquaticspecies andotherfauna


•becominginvolvedinprogramsthatrestorecoastalandstreamsidevegetation suchasRivercareandtheCommunityRecfishingGrantsprogram•keepingasafedistancefromaquaticwildlifeandavoidingunduenoisewhen birdsareroostingornesting•neverusingnonindigenousfishaslivebaitorintroducingexoticfishintonatural waters.

ProtectingtheEnvironmentby:

4. Preventing pollution and protecting wildlife by removing rubbishPollutionaffectsthehealthoftheenvironmentandspoilsourexperienceoftheoutdoors.Naturalareascontinuetosuffermajorproblemsduetothesideeffectsofhumanactivities.

wecanhelp!Preventingpollutionmeans:• takingfishingline,polystyrenefoampackaging,bottles,sixpackholders,bait bags,cupsandpackaging,etc.awayfromfishingsites.Allitemsmustbe disposedofcorrectlytoavoidpotentiallyentrappingbirdsandothercreatures•notleavingbaittofoulrocks,riverbanksorbeaches•notwashingrubbish,chemicalsorotherwasteintostormwatersystems.Most stormwaterdrainsrundirectlyintowaterways•participatinginprogramssuchas‘CleanupAustralia’and‘OceancareDay’.

5. Using established roads and tracksOff-roaddrivingor‘bush-bashing’canbeamajorcauseoferosionandvegetationloss;likewisetramplingacrossdunesystems,reefbedsandotherfragileareas.

Usingestablishedroadsandtracksmeans:•usingwalkingtracksandavoidingdrivingonbeaches.Theprotectionofsand dunes,coastal,andstreamsidevegetationwillhelpminimisebeachand streamsideerosion•avoidingstrayingfromestablishedroadsandtracks•treatingallnaturalareaswithcare.

6. Taking care when boating and anchoring to avoid damaging sensitive areasBoatingincreasestherangeoffishingpossibilitiesbutunskilledandthoughtlessuseofboatscanleadtoenvironmentaldamage.

Takingcarewhenboatingmeans:•showingcarewhenanchoring,particularlyaroundreeforseagrassareas•avoidingdisturbancetowildlifebyexcessivenoiseorharassment•keepingaconstantvigilwhenboatingtoavoidhittingwildlife•refuellingonlandwhereverpossibleandnotdischargingwastes,oilorsewage intothewater•beingawareofyourboatingspeedtominimiseerosionofriverbanksfrom excessivewaveaction•avoidingmodificationofordisturbancetofishhabitatwhilediving.


7. Reporting environmental damage and pollution to the relevant authoritiesTheprotectionoftheenvironmentiseveryone’sresponsibility.Byreportingpollutionproblemstotherelevantauthorities,wehelpensurethatourwatersbecomepollutantfreeanddiscouragepracticesthatdestroyfishhabitat.

Reportingenvironmentaldamagemeans:•reportinganyfuelandoilspills•reportingallstrandedordeadaquaticanimalsandprotectedspecies•reportinganysignsofdischargeofpollutedwastewatersandrunoffcontaining fertilisersandpesticides•reportinganyvegetationorstreamdamage,e.g.sedimentation,decliningwater quality,algae,etc•reportingsightingsofsuspectedaquaticpestorganismssuchascarp,salvinia weed,orcaulerpia.

8. Avoiding interactions with threatened species and their critical habitatwhilefishingandaccessingfishinggroundsitiseasytoinadvertentlydisturbthehabitatsofprotectedspeciesordisturbthespeciesthemselves.Habitatdestructionandmodificationarethemajorthreattothecontinuedsurvivalofthreatenedspecies.

Avoidingthreatenedspeciesmeans:•beingawareofandavoidingdisturbancetothreatenedspeciesthatinhabitareas youintendtofish•observingandobeyingsignageorguidelinesinareaswherethreatenedspecies live•obeyingguidelinesforactivityinthevicinityofmarinemammals•reportinganyinappropriatebehaviourwewitnesswhichmayaffectthreatened species•reportingsightingsofthreatenedspeciesindistress•quicklyandcorrectlyreturningtothewateranyinadvertentlycaughtthreatened species.

Treatingfishhumanelyby:

9. Quickly and correctly returning unwanted or illegal catch to the waterIncorrecthandlingdamagesfishandreducestheirchancesofsurvivalafterrelease.Afishoutofwatercannotliveformorethanthreeorfourminutesbecauseofbraindamagecausedbylackofoxygen.Anexhaustedfishplayedtoolong,maynotrecover.

Correctlyreturningfishmeans:•retrievingfishasquicklyaspossible•ensuringthatfisharenotlefttoflopandflailaround•usingwethandsandaminimumofhandlingtoensurethatreleasedfishhavea goodchanceofsurvival•revivingtiredorsemiconsciousfish.

Holdthefishgentlyandmoveitforwardtoforcewaterthroughitsgills.whenithasrevived,andisabletoswimnormally,setitfree.


formoreinformationgoto:ReleasedfishSurvival,fisheriesResearchandDevelopmentCorporationat:www.info-fish.net/releasefish/default.asp

10. Using only legal tackle, attending our gear and valuing our catchGoodtreatmentandhandlingoffishisnotjustaboutmaintainingtablefishquality.Itisalsoamarkofrespectthatfishershaveforfish.

Treatingfishhumanelyandavoidingwastemeans:•usingonlytacklethatisappropriateforthesizeandtypeoffish•attendinggeartoensurethatfishareretrievedassoonastheyarecaught•dispatchingfishimmediatelywithafirmtapontheheadwithasuitableblunt objectfollowedbyrapidseveringofthespinalchord•icingfishdownandstoringthemawayfromsunlight,preferablyinamoistbagor cooler.

Respectingtherightsofothersby:

11. Practicing courtesy towards all those who use inland and coastal waterslakes,creeks,rivers,andcoastsareusedforavarietyofpurposes.Byrecognisingtherightsofotherstousethewatersfortheirrecreationandlivelihood,recreationalfishershelpensurethatallareequallyabletoenjoytheiractivities.

Respectingtherightsofothersmeans:•beingcourteoustothosewhosecommunitiesweenterwhenfishing.Remember thisistheirhome.•realisingthatfriendlyrivalrycanexistbetweenrecreationalfisherswithouttheneed foranyonetodominate•preparingyourboatandtrailerbeforelaunchingatboatrampstoavoidannoying delays.

12. Obtaining permission from landholders and traditional owners before entering landHavingaccesstolandheldintrusttolandholdersandtraditionalownersisaprivilege,notaright.

Respectingtherightsofothersmeans:•gainingpermissionbeforeenteringlandandclearlyindicatingwhereyouare going•recognisingtheculturalandspiritualattachmentindigenouspeoplefeelfortheir landandwater•obtainingpermissionbeforelightingfires•avoidinginterferencewithland,stockorcropsinanyway•leavingallgatesastheywerefound•leavingthegunanddogathometoavoidharmingorharassinglivestockor wildlife.


13. Caring for our own safety and the safety of others when fishingPlayingitsafewhilefishingisgoodcommonsense.Neverriskalifewhiletryingtocatchafish.

Caringaboutsafetymeans:•observingandunderstandingallboatingregulations,includingthecarryingofthe requiredsafetyequipment•keepingasafedistancefromshorebasedanglers,jetties,swimmersandother boats•beingawareofthedangersofrockfishingandseekinglocalknowledgeoftides andwaveconditions•gaininglocalknowledgeofcommonbeachdangersincludingripcurrents,large waves,shoreplatforms,deepwater,offshorereefsandtidalcurrents•exercisingcautionandplanningforcontingencieswhenfishinginlandwaters andmountainlakesandstreams.Submergedlogs,suddensqualls,icywaters andextremelycoldtemperaturescancreatelifethreateningdifficulties.

TheNationalCodeofPracticeforRecreationalandSportfishingisaninitiativeofRecfishAustralia.fundingforthisCodeofPracticeupdateandreprintisprovidedbytheAustralianGovernmentthroughtheNaturalHeritageTrustfunding.TheviewsexpressedintheCodearenotnecessarilythoseoftheAustralianGovernmentandtheAustralianGovernmentacceptsnoresponsibilityfortheaccuracyorcompletenessoftheinformationorothermaterialcontainedintheCode.TofindoutmoreabouttheCodeortofindoutmoreaboutsustainablefishingpracticescontactRecfishAustraliaat:www.recfish.com.au/index.html


WebsitesReleasedfishSurvival,fisheriesResearchandDevelopmentCorporation,2007,AustralianGovernment,viewed30September2008www.info-fish.net/releasefish/default.asp

RecfishAustralia,2007,TheAustralianRecreationalandSportfishingIndustryConfederationInc,viewed30September2008www.recfish.com.au/

fishingandAquaculture,NSwDepartmentofPrimaryIndustries–fisheries,2005,stateofNSw,viewed30September2008www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/recreational

Recreationalfishinglaws,2006,DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,ACTGovernment,viewed25September252008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/play/parks_forests_and_reserves/recreation_in_acts_parks_forests_and_bushlands/recreational_fishing_in_the_act

fowls(domestic)





AvarietyofbreedsareavailableforbothlayersandBroilers.

Physical attributes

Size: HeightofBantamhen,15cm largefowl70cmweight: Bantamhen500g largemalefowl6.35kgweightatbirth: Bantam20g largefowl35–40gIncubationperiod: Bantam19–20days largefowl21daysRageofbreedingages:forbantams6monthsto approximately7years forlargefowls,9–12monthsto approximately7years.forlarge fowlsbreedingmayextendto death,however,theywould normallynotbeusedforthisextent oftime.Healthycharacteristics:Bodytemperature:40–42ºCHeartrate: 180–340beatsperminute.



Animalwelfareconsiderationsarebecomingincreasinglyimportantforthekeepingandfarmingofanimals,bothinAustraliaandinternationally,Practiceswhichmayhaveoncebeendeemedacceptablearenowbeingreassessedinlightofnewknowledgeandchangingattitudes.forthisreasonitisrecommendedthatanyschoolkeepingpoultryregularlyreviewtheCode of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry(4thedition),ACTDepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices(TAMS),foundat:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/local_wildlife/animalwelfare/animalwelfarestandards-codesofpractice

Noncommercialflocksofbirdsmustnotexceed20innumber.Roostersarenotpermittedtobekeptinresidentialareas.

Environment

Itisnolongerappropriatetokeeplayersincagesasaroutineprocedure.However,schoolsmayapplytotheSAECforapprovaltotrainbirdsforshowing.Thismayinclude,forshortperiodoftime,cagingbirdstohelpthemgrowaccustomedtoshowconditions.SchoolsconsideringthisoptionshouldcontacttheSchoolsAnimalwelfareOfficerandseekwrittenapproval.ToseekthisapprovaldownloadAppendix6,ApplicationformD,ApplicationtouseananimalinteachingthatisnotontheapprovedlistorisinCategory4or5,completeandsubmittotheSchoolsAnimalwelfareOfficer.

BeforecontactingtheSAEC,schoolsneedtoconsidertheeducationalrationaleforshowingofthebirdsandtobeawareoftherelevantstandardsforthephysicalcareofcagedbirds.ThisinformationcanbeobtainedfromtheCode of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry(4thedition),TAMS,andfromNSwAgriculture’swebsiteat:www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture

HousingRefertotheCode of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry(4thedition),TAMSforclearguidelinesaboutrequirementsforhousing,includingsubstrates,perches,nests,outdoorrangeandpulletrearing.

SpaceThespaceallowedforeachbirdwillvaryaccordingtothespecies,breed,strainandtypeofbirdinadditiontoincreasingageandweight.Asaguideonly,theminimumof200cm2perbirdforthefirst2weeks,450cm2for2–4weeks.Grassedrunsshouldbeaminimumof7.5m2perbird.Deeplitter,non-mechanicallyventilated,shouldhouse1x28kgbirdper1m2.Themorespacethatcanbeprovidedforeachbirdthebetter.


Movement and exerciseInminimumconfines,achickenmustbeabletoturnaroundwithoutlosingitsnormalstance,displaynormalbehaviourssuchasscratchingand,haveroomtobeabletoflapitswings.foodandwatershouldbeeasilyaccessible.


Temperatureforlayers,thepreferredrangeis20–28ºC.Temperaturesbelow10ºCandabove32ºCcausestress.forBroilers,day-oldchicksrequire33ºC.Thetemperatureshouldbereducedby1ºCevery2–3daysuntilthetemperaturereaches20ºC,at28daysofage.Note:rapidincreasesintemperaturecanprovefatal,especiallyifcombinedwithhighlevelsofhumidity.

LightSheddedbirdsmusthavereasonablelightandnotbekeptinthedark.Birdsshouldhavealightanddarkcycle.Keepingbirdsinthelightallthetimecanhaveanadverseeffectasbirdscanpanicandsmotherthemselvesintheeventofablackout.

VentilationAvoiddraughtsandchillingwinds.Ventilationisalsorequiredtopreventammoniabuildup.Ammoniacausesdistresstopoultryasmuchastohumans.Stepsmustbetakentopreventammoniabuildinguptothelevelwhereitbecomesunpleasant.Thiscanbedonebyreducingthenumberofbirdsinagivenareaandimprovingventilation.

ShelterSufficienttoprotectfromextremesofclimate,e.g.temperature,wind,rainanddirectsunlight.Adultbirdscanadapttoawiderangeoftemperatures(approximately5-33°C),howeverrapidincreasesintemperaturecanprovefatal,especiallyifcombinedwithhighlevelsofhumidity.

BeddingClean,drylitterofricehulls,shavingsfromnon-treatedtimber,straworsand.

Cleaninglittlerequired,ifdeeplitterandkeptdry.

NestingSuitablenestingmaterialofcleandrysand,ricehulls,straworwoodshavingsshouldbeprovided.Nestingboxescanbeused.Nestsshouldbepositionedatadistancefromthefloorthatiseasilyaccessible.Ifavailable,plasticdrumsofapproximately15–25litresinsize,withthebasecutoutleavingasmallliptoholdbacknestingmaterials,shouldbeavailableattheratioofonenestingboxforeverythreeorfourbirds.Thenestshouldbereasonablydarkandsufficienttoisolateonebirdfromanothertoavoideggdamageandaggressivebehaviourfromsomebirdsduringnestingtime.Nestlittershouldbekeptclean,dry,friableandmoistureabsorbent.

Perchesforlayers,itisimportanttoensurethatthereisadequateperchspacetoaccommodateallthebirdssimultaneously.Headroombetweenlevelsshouldbeatleast30cmandnotmorethan1m;alinearspaceofnotlessthan15cmperbird;andahorizontaldistancebetweenperchandthewallofatleast20cm.Perchesshouldbepositionedsoasnottofoulbirdsbelow.Perchesmustnothavesharpedges.


ProtectionEveryreasonableeffortmustbetakentoprovideprotectionfrompredators.Housingshouldbesitedtobesafefromfireandfloods.Adequatefire-fightingequipment,includingalarmsshouldbeavailabletocontrolafire.


TypeSuitablefoodincludespellets,crumbles,mash,grain,greenfeedandgrit.Poultrymustreceiveadietcontainingadequatenutrientstomeettheirrequirementsforhealthandvitality.

QuantityAdultfowlsrequire150–200gofpelletsperday.Commercialfeedersinusemusthavethemanufacturer’srecommendationsreferredandnotexceeded.whenusingmechanicalsystemfordeliverythereshouldbeenoughfoodonhand,orreadymansforobtainingfood,intheeventoffailureofsupply.Mechanicalfeedingsystemsmustbecheckeddaily.

RegularityAdlibfeeding,preferablyaminimumoftwicedaily,inthemorningandeveningwithaminimumofoncedaily.

Essential dietary needs (variations)Commerciallypreparedfoodispreferredasallnutritionalneedsaremet.

WaterAclean,adequatesupplyofwater,placedinacoolshadedareainhotweather,isrequired.Ifautomaticnippledrinkersareused,theyshouldalwaysbefittedwithafailsafemechanism.Allfeedingandwateringsystemsmustbecheckedforefficientoperationatleastonceeachday.waterrequirementsrangefromafewmillilitresforchickensto500mlperdayinsummerforadults.

Handling

Chickensneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytothem.forspecifichandlingtechniquesseeApprovedActivitiesbelow.

Normal behaviour

Adomesticchicken’snormalbehaviourischaracterisedbybeingalert,withanerectcarriage.Theyoftenscratchandpeckastheyinvestigatetheirsurroundings.Aschickensareflockanimals,aminimumoftwoshouldbekept.

Disease prevention

Birdsshouldbecheckedalleastonceina24hourperiodandforyoungbirdsinbrooders,inspectionsshouldoccurtwicewithinthisperiod.Underhightemperatures,orduringoutbreaksofdisease,furtherinspectionsmayberequired.



Signs of illness•diarrhoea•nasaldischarge•sneezing•nervoussignsorparalysis•notactive,headunderwing,feathersruffled,isolatedfromgroup•paleorpurplecomb•frequentshuttingofeyes•littleresponsewhentouchedorpushed,oroftenpeckedatbyanotherfowl.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofill-health,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithchickens.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia

Inthecaseofananimalbecomingsosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,theneuthanasiamustbearrangedwithacompetentperson.Inemergencycases,euthanasiacanbeachievedbyneckdislocation.

Disposal

Chickenscanbesoldprivately,atauctionorconsignedtoaregisteredprocessor.Carcasesmustbedisposedofinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.

Suggested resources

Web sitesAustralianandNewZealandCouncilfortheCareofAnimalsinResearchandTeaching(ANZCCART),2006,ANZCCART,viewed30September2008.www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART

CodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals:DomesticPoultry(4thEdition),DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,2008,ACTGovernment,viewed30September2008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/local_wildlife/animalwelfare/animalwelfarestandards-codesofpractice

NSwDepartmentofPrimaryIndustries,2005,StateofNSw,viewed30September2008www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture


Printed textsBannermanS.,ThornthwaiteS.andGantS.(2001) Enterprising Agriculture,MacMillan,Australia.

DepartmentofPrimaryIndustriesandfisheries,Tasmania(1994)Keeping Poultry,Australia.

Kemp,R.(1985) Pure Breed Poultry Raising,KangarooPress,Australia.

Kemp,R.(1989)Exhibition Poultry: Breeder’s Handbook,KangarooPress,Australia.NSwAgricultureAgfacts:Poultry.


Contacts


localCouncil


Approved activities: fowlsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage54,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of normal behaviour of birds(Category 1)Bepatientasbirdsdonotlikeloudnoisesorsuddenmovements.Studentscanobserveonebirdforindividualbehaviour.


• Capture, restraint and handling(Category 2)Birdsshouldbecapturedandhandledonlywhennecessary.Usebirdsthathavebecomeaccustomedtohandlingfromayoungage.Avoidchasingbirdsasthisagitatesthemandcausesthemtopileupincorners.Ifacatchinghookisused,a


birdshouldbedrawntowardsthehandlerfirmlybutnotsoquicklyastodamageshank,legorjoints.firmlyandquietlytransferthebirdtotheholdingposition.

Theholdingpositioninvolvesrestrainingonehockjointbetweentheindexfingerandthumb,andtheotherhockjointbetweenthethirdandfourthfingers.Thebird’sbreast,orkeelbone,sitscomfortablyonthepalmofhandwiththebird’sheadpointingtowardsthehandler’sbodyandtheventaway.

whenwalkingwithabird,itsheadcanbetuckedunderthecarrier’supperarm.Thenon-holdingarmcanbeusedtoassistwithrestrainingthebirdandpreventthewingsfromflapping.


1. body weight (Category 2)Onlyusebirdswhichareaccustomedtobeinghandled.

Youngbirdscanbeweigheddirectlyonatriplebeambalance.Olderbirdsmayneedtoberestrainedinalightcardboardbox.

forgrowersandadults,aspringbalancewithasuitablescaleisrequiredforweighing.Asmall,loopedpieceofropecanbeattachedtotheshankofbothlegsofthebirdandconnectedtothebalance.Ensurethatthebird’sheadiskeptdowntoavoidflapping.Thereadingshouldbetakenasquicklyaspossiblesothatthebirdcanbereturnedtoanormalposition.

3. growth (Category 2)Growthisusuallymeasuredbybodyweightchanges.Growthcanbeshownbyphotographingordrawingabirdagainstanappropriatebackgroundgridorscale.

Useasufficientnumberofbirdstodetermineindividualdifferences.Videotapedrecordscanalsoshowabird’sgrowth.


5. pulse or blood flow(Category 2)forthisactivity,restrainabirdaspreviouslydescribed.Asbirdshaveaveryhighpulserate,itisdifficulttomeasure.Astethoscopeisrequired.

6. respiration (Category 2)Observebirdsinwarmerweatherasindicationsofrespirationaremoreobvious.Observeandrecordabirdwithitsbeaknaturallyopenandthetonguemoving.Thenumberoftonguemovementscanberecorded.




1. high/normal protein (Category 3)


3. high/normal fat (Category 3)Avariationindietcanbeachievedbyusingcommerciallypreparedfoodswhichuseadifferentformulathantheusualoneprovided.Anyvariationinthedietshouldbeanenhancementto,ratherthandeprivationof,thediet.Theminimumlevelofprotein,energyorfatselectedforthetrialmustbetheminimumacceptableforthelifestageoftheparticularbirdtype.Thetrialperiodshouldnotbelongerthanisnecessarytoachieveaclearlyobservableresult.Tentofourteendaysissufficientforyoungbirds,afterwhichthebirdsshouldbereturnedtotheirnormaldiet.





3. training poultry for showing(Category 4)Useanadequatelysizedtrainingpen,housedinashedorverywellshadedarea.Provideclean,dryfloorlitterandadlibfeedandwater.Treatbirdstominimiseexternalparasites.

Coverthepenwithahessianbagtolowerthelightlevel.Ensurequiet,steadymovementsnear,andaround,trainingpens.Usehandstostrokeandhandlethebird.Ifitbecomesagitated,ceasehandling.








topical•dip(Category3)


injection•subcutaneous(Category3)

Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofparasitesforallbirds.whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allbirdsshouldbetreatedatthesametime.Theseactivitiesneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.


Oralmedicationstobeadministeredincludewormingcompoundsandvitaminandmineralsupplements.Theymaybeadministeredinthefeedorwaterdependingoninstructions.

Ifwater-basedtreatmentsaretobeused,waterisgenerallywithdrawnfrombirdsovernighttoincreasetheirthirst.Avoidwaterwithdrawalduringtheday,particularlyinhotweather.


29. beak trimming(Category 4)Beaktrimmingisdonewhenthetopbeaktipbecomesexcessivelylong.Thetopbeakiscutbacktothepointwherethebeakchangescolour,ensuringthelowerbeaktucksunderthetopbeak.Onlypeoplewithsuitableexpertiseshouldcarryoutthisactivity.

41. slaughter of livestock(Category 5)

Transportation

fortransportationofpoultryrefertothe:ModelCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals–landTransportofPoultry,2006,CSIRO,CommonwealthofAustraliaanditsStatesandTerritories,viewed30September2008www.publish.csiro.au/books/download.cfm?ID=5391


Goats

Thisspeciesspecificguidelineisaguideonlyandwasaccurateatthetimeofpublication.StaffresponsibleforanimalsinschoolsshouldrefertotheACT Codes of practice for the welfare of animals toensurethatcurrentACTlegislationisfollowed.

Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March09at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/48819/goatwelfare-codeofpractice.pdf







BreedscommonlyusedinAustraliacanbedividedintothefollowingcategories:•fibreproductionincludingAngorasandCashmeres•MilkproductionincludingAnglo-Nubian,BritishAlpine,ToggenburgandSaanen•MeatproductionincludingCondobolinandBoer-feralandBoer-Cashmere crosses.Boergoats,importedfromSouthAfricaarebecomingincreasingly popularforcross-breedinginAustralia.

Physical attributes

Size: atthewithers: •Dairygoats:does:79–93cm,bucks:90–95cm •Angoras:does:50–55cm,bucks:60–65cmweight: •Dairygoats:does:55–64kg,bucks:60–75kg, •Angoras:about45kgAgeatadultsize: 1.5–2yearsweightatbirth: 2.5–4kgGestationperiod: 150daysNumberofoffspring: 1–3.Twinsarecommon,tripletsrare. 150–180%kiddingratesarecommon.Rangeofbreedingages:Sexualmaturityisrelatedcloselytogrowthrateandsize. Averageageforbuckis6–7monthsbut4monthsis possible. Doesusually7–8monthsbut5monthsispossible. Bucksneedtoberunathigherratiosiflessthan12months old.1.5%bucksifmature,3%bucksifyoung.weaningage: 3–5monthsHealthycharacteristics: Temperature:39.5–40.5°C.Heartrate:60–100/min

Environment

SpaceGoatsperformwellinanopenpasturethathasplentyofavailablewaterandshelterfromwind,rainandsun.Astheyareagileanimals,goatsshouldhaveenoughspacetobeabletorun.Kidsareveryplayfulandcanbediscouragedfromclimbingintofeedbinsbyprovidingthemwithsomethingelsetoclimbon.Intheeventofconfinementduetoillness,goatsrequiresufficientroomtobeabletoliedown,stretch,standupandtoexercise.Tetheringisnotrecommendedunlessthereisconstantsupervisionofthegoats.

Ifgoatsarehousedintensively,eachpenshouldbedesignedtoholdnomorethanthreetofourgoatsandshouldprovideanareaofatleast1.5squaremetrespergoat.

Fencingfencesshouldbe1.2mhigh.Ensuretheyaresecureassomebreedsofgoatarepronetogoingunderorthroughfences.Avoidfencinginwhichgoatscancatch


theirlegs.Goatsareparticularlypronetoescapeattemptsduringperiodsofstress,e.g.whentheyareseparatedfromtherestoftheflockandatweaningtime.Kiddingpaddocksmustprovideadequateprotectionfrompredators.

TemperatureGoatsdonotlikecold,wetconditions.Theyaremoreeasilycold-stressedthansheeporcattleasgoatshavelessfatundertheskin.NewbornkidsandAngoras,aftershearing,areparticularlysusceptibletocoldandwet.

ShelterGoatsaresensitivetoextremesofweatherandshelterisessentialtoprovideshadeandprotectionfromcold,wetweatherorheatstress.whilstgoatswillseekshelterfromrain,theymaykidintheopenonfrostynights.whenkiddingisimminent,goatsmustbeconfinedtoshelterovernight.

Stepsshouldbetakentoensurethat,asfaraspracticable,goatscanbeattendedtopromptlyintheeventoffire,flood,injuryordisease.

VentilationInsheds,aircirculationneedstobeadequatetopreventhumidityanddamp,andtopreventabuild-upofammonia.

CleaningPensshouldbecleaneddaily.Ifgoatsaretobehousedforlengthyperiods,woodenslattedfloors,withexcellentsub-floorandroomventilation,arebest.Thisallowseasycleaningofpens.feedbinsshouldbeoffthegroundandautomaticwaterers,whichsupplyclean,freshwateratalltimes,mustbeinstalledandcheckeddaily.

BeddingClean,drystraworwoodshavingsshouldbeprovided.Asthesetypesofbeddingneedtobekeptcleananddry,itisessentialtoinspectandreplaceregularly.


Goatsareconsideredbrowsinganimalsandgiventhechoice,willobtain40%oftheirfoodfrombrowsing.Goatspreferlongerpasturesthansheepandwillnotgrazeasclosely.

Pasturespeciesrequiredaregenerallythesameasforsheep,butgoatswillavoidmanyclovers.Dairybreedsrequireasupplementofnutritiousfeed,suchascrushedoats,somebarleyorgoatmixes,iftheyaretoproducewell.Goodnutritionisparticularlyimportantforyoung,activelygrowinggoatsandfordoesduringthelastsixweeksofpregnancyandwhenlactating.

Remember,whenfeedingbyhand,theruleistointroducenewfoodtypesslowlyandcarefully.feedplentyofhighqualityroughageandfeedsmallamountsatfrequentintervals.

Donotfeedexcessivegrains.fresh,cleanwatershouldbereadilyaccessible.Monitoringofliveweightandconditionscoringwillindicatetheadequacyofthefeedconditions.


TypeYoungkids:suckleondoeorusemilkreplacer.Oldergoats:grazingandbrowsingisthemosteconomical.Supplementaryfeedingwithhayandconcentratemixesmaybenecessary.Alocalveterinarianshouldbeconsultedtodetermineifthereisaneedforspecificsupplementation.

QuantityVarieswithweight,stageofgrowthandstageofproduction.Ifnobrowseisavailable,thecarryingcapacityonpastureforgoatsissimilartosheep.Astwinsandtripletsarenotuncommon,itisimportanttoensurethatdoes,duringthelastthirdofpregnancy,areonarisingplaneofnutrition.

RegularityHayandpastureshouldbefreelyavailable.fordairyanimals,concentratesshouldbefedateachmilkingandonceperdayforothers.Kidscanhavefreeaccesstothedoes.Ifkidsarehandreared,feedatthefollowingfrequencies:•3–4daysold,fivetimesperday•3days–3weeksold,threetofivetimesperday•3–6weeksold,twiceaday.

Essential dietary needs (variations)Newbornkidsmustgetcolostruminthefirst24hours.Ifgoatcolostrumisnotavailable,sheeporcowcolostrummaybeused.Asadversereactionstocowcolostrumhaveoccurred,careisneeded.

whenhand-rearingkids,bottlesshouldbesterilisedwithacommercialsubstancesuchasMilton.Milkreplacer,acommerciallyavailablemilkreplacerforgoats,shouldbeintroducedslowly.feed50%milkmixedwith50%Vytrate,anelectrolytesolution.Thisensuresthattheanimaldoesnotscour.Slowlyincreasethequantityofmilkinthemixuntilyouarefeeding100%milkafterthreetofourdays.Ifthekidbeginstoscour,placeiton100%Vytrateandstarttheprocedureagain.Mineralsupplements,inparticularsalt,maybenecessary.Adviceshouldbesoughtfromthelocalveterinarian.

WaterGoatsrequire4–5litres/day,andupto10litresperdayforlactatingdoes.Thesequantitiesmaydoubleintemperaturesabove40°C.watermustbecleanasgoatsmayrefusetodrinkcontaminatedwater.Thefloatmechanismintroughsneedstobeprotectedtoensuregoatsdonotdamageit.

Handling

Goatsneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimalsandthehandlers.Goatsshouldbepickedupbythebody,neverbythehornsorfleece.

Kidscanbecaughtbyputtinghandsaroundtheirbodies.Catchingbythelegscancausedislocationofjoints.

Asimple,smallversionofacattle-typebailcanbeusedforallpurposesincludinghooftrimming,washingandmilking.Asimplecollarcanbeusedformilking.Most


sheepequipmentcanbeusedforgoats.Shearingcashmeresinvolvesusingasimplecollarrestraint,whilstAngorasareheldinthesamewayassheep.Allhandlingfacilitiesshouldbeconstructedandmaintainedandofsuchasizeastominimizetheriskofinjury,diseaseandovercrowding.

formarking,thekidisheldsothatitsbodyfacesthehandler’sbody,withitsheadupanditsbacklegsheld.Alambcradlecanalsobeusedforkids.Goatskeptinschoolslearnroutinesquicklyandrespondtofoodincentives.

forspecifichandlingtechniques,refertoApprovedActivities:goats,inthesenotes.

Normal behaviour

Goatsareagile,alertandobservant.Theywillseekshelterfromrainandavoidwater-loggedareasasitisverydifficultforthemtomovethroughpuddlesofwater.Generally,goatshavealeaderandarenotusuallyaggressiveunlessprovoked.Kidsplaytogether.

Disease prevention


Movement of goats

Thereareanumberofrestrictionsregardingthemovementofgoats.Toensurethattheappropriatelegislationisfollowed,contactTheAnimalwelfareAuthorityACTandtheRurallandsProtectionBoardorNSwAgriculture.

Signs of illness

Goatsmayshowsignsof:•disorientation•lethargy•changedfeedinghabits•scouring•nervousness•discharging•separatingfrom,orlaggingbehind,themainbodyoftheflock•lameness•ill-thriftorwasting•anabnormalgaitorareluctancetorise.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Commonailmentsthatmayoccurincludemastitis,bloat,internalparasitesormilkfever.

Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofill-health,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithgoats.


Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,mustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia


Disposal

Goatscanbesoldprivately,atauctionorconsignedtoanabattoir.Carcasesmustbedisposedofinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.

Suggested resources

WebsitesPolicyandGuidelinesforriskManagementinACTGovernmentSecondarySciencePrograms,2001,ACTDepartmentofEducationandTraining,viewed1October2008https://index.det.act.gov.au/resources/im_safety.html#publications


Breedsoflivestock,2008,OklahomaStateUniversityBoardofRegents,viewed1October2008www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/

NSwAgriculture,2005,StateofNSwGovernment,viewed1October2008www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture

Printed textsColeby,P.(2000)Natural Goat and Alpaca Care(2nded.),CSIROPublishing,Australia.

CSIROPublications(1991)Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: The Goat,Australia.

NSwAgriculture,Agfacts: Goats,Australia.

NSwAgriculture,Agskills: Goats,Australia.

Prendergast,M.(1981)A Guide to Keeping Goats in Australia,ThomasNelson,Australia.

Contacts



RurallandsProtectionBoard

NSwAgriculture

localcouncil


Approved activities: goatsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage54,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Capture, restraint and handling (Category 2)Sheepyardscanbeusedforgoatsalthoughgoatsjumpoverfencesmoreoftenthansheep.Avoidrushingtheanimalsandtakecarewhenyardinggoatswithhornsastheycaninjurethemselves,andothers,ifthehornsgetstuckinthefences.Avoidacutecornersanddonotyardmorethan12–15goatsatthesametime.

Goatsshouldberestrainedontheirfeetandnotthrownlikesheep.Goatsmayberestrainedbyaheadstallorinabalethatwillallowhooftrimming,washing,milkingorageingbydentition.Angorascanbeheldbythebaseoftheirhornsforshortperiods.

Kidscanbecaughtbyputtinghandsaroundtheirbodies.Catchingbythelegscancausedislocationofjoints.


1. body weight (Category 2)Theeasiestandmostappropriatemethodtodeterminebodyweightistouseasetofportablesheepscalesthatcanbefittedintoarace,allowingtheanimaltoberestrainedandweighedwithoutunduestressorhandling.Bathroomscalescanbeusedforkids.Thekidsarecarriedontothescalesthentheholder’sweightissubtracted.

2. body condition by visual assessment or condition scoring (Category 2)Thebodyconditioncanbeassessedwhengoatsarestandinginarace,baleorheadstall.


3. growth (Category 2)Measurementscanbetakenusingatapemeasureorbystandingthekidagainstarulerorbackgroundgrid.

4. body proportions(Category 2)Thechangeinbodyproportionsasanimalsgrowisbestrecordedthroughphotographs.Thismeanslittlehandlingofstockandgivespermanentandaccuraterecordsofdevelopmentalchanges.Itisusefultostandgoatsagainstabackgroundgrid.

5. pulse or blood flow(Category 2)Thepulsecanberecordedbyfeelingthecarotidarteryatthebaseofthejaworthefemoralarteryinsideahindleg.


8. age by dentition (Category 2)likesheep,goatsareagedaccordingtotheirdentition.Tocheckthenumberofteethinitsmouth,thegoatcanberestrainedbyputtingitinarace,headstallorbail.

9. scrotum and testicles (palpation)(Category 2)Thegoatisheldinastandingposition.Thehandlerplacesahandoneachsideofthebaseofthescrotumandfeelsforthespermaticchordsbetweenthumbandfingers,graduallymovingdowntotheepididymis.Abnormalitiessuchashardnessandswellingcanbefeltwithouttoomuchpressure.

Comparisonsbetweenthetestescanbemadesimultaneouslybyusingahandoneachside.


1. high/normal protein(Category 3)

2. high/normal energy(Category 3)

3. high/normal fat(Category 3)

4. palatability (Category 3)Itisrecommendedthatdietaryobservationberestrictedtophysiologicaleffectsonfibregrowthastheseprovideaccurateresultswithoutcausingstresstotheanimal.Restrictionoffoodquantityisnotacceptable.

Ensurepoisonousplants,especiallyrhododendrons,azaleas,oleanders,tomatoesandyew,arenotofferedtogoats.lilacandprivetwillnotaffectgoatsbutmayaffectthehumanswhodrinktheirmilk.


2. taming/gentling(Category 3)Goatsenjoyhumancompany.Tamingisbestdonewhenkidsareinthefirstfewdaysoflife.Avoidexcessivestresstothemother,assomedoesareexceptionallyprotective.Taminginthesecasesmaybeeasiestifthekidishandfed.Avoid


stressingthekidsbyensuringthatstudentsdonotspendtoomuchtimewiththemorinterrupttheirmealtimes.

3. training for competition or showing(Category 3)Kidsarequietenedatanearlyageandshouldbehandledasmuchaspossible.Dairygoatscanbetrainedtowalkusingacollarandlead.Accustomthemtobeinghandledalloverandparadingaroundaring.


1. fibre (Category 2)Samplesshouldbecut,notpulled,fromallspeciesexceptcashmere,wheresamplescanbebrushedoutifdesired.

2. milk (Category 2)Thedoeshouldbesafelyrestrainedwithacollarorbail.Oneofthebacklegsmayneedtobetiedusingalegrope.Beforeeachmilking,ensureadequatehygienebywashingtheudderincleanwaterorsanitizersolutionandwipingudderandteatdrywithpapertowel.Atmilkingtime,themilkershouldwashhandsbetweengoats.Aftercollectingasampleofmilk,eachteatthathasbeenmilkedshouldbedippedinasanitisersolutionregisteredforteatdisinfection.

3. faeces and urine (non-invasive) (Category 2)whencollectingurine,themostefficientmethodistorestraintheanimaloveracollectiontraythatwillcollectallpassedurine.Remembertotreatallurineasthoughitcontainshazardousdiseases.Storetheurineinsealedcontainers,handlewithsurgicalglovesandensurethatallcollectionareasarekeptclean.

faecescanbecollectedfromthegroundaftertheanimalhasdefaecated.Goatscanbetemporarilyrestrainedinapenorcornerofthepaddock.Studentsshouldwearglovesandfollowproperhygieneprocedures.

5. saliva(Category 3)Salivacanbeeasilycollectedbyfeedingroughagetogoatsjustbeforecollection.Roughagestimulatesexcesssalivaproductionsocollectionfromthemouth,usingasyringe-operatedsuctiontube,becomesaneasyprocess.

4. faeces (invasive)(Category 5)

6. ruminal fluid(Category 5)

7. blood(Category 5)



topical•backline(Category3)•spray(Category3)•dip(Category3)



injection•subcutaneous(Category3)•intramuscular(Category3)

Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofallinternalandexternalparasitesforallgoats.

whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allanimalsshouldbetreatedatthesametimeandpasturesshouldberotatedinconjunctionwiththedrenchprogram.Treatmentforexternalparasitesisnowcommonlycarriedoutusingpour-onorbacklinechemicals.Thesechemicalsaresaferfortheoperatorandforthosewatchingtheprocedure.TheyaresuitableforuseinschoolsprovidingthechemicalsareapprovedinthePolicy and Guidelines for Risk Management in ACT Government Secondary Science Programs.

DoNOTusethesheeptreatment,Clout;however,theproduct,Clout-S,issuitableforuseingoats.Treatmentprogramsshouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

whenusingvaccines,drenchesoranyotheranimalcarechemicals,caremustbetakenandnotedaboutthefollowing:•readingalllabels•maintainingappropriatestorage•adheringtowithholdingperiods•determiningtheweightofanimals•determiningthecorrectdoserate•usingprotectiveclothingifrequired.

Goatsneedtobevaccinatedwith6in1vaccine.Kidsshouldbedoneatmarkingandfollowed-upfourtosixweekslater.Olderanimalscanberestrainedinabail.

Toavoidabscessesandcarcassdamage,vaccinationshouldbedoneinthewebofskinatthebaseoftheear,using18gauge,12mmneedlesthataresharpandsterile.

4. ear tagging (Category 3)Ensurethatthegoatsaresafelyrestrained.Theprocedureshouldbecarriedoutquickly.Tagsareplacedintheleftearoffemalesandtherightearofmales.Avoidpuncturinglargebloodvessels.Equipmentshouldbecleanedbetweengoatstohelppreventbloodborneinfections.

5. tattoo application(Category 3)Thisprocedureisnecessaryforregisteredstudgoats.Cleantheinnersurfaceofanearwithmethylatedspirits.Applythetattooinktoaclean,hairlessarea,awayfromridgesofcartilageorlargeveins.Applytattoopliersfirmly.Rubexcessinkintotattoomarks.Thepliersshouldbesterilizedbetweengoatstopreventthespreadofblood-borneinfections.


6. hoof paring(Category 3)forgoats,thisprocedureneedstobedoneoften.Restrainthegoatinabail.Toavoidcuttingsensitivetissue,studentsshouldreceivepriorinstructiononhoofstructure.Toavoidtakingofftoomuchhoofandcausingbleedingordamage,thehornofthehoofshouldbecutbackinseveralstages.Ensurethefootstandslevelandcutthesiderfirst,thenthepointofthetoeandthehead.

Veryovergrownhoovesshouldbecutbackgraduallybytrimmingatweeklyintervals.Nobleedingshouldoccur.

8. shearing (Category 3)Shearingshouldbecarriedouttwiceayearwhenthewoolisnolongerthan150mm.Shearsshouldbesettohalfsheepshearingspeed.lubricatethecombsmoreoftentokeepthemcool.Treatcutsbyapplyingacommerciallyavailableantiseptic.

12. milking (Category 3)Doesshouldbesafelyrestrainedwithacollarorbail.Abacklegmayneedtobetiedusingalegrope.Beforeeachmilking,ensureadequatehygienebywashingtheudderincleanwaterorsanitisersolutionandwipingudderandteatdrywithpapertowel.Atmilkingtime,themilkershouldwashhandsbetweengoats.Aftercollectingasampleofmilk,eachteatthathasbeenmilkedshouldbedippedinasanitizersolutionregisteredforteatdisinfection.Doesmaybefedwhilemilking.lactatingdairygoatsinfulllactationshouldnotbeleftformorethan24hourswithoutreliefbymilking.

Checktheudderregularlyformastitis.SeveremastitiscanbecheckedbyusingaRapidMastitisTestwhichinvolvesmixingadetergentsolutionwithmilk.Milkfrominfectedudderswillformajelly-likeconsistency.RefertoAgskillsfromNSwAgricultureforprocedurestorecogniseandtreatmastitis.

SpecialgoatcupsareavailableformilkingmachinesalthoughJerseycowcupsmaybemoresuitableforgoatswithlargerteats.Donotovermilk.Monitortheflowofmilkandceasemilkingwhenthesteadyflowbeginstodwindle.lactationshouldonlybeencouragedfor5–9months.Vacuumsourceshouldbeat35–45kgandhaveapulsationrateof70–90ppm.

25. castration (Category 4)Castrationcanbedonebyplacinganelastratorringattheneckofthescrotum,byremovalusingaknife,orbyusingaspecially-designed,heatedknifethatsealsthewound.


39. disbudding (Category 4)Thisprocedureisbestcarriedoutonkidsduringtheirfirstweekbyusingahotdisbuddingiron,whichisusuallygas-powered.Experiencedoperatorsonlyshoulddotheprocedure,aslocalanaesthesiamustbeusedtorestrainthekid.Kidsshouldbecheckedafter2–3weeksasregrowthcanoccuriftheprocedureisnotcorrectlyperformed.Disbuddingshouldbeperformedbyanexperiencedoperator,preferablyaveterinarian.

Careshouldbetakenwhendisbuddingyoungbucksasdamagecanbedonetothescentglandswhicharelocatednearthehornbuds.

Guineapigs


ThereisnotaseparatecodewithinTAMSforwelfareofguineapigs.



Themostcommonvarietiesare:•Englishorshort-haired,whosecoarsehair,from3to4cm long,liesveryclosetothebody•Peruvianorsilkylong-haired,withhairover12cmlong•Abyssinianwhichischaracterisedbyrough,curly rosettesofhairoverthebody.

Coatcolourcanvaryoverawiderangeofblack/brown/whitearrangements,andsomemutantstrainscanalsohavetortoiseshellandyellowcolourings.

Physical attributes

Size: matureanimalshaveastoutbuild andareabout15cmlongAdultweight: male:900–1500grams female:700–900gramsAgeatadultsize: male:10weeks female:6–8weeksAveragelifespan: 4–5yearsweightatbirth: 60–100gramsGestationperiod: 59–72days,anaverageof 63–68daysNumberofoffspring: 1–10



litterfrequency: 3–5peryearRangeofbreedingages: 4weeksto20months.Sowsshouldnotbeallowedtoget toooldbeforebreedingforthefirsttimeasdystociamay occur.Descriptionatbirth: completelycoveredwithfur,eyesopen,fullsetofteeth, youngareupandrunningwithinonehour.Desirableweaningage: 14–21days(180gm).femalescanmatefrom28daysof ageandweaningshouldprecedethis.feet: forefeethavefourbroadtoes.Hindfeethavethreetoes.Tail: nilbutthereisatailbonewhichisbarelyvisible.Healthycharacteristics: bodytemperature:37–38ºC heartrate:180–340beatsperminute respirationrate:85–90perminute.

Environment

Guineapigsmaybehousedindoorsoroutdoors,inlessintensiveconditionsandwithaccesstofreshgrazing.AnexampleofanoutdoorhutchsystemistheamendedMorantsystemwhichprovidesamixofgrazingareaandasolidfloor.

whetherkeepingguineapigsintensivelyorinanoutdoorsystem,thehousingareamustbetreatedwithextremecareandcleanliness.Guineapigswillbecomeagitatediftheircagesareuncleanortheyaremovedfrequently.

Guineapigskeptindoorsshouldbehousedinawell-litandventilatedarea,awayfromdraughts,fumesandnoise,andatatemperaturebetween16and20°C.

Theyshouldnotbeplacedinthefollowingpositions•nearwindows,especiallyduringwinterormidsummer•indirectsunlight•indraughtsfromventilators,windowsordoors•infumesofanykind,overornearheaters•whereaccessisdifficult.


SpaceAvarietyofcagesareavailableinplastic,metalslatorwire.Guineapigsthatarenotraisedinwirecagesmayexperiencebrokenlimbsiftheyaretransferredtowire-basedcages.wide,wiremeshfloorsaresuitableforoutdoorruns.Ifwirecagesareused,itisimportanttoprovideasectionofsolidflooring.

Opencagesshouldhavesidesthatareatleast38cmhigh.Theyareonlysuitableforkeepingguineapigsindoors.

Adultanimalsshouldhaveapproximately1m2floorspaceperanimal.

Clearplasticsidedcagesareexcellentforstudentobservation,however,ensureprivacyforguineapigsbyprovidingshelter.


Movement and exerciseNospecialfacilitiesarerequiredastheyarerelativelyinactiveanimalsexceptwhensuddenlydisturbed.Toavoidstampedesandcircling,placeobstaclesinsidethecage.Ifstampedingdoesoccur,itindicatespoorhusbandrytechniques.

BeddingBeddingshouldbeofsoftwoodshavings,coarsesawdustorshreddedpaperwithhay(orstrawwithoutgrassseeds)beingaddedfornesting.Sufficientbeddingshouldbeprovidedtoenabletheanimaltoburrowunder.Newlittersshouldnotbedisturbedforatleastoneweek.

CleanlinessCagesandfeedcontainersshouldbesanitizedatleastweeklybywashingwithadetergentandhotwaterormilddisinfectantsolutionfollowedbyathoroughrinse.Guineapigcagesrequirefrequentcleaninginordertoavoidammoniabuildup.Toremoveurinescaleaweaklyacidicsolutionmaybeneeded.


GuineapigsarevegetarianandmusthavevitaminCtomaintaingoodhealth.Cerealstrawisrequiredforyoungsowsinfirstpregnancy.

Theyrequirefreshlymilledpelletswhicharesofterandsmallerthanratpellets.Thepelletsmustbediscardedafter90daystoensurecontinuoussupplyofvitaminC.Guineapigsmustalsohavegreenfeedforanumberofreasons.Ifascorbicacidneedsof10mgperkgbodymassarenotsuppliedinthefeed,itcanbeaddedtothewatersupply.

Inveryearlylife,guineapigsimprintfordietandrefusaltoeatachangeofdietcanresultintheirstarvingtodeath.Guineapigsareveryfussyeatersandmayrefusetoeatordrinkiffeedorfeedersarechanged.

Thedailyfeedrequirementis6gramsper100gramsofbodymassand80–l00mlofwater.feedandwatermustbechangedandreplenishedatleastevery48hoursalthoughdailyservicingispreferable.likeprimates,guineapigslackanenzymeintheglucosetovitaminCpathwayandrequireascorbicacid.Naturalsuppliesofthisarefoundincabbage,kale,greenfeed,carrotsandpumpkin.

Guineapigs’teethgrowcontinuously,sohardshellednutsorothergnawingmaterial,suchasrawfruitandvegetables,mustbeincludedtopreventovergrowth.

WaterInvertedglasswaterbottleswithametalorpyrexglasscannulaarerecommendedasguineapigswillchewonandblocksippertubewaterers.feedersandwaterersshouldbesuspendedawayfrombeddingastheydefecateandurinateintotheirfeedandwateriftheseareplacedontheflooroftheirhousingarea.SpillagesmustbedrainedawaytoensuredrybeddingandreducetheriskofSalmonellosis.


Handling

Guineapigsneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimalandthehandler.well-designedrefugessuchastubesorpipesassistincatching.Ifguineapigshideinthese,theycaneasilybecaughtwithoutstruggling.

Guineapigssometimesfreezewhenbeingtransportedandprovisionshouldbemadeforsomewhereforthemtohide.Theywillrecoverwellifleftundisturbedforapproximatelyonehour.Unlikemiceandrats,theyusuallydonotchewthroughtransportcontainers.Ensuregoodventilation,noovercrowding,andasmallamountofhaytohelpprotecttheanimalinthetransportbox.Anyhandler,whetherteacherorstudent,mustmaintainahighlevelofhygienebothbeforeandafterhandlinganimals.Handsshouldbewashedwithwarmsoapywater.Anybiteshouldreceiveappropriatefirst-aidormedicaltreatment.

Normal behaviour

Guineapigsarenotidealanimalsforobservationastheychoosetospendagreatdealoftheirliveshiding,howevertheydorespondreadilytofrequent,gentlehandling.Theyrarelybiteorscratchbuthaveatendencytoscatterfeedandbedding.Astheymature,theylikesethandlingpatternsandmaybecomeagitatediffeed,waterorcontainersarechanged.Theyareextremelysensitivetobeingmovedandasaresultmayfreezefor30minutesormore.

Theymakelittlenoiseexceptwhenstressed,whichwillcausethemtouttershrillsquawksandhissingsounds.Theymaybecomequitevocalinanticipationoffood.femaleswithyoungwillmakeasoftcluckingnoisewhiletheyoungchatter.Toattractamale,afemaleonheatmakeslowquietbleats.Excitedguineapigsstampede,andmaytrampletheiryoung.

Theyhaveatendencytocirclewhenstressedbutthiscanbealleviatedbyidentifyingthecauseofthestressandremovingitorbyusingarectangularcageorprovidingbarrierswithinthecagetoreducecircling.

Theyestablishmaledominatedhierarchies,andsubordinateanimalsmaybechewedorbarbered.Onlyonemaleperpenshouldbekeptandmaturemalesshouldnotbekepttogether.Strangemalesplacedtogether,particularlywithafemaleorincrowdedconditions,willfight.

Theydonotburrowinthewildbutliveinthedug-outsofotheranimals.

Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.

Allactivitiesmustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.


Signs of illness


variations in:•bodytemperature•gastrointestinalfunctionssuchasdiarrhoea,weightlossorlossofappetite•urogenitalfunctions,e.g.abortion,infertilityorabnormaldischarges•respiratoryfunctions,e.g.persistentcoughing,gaspingorpanting;

or evidence of:•skinconditionsuchaslesions,abnormalgrowths•atuckedupappearance,stiffgait,orabnormalposture,patchycoatorlossofhair•excessivescratchingorrubbing•swollenjointsorlimping•dribbling.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofill-health,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithguineapigs.

Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia


Disposal


Suggested resources

WebsitesAustralianandNewZealandCouncilfortheCareofAnimalsinResearchandTeaching(ANZCCART),2008,ANZCCARTviewed1October2008www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART

RSPCA,2007,RSPCA.org,viewed1October2008www.rspca.org.au

Petalia,AworldofPetCare,2000,PetaliaTM,viewed1October2008http://www.petalia.com.au/Home/


Approved activities: guinea pigsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of animal behaviour (Category 1)Guineapigsarenotidealanimalsforobservationduetotheirnormalbehaviourofhiding.Iftheanimalspanicandbegintostampede,donotcontinuetheobservationperiod.


• Breeding of guinea pigs in the classroom (Category 2)

• The appropriate care of classroom pets(Category 2)Aplanforthedisposalofsurplusanimalsmustbeinplacepriortobeginningthisactivity.Ifkillingistheonlydisposaloption,thenthebreedingprogramisnotallowed.

Themaleandfemaleshouldbeseparatedpriortobirth.Offspringshouldbeseparatedintosinglesexgroupsatweaning.

Itisessentialthatsowsarematedandgivebirthbythetimetheyare12monthsold.Thisavoidsproblemscausedbythenaturalhardeningofasow’spelvisassheages.Sowsandtheiryoungshouldnotbedisturbedduringbirthorwithinthefirstweekoflife.

• Capture, restraint and handling (Category 2)Thegentlenatureofguineapigsmakesthemoneoftheeasiestlaboratoryanimalstohandle.Theyrarelybitebuttheycan,andwill,ifhandledincorrectly.Theyshouldbeliftedbygraspingunderthetrunkgentlybutfirmlywithonehand,whilesupportingtherearquarterswiththeotherhand.Greatcareshouldbetakenwhenhandlingpregnantfemales.

Onlyonestudentshouldhandletheguineapigatanytime.Guineapigsareextremelysensitivetooverhandlingandshouldnotbehandledbymultiplestudentsinanyonesession.Guineapigsaretemperamentallydifferentandonlythosewhichdonotshowdistresswhenhandledshouldbeused.Suddennoiseormovementshouldnotbeallowedneartheanimals.


1. bodyweight (Category 2)

2. body condition(Category 2)



4. body proportions(Category 2)Studentscansetupweight/ageandsize/agechartsforanumberofanimalsandoperatethemoveraperiodof10weeks.Useapre-weighedcontainerofappropriatesizeandappropriatescalesandmeasuringtapestodetermineoveralllength,girthandsizeofskull.

Priortrainingandexperienceincapture,restraintandhandlingisrequired.Guineapigsshouldberestrainedfortheshortestpossibleperiod.Tomaintainidentificationofindividualanimals,usecolour-dyemarking.



topical(Category 3)•liceandfleascanbecontrolledbydustingtheanimalswithinsecticidepowder suitableforpets.

oral (Category 3)•Signsandsymptomssuchasdullcoat,scurvyandconstipationmayindicate adeficiencyofascorbicacid.Adviceandtreatmentsuchasanoralsupplement shouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianfamiliarwithguineapigs.

2. coat care and grooming (Category 2)Guineapigsrequiresomelevelofcoatcaredependingonthetypeofcoat.longcoatedguineapigsmustbegroomedregularly.Animalsshouldbegentledandtamedfromoneweekoldtobecomeaccustomedtogrooming.


Horses


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March2009at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/48821/horsewelfare-codeofpractice.pdf







ThereisarangeofbreedsinuseinAustraliathatareclassifiedaccordingtoactivity:•Thoroughbred/warmbloodinOlympicdisciplines•Thoroughbred/Pony/Arabinhackring•Thoroughbredinracing•Stockhorsetypesinfarmwork•Arabianusedextensivelyinendurancerides.

Physical attributes

Size: 8handshigh,e.g.Shetlandpony,to18.2handshighsuch asDraughtbreedorlargewarmblood. 1hand=10cm. Theheightofthehorseistakentothetopofthewithers.weight: variesfrom200kg(Shetlandpony)to 700kg(draughtbreeds)weightatbirth: Shetlandis30kg Draughtis100kgAgeatadultsize: 4years,somevariationexistsbetweenbreedsGestationperiod: 322–345days.Averageis336days.Numberofoffspring: 1.Onrareoccasions,twinsarebornbutusuallytheyhave alowsurvivalrate.Rangeofbreedingages: mares:3–20years. Progesteroneissometimesusedtohelpmaintain pregnancyinmaresover15years.weaningage: 6–9monthsHealthycharacteristics: temperature:38.0–38.3ºC. At38.4ºCyouwouldbeconcerned.Heartrate: 30–40/minRespiration: 10–20/min.Variesbetweenindividuals.

Environment

SpaceAhorsekeptatpasturewillrequireatleastonehectaretoprovideadequatefeed.Supplementationmaystillberequiredinsummerandwinter.Horsesstabled,orkeptinrestrictiveyardsforlongperiods,willrequireregulardailyexercise.RecommendedsizesandmaterialsareprovidedintheCodeofPractice,welfareofHorsesintheACTavailableat:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/pets/animalwelfare/animalwelfarestandards-codesofpractice

Movement and exercisePasturedhorseswillkeepthemselvesexercised.Horseskeptconfinedinyardsorstableswillneeddailyexercisesoraccesstolargegrazingareas.


FencingSmallyardsshouldhavepostandrailfencingusingtimber,steelpipingorsteelposts.Barbedwire,prefabricatedfencingandhightensilefencingcancausesevereinjurytohorsesandshouldnotbeused.Thehorsesshouldbeabletoseeanyfencingmaterialeasily.

TemperatureHorsescancopewiththetemperatureextremesexperiencedinNSwiftheyhaveadequatewaterandsomeformofshelter.Olderhorses,orthosestabledandrecentlyturnedouttopasture,mayrequireruggingwithalined,waterproofrugincoldweather.

LightNaturallightisfine.Experiencedstockpeopleusinghorsesforshowingpurposesortoinfluenceoestrusinbreedingmaressometimesemployartificiallight.Itisunlikelythatthisneedwouldexistintheschoolsituation.

VentilationHorsesrequireawell-ventilatedstablewithoutdraughts.Inpaddocks,theyneedanareatogetoutofthewind.

ShelterShelterfromheat,windandrainisrequired.Itmaybeabeltoftreesortheprovisionofastable.Astable3.5x3.5missuitableformosthorsesand3x3misadequateforapony.


BeddingBeddingisonlyneededinastableandshouldbedeepenoughtopreventleginjuries.Ricehulls,straw,woodshavingoranyabsorbentmaterialissuitableprovidingthehorsedoesnoteatit.

CleaningRemovedirtybeddingfromstablesatleastonceaday.Tohelpcontrolworms,manureshouldberemovedfromthepaddock.

Food requirements

TypeAshorsesareunabletodigestlowqualityfeedsefficiently,theyshouldbeprovidedwithgoodqualityfeedatalltimes.factorssuchasindividualtastes,age,sizeandtheamountofworkdonebyahorsewillinfluenceitsfeedrequirements.Maturehorsesnotinworkcanbemaintainedonpastureifitisofhighqualitythroughouttheyear.Supplementingthefeedofhorsesusuallyconsistsofroughagessuchaslegumes,cerealchaffsandhayandconcentratesintheformofgrainssuchasoats,barleyandcorn,pelletsandproteinmeals.


QuantityHorseswillgenerallyeatdrymatterofabout1.5to2.5%oftheirbodyweightperday.Ifthequantityorqualityofpastureisinadequate,thensupplementaryfeedingwillbenecessary.

forfurtherinformation,refertoappendix2oftheCodeofPractice:welfareofHorsesintheACT,page42.

RegularityUnlimitedaccesswouldonlybeallowedwhenthehorseisatpasture.Ifsupplementaryfeedissuppliedthenfeedthehorseatleasttwiceaday.Notethathorseshaveonlyasmallstomachsosmalleramounts,fedmoreoften,arepreferable.

Essential dietary needs (variations)Highfibrefoodshouldalwaysbeavailable.lucernehayisausefulroughagefeedforhorses,supplyingallnutritionalrequirementsforahorsenotinwork.Horsesarefarmoresensitivetotheirfeedthanruminantanimals.

Anychangesindietshouldbemadegradually,overeighttotendays.Thisminimisestheriskofcolic,especiallyifintroducinggrain,changinggraintypeorquantities.Donotfeedmouldyfeed.Bewareofpoisonousplants,inparticularthosepalatabletohorses,e.g.,croftonweedandPatterson’scurse.lowfibregrainsshouldbeavoidedunlesstreated,e.g.barleyshouldbeboiledorsteamrolled.

WaterAhorsemayconsumeupto25–45litresofwaterperday.waterandtroughsshouldbecleanandfreefromcontamination.Supplywateradlibexceptafterstrenuousexercisewhenthewatershouldhavethechilltakenoffitandbegiveninlimitedquantitiesuntilthehorsehascooledoff.Horsesthatarelimitedintheiraccesstowaterwilltendtogorgethemselves,possiblyresultingincolic.Automaticwateringsystemsarerequiredandtheseshouldbecheckeddailytoensuretheyareworking.

forfurtherinformation,refertoappendix2oftheCodeofPractice:welfareofHorsesintheACTpage42.

Handling

Horsesshouldbeapproachedinaquiet,kindwayandhandledinafirm,non-hesitantmanner.Schoolsshouldchoosehorseswithcalmtemperamentsthatrequireminimalrestrainttoperformactivities.Alargenumberofhorseswillrequireonlyaheadstallandleadropetocarryoutallactivitiesperformedinschools.

Normal behaviour

Thesepointsshouldalwaysbenotedwhenconsideringthebehaviourofhorses:•horsesarenaturallygregariousand,assuch,thereisastrongherdinstinct•horsesmaydevelopabnormalbehaviourssuchasweavingorwindsucking,when keptunderunnaturalconditionsthatinvolvesocialisolationorlowroughagediets. weavinghasbeendefinedasthelateralswayingoftheheadoverthestabledoor orsomeotherbarrier.


wind-suckingandcrib-bitingmaybeperformedwhilegraspingasurfaceand involvecontractionofthehorse’sneckmusclesandanaudiblegrunt.These behaviourstendtopersistevenwhentheaffectedanimalsaremanagedmore naturally.•horsesinthedomesticstatetendtofindsecurityinfamiliarsurrounding.Thiscan belikenedtothesecuritythattheyderivefrommembersoftheherdinthewild state.•horsesareessentiallynervousandexcitablesothereisastronginstinctiveflight response•horseshaveindividualtemperamentsandthisshouldbeconsideredwhen assessingbehaviour.•horsesarenaturallynervousandsuspiciousofanythingneworstrange,sudden movementsandloudnoises•horseskeptinconfinedareassuchasstablesandsmallyardsoftendevelop behaviouralproblemsbecauseoffrustrationandlackofstimulation• inthewild,horsesmovetokeepintouchwithoneanother.whenhorsesarenot freetodothis,theytendtodevelopabnormalbehavioursuchasweaving•horseshaveasmallstomachandaredesignedtoeatlittleandoften•horsesthatarebeingfedcerealsshouldbefedsmallamountsatatimeandbe offeredhighfibreforages,otherwisetheytendtodevelopvicessuchascrib-biting andwind-sucking.

Note on the selection of horses

Horseschosenforuseinschoolsshouldhaveacalmtemperamentandbeeasytohandle.Horsesareverymuchindividualsandtherestraintusedtohandleonehorsemaynotbesuitableforanother.Allhorsesusedinschoolsshouldbeabletobeadequatelyrestrainedwiththeuseofaheadstallandleadrope.Ultimately,thechoiceofasuitablehorseforuseinaschoolshouldbeonethatdoesnotrequiretheuseofatwitchtorestrainitforanyactivitiesincategories2or3.

Disease prevention


Signs of illness

Thefirstsignnoticedisachangeinthehorse’snaturaldemeanour.Itmaybelistlessorlethargic.Closerexaminationsmayshow:

variations in:•bodytemperature•gastrointestinalfunctionssuchasdiarrhoea,weightlossorlossofappetite•urogenitalfunctions,e.g.abortion,infertilityorabnormaldischarges•respiratoryfunctionssuchaspersistentcoughing,gaspingorpanting;or


evidence of:•skinconditionsuchaslesionsorabnormalgrowths•atuckedupappearance,stiffgait,abnormalposture,patchycoatorlossofhair•excessivescratchingorrubbing•swollenjointsorlimping.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Commonailmentsthatmayoccurincludecolicorinternalparasites.

Ifthecauseofill-healthcannotbeidentifiedandcorrected,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithhorses.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia


Disposal

Horsescanbesoldprivately,atauctionorconsignedtoanabattoir.Carcassesmustbedisposedofinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.

Suggested resources

WebsitesPolicyandGuidelinesforriskManagementinACTGovernmentSecondarySciencePrograms,2001,ACTDepartmentofEducationandTraining,viewed1October2008https://index.det.act.gov.au/resources/im_safety.html#publications




Printed textsNSwAgriculture, Agfacts,Informationsheets.

NSwAgriculture,Agskills,HomeStudyProgramdevelopedatC.B.AlexanderCollege,Tocal.

PeerageBooks,(1985)Encyclopaedia of the Horse,PeerageBooks,london.

UfAw(1988)The Management and Welfare of Farm Animals,Hertfordshire,UK.

Yabsley,G.(1983)Farming in a small way,NSwAgriculture,Sydney.


Contacts


NSwAgriculture

localCouncil


Approved activities: horsesPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage54,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observations(Category 1)Itisimportanttorealisethathorsesarelargeanimalsandcaremustbetakenwhenmakingobservationsatfeedingtime.whenbeingfed,horsesmayshowaggressivebehaviouriftheyareestablishinganhierarchicalorder.

Asafepaddockorstablesetupissuitableforobservations.

Ahorsemaybeobtainedfromareputabledealerorstud.Itispreferabletoleaseahorseforaschooltermandreturnitbeforetheholidays,orundertakeexcursionstoregisteredridingschools.


• Capture, restraint and handling (Category 2)Onlyhorseswithsound,calmtemperamentsshouldbeusedforstudentstohandleandrestrain.Afirm,quietapproachtohorsehandlingshouldbeemphasised.Mosthorsesshouldnotneedtheuseofatwitchforrestraintexceptforsomeveterinaryprocedures.

Mosthorseswillallowthemselvestobecaughtand,oncetrained,willleadbyaheadstall.forhorsesdifficulttocatch,afeedenticementisausefulaid.Asmaller,solidlybuiltcatchyardcanbeusedadjacenttothemainpaddock.Generally,


tryingtocornerhorseswillonlyleadtotheflightresponsethatcouldbepotentiallydangeroustobothhorseandhandler.Althoughhorseshaveawidefieldofvision,theyhaveablindspottotherearthatneedstobeconsidered.Alwaysapproachahorseatananglesothatitcanseeyouandspeaksothatitisnotstartled.

Restraintwilldependontheactivitybeingcarriedout.Quickreleaseknotsshouldalwaysbeusedwhentyinguphorses.Mosthorseswilltieupbyaheadstalliftrainedtodoso.Asolidstructureshouldalwaysbeusedasthehitch.Apieceofbalingtwine,usedbetweenhitchandleadrope,willminimiseinjurytothehorseandgearbreakagesifthehorsepullsback.Useofcrosstieswillminimisetheabilityofthehorsetopivotaroundacentralpointwhenbeinghandled.Acrosstieinvolvestyingthehorsefrombothsidesofitsheadstall.

liftinguponelegofthehorsewillenableanotherpersontomoreeasilyhandleoneoftheotherlegsforclippingorapplicationofsurgicaldressings.Acrushwithsolidsidesispreferablesothatthehorsecannotgetitslegscaught.

Aftertraining,horsescanbeeasilyledbythehead.Untrainedhorsesshouldnotbeusedinschools.Nevergetintoatugofwarwiththehorse,as500kgwillalwayswin!




3. growth(Category 2)

4. body proportions (Category 2)

5. pulse(Category 2)

6. respiration(Category 2)Alltheseproceduresshouldbeabletobecarriedoutwiththehorseheldortiedupwithaheadstallandleadrope.Theuseofacrushornosetwitchshouldnotbenecessary.Chooseahorsethatisaccustomedtotheseproceduresandhasaquietdisposition.Measurementcanbemadebeforeandafterexercise.

D. Measurement of mild dietary effects (Category 3)

Thiswouldbeanunlikelyactivityduetothevastvariationsbetweenindividualsandthedifficultyinmeasuringchangeinperformance.Theuseofresearchdataonfeedinghorses,mostlyAmerican,isrecommended.


1. training for competition or showing (Category 3)Tominimiserisksforthehandler,horsesusedinschoolsshouldhavecalmtemperaments.Theyshouldbeabletobehandledwithheadstallandleadrope,andberiddeninasnafflebit.Horsesrequiringmorerestraintarenotsuitableforuseinschools.Studentsneedtobeveryfamiliarwiththeuseof:headstallandleadrope,saddle,lungerein,bridleandlungewhipordressagewhip.Theyneedtobesupervisedandwelltrainedintheuseofthisequipment.



1. faeces & urine (non-invasive) (Category 2)Collectionoffaecesandurinewillrequireminimalrestraintofahorse.

7. blood(Category 5)Mustbeperformedbyanexperiencedhandleronlye.g.aveterinarian



topical•backline(Category 3)•spray(Category 3)•dip(Category 3)

oral•drench(Category 3)

injection•subcutaneous(Category 3)•intramuscular(Category 3)

Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofallinternalparasitesforallhorses.

whentreatingforinternalparasites,allanimalsshouldbetreatedatthesametimeandpasturesshouldberotatedinconjunctionwiththedrenchprogram.Theseprogramsneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.


Administeringvaccinationinjectionstohorsesshouldbecarriedoutinaquiet,firmmanner.Aheadstallandleadropeshouldbeusedandsomeanimals,adversetoneedles,mayneedtobetwitched.fortetanusandstrangles,usevaccines.forlocaldiseaseincidence,seekadvicefromaveterinarian.

2. coat care and grooming(Category 2)

3. coat clipping(Category 3)Somehorsesmaybeextremelysensitivetotheuseofelectricclippers,especiallyforbodyclipping.Ifhorsesneedtoberestrainedforcoatclipping,theuseofa


nosetwitchortranquillisershouldonlybeusedfollowingadvicefromaveterinarian.Generally,horsescanberestrainedusingaheadstallandleadrope.

15. loading and unloading animals onto transporters (Category 3)Beforestudentsareinvolvedintransportinghorses,theyshouldbeusedtoleadinghorsesandbandagingtheirlegs.Atleastintheinitialstages,usehorsesthatarewellusedtobeingtruckedorfloatedandtrainedtoloadandunloadcalmlyandwillingly.Involvestudentsininitialfloattrainingofyounghorses,onlyaftertheyhaveobtainedconsiderableskillsinhandlinghorses.loadingshouldbecarriedoutinacalm,quietmannerunderclosesupervision.wheneverpossible,emphasisetheimportanceofstep-bysteplearningforthehorse.

19. fire branding of horses (Category 4)

20. freeze branding of horses(Category 4)limitedbytherequirementsofbreedsocieties.

Brandingcausespainand,ifitisrequired,itshouldonlybecarriedoutbyanexperiencedperson.Thoroughbredhorses,bothAJCandStudBookregistered,usefreezebrands.Otherbreedsocietiesusefirebrands.


32. semen collection(Category 5)

33. pregnancy diagnosis(Category 4)Thediagnosisofpregnancyinhorsesismadebyrectalpalpationandultrasound.Diagnosiswouldonlybecarriedoutbyaveterinarysurgeonbecauseofthedangerofrectaltears.

35. microchip tagging(Category 4)

Aveterinarianmustperformthisprocedure.Antisepticconditionsandlocalanaestheticmustbeusedasimproperimplantingcanleadtoserioustraumaorinfectioninthehorse.

Thismethodofidentificationisespeciallyusefulwhenskinbrandsareillegible.


Mice(Housemouse)


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March09at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/48823/ratandmicewelfare-codeofpractice.pdf



Thereareover330knownspeciesofmice.Thereisahugevarietyoffurcolourcombinationsandseveraldifferentfurtypessuchaslonghairedorcurlyhaired.

Physical attributes

Size: approximatelengthfromsnoutto baseoftailis7–9cm. Approximatelengthoftailis7–9cm. Overalllengthis14–18cm.weight: adultmaleisapprox.20–40g adultfemaleisapprox.y25–90gAgeatadultsize: 10–12weeksAveragelifespan: 18–24monthsweightatbirth: 1–1.5gGestationperiod: 19–21daysNumberofoffspring: 8–11weaningage: 20daysRangeofbreedingages:2.5–12monthsisrecommendedHealthycharacteristics: Bodytemperature:37–38ºC Heartrate:c.600beatsperminute Respirationrate:c.160perminute


Environment

Miceshouldnotbehousedwithotherspecies.Acageornestingplaceshouldbeseenastheanimal’shomeordomainanddisturbedaslittleaspossible.Itmustberememberedthatenvironmentalrequirementsofsmallmammalsarecomplexandimperfectlyunderstood.Cagedesignsarenumerousandeverchangingbutitisimportantthattheymeetthestandardsrequiredforsafety,security,easeofcleaning,animalcomfortandallowstudentobservation.

Mostpetshopssupplyplasticmousecagesthatarewell-designedoranunusedaquarium,withawiremeshlid,makesanexcellentcontainer.Avoidwiremeshfloorsthroughwhichfeetandlegsmaybedamaged.Ensurethattherearenosharpprojectionsandthatthecageiseasilycleanedandverminproof.


SpaceMinimumsizeofcage:height=30cm,length35cm,Depth28cmpluslitter.

Movement and exercisewhileeverydayactivitiesgivemiceadequateexercise,theyseemtoenjoyexerciseequipmentifitisavailable.Arunningwheelisusuallyverywellutilized.Elevatedboxesandtubes,madeofeithercardboardorpolycarbonate,makeexcellentexerciseareas.

Temperature18–25°C,ifprovidedwithgoodbeddingandshelterduringenvironmentalextremes.Avoidlargefluctuationsintemperature.

LightPreferablygoodnaturallightingorartificiallightwiththefullrangeofspectralcolours,45–60lux.Cagesshouldbekeptoutofdirectsunlightand,withinthecage,sheltershouldbeprovidedforthemice.Studentsshouldbeabletoobservethatmicewillseekdarknessifitisavailabletothem.Thereshouldbe12-hourperiodsofbothlightanddarkness.

VentilationGenorousnaturalventilation,withoutdraughts,isrequiredandsafetyfromfumesandvapours(suchaschemicalsandammoniafromurine)shouldbeprovided.

ShelterNotapplicableasmiceshouldbehousedindoors.Adequateprotectionfrompredatorsandsunlightmustbeprovided.

Beddinglittershouldbehighlyabsorbent,dust-free,splinter-free,non-toxic,non-edibleandnotcontaminatedwithpesticidesorchemicals.

Suggestedbeddingincludesuncontaminateddrystraw,meadowhay,whitesawdust,whiteshavingsorshreddedpaper.Avoidglossymagazinesastheinksusedcanbedangerousandtreatedwoodbecauseofthechemicalsused.


CleaningCagesshouldbecheckeddailyandreplacedifwet.Thecageshouldbethoroughlycleanedtwiceweekly,washedinasolutionofdetergentandhotwaterandthoroughlydried.Newbeddingshouldbesuppliedandoldbeddingdisposedofappropriately.Miceshouldbereturnedtothesamecageinthesamesite,aschangesstressmice.

NestingEasily-shreddedmaterialsshouldbeprovided.Shreddedpaper,straw,softcardboard,papertowelsorcottonfibrearesuitable.Cottonwoolshouldnotbeusedasitcanwraparoundthelegsofyoungmiceandcauseinjury.


Commercially-preparedmicepelletsorcubesarerecommendedastheyprovideallthebasicrequirements.Refertomanufacturers’recommendationsforquantitytobefed.Asaguide,miceupto9monthsofageorpregnantrequire10gmsofpelletedfoodper100gmsofbodyweightandadultmicerequire5gmsofpelletedfoodper100gmsofbodyweight.

Miceshouldbefedonceadayonly.Allstalefoodandscrapsmustberemovedforhygienereasons.Itshouldbenotedthatmicearegreathoardersandthedailyremovalofscrapsshouldincludeathoroughsearchofthesleepingareas.Tablescraps,chocolate,chipsorotherjunkfoodthatishighinfatsshouldbeavoidedasthismayleadtoobesity,tumoursorhearttrouble.

However,miceenjoyvarietyintheirfoodsothedietcanbesupplementedwithfreshfruitandvegetablesandsuitableseedsinsmallamounts.feedswithouthighfatseedssuchassunflowersaremoresuitablethangeneralmixes.Mouldyorrottenfoodshouldnotbeoffered.Micebenefitfromtheadditionofasmallamountofhayinwhichtheycannestandnibbletoaiddigestion.Bones,particularlychicken,orhard,untreatedwoodpiecesshouldbeofferedforhealthyteethandgumsandreplacedregularly.

Asmicelikefreshfood,itissensibletopurchaseonlysmallamounts.lactatingfemalesmustbeprovidedwithapproximatelyfourtimestheamountoffoodandwaternormallyrequiredbyanadultmouse.

Aclean,adequatesupplyofwatermustalwaysbeavailable.Anadultmouseneedsapproximately10mldailyandalactatingfemalecouldrequireupto14mldailyinhotweather.Asmicecontaminatewaterindishesandbowls,asuspended,gravityfedwaterbottlewithametalballandtubesipperofadequatesizeisrequired.watershouldbereplaceddailyandthebottlekeptclean.Thespoutshouldbecheckeddailyforcorrectflowasblockagesoccurfrequently.

Handling

Miceneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimalandthehandler.well-designedrefugesassistincatching.Ifmicehideunderstructures,suchaselevatedshelvesornestboxes,theycanbeeasilycaughtwithoutstruggling.


Miceshouldbeconditionedtobeinghandledfromayoungagesothattheyarewellpreparedforhandlingbystudents.

Normal behaviour

Healthymicearealert,activeandinquisitive.Theyhavebright,clear,openeyes.Theirearsstandupstraightandtheirfurisdenseandsleek.Thebehaviourofmiceinlaboratoryconditionsdependsonhowmanymicearecagedtogether,thesizeandtypeofthecage,andtheenvironmentalconditions.Miceareveryagileacrobatsandnormalcagedbehaviourincludesrunning,jumping,standingonhindlegsandclimbing.Theyaresocialanimalsandshouldnotbekeptassolitaryanimals.Iftheyarenotbreeding,micearebestkeptinsinglesexgroupsthathavebeenestablishedshortlyafterweaning.

Micearenocturnalanimalsandarefarmoreactiveatnight.Theyfeedpredominantlyatnight.Duringdaylighthours,itisnormalbehaviourformicetoresthuddledtogethertoconservebodyheat.Ahealthymousesleepscurledinafoetalpositionandextensionisasignofillhealth.

Micearerarelyaggressivebutwillbiteiffrightened.Somestrainsofmiceareaggressiveandarenotsuitableforuseintheclassroom.Cannibalismisrarebutdoesoccur.Itisusuallyindicativeofinadequatedietorpoormaintenance.Maleshousedtogethershouldbemonitoredforaggressivebehavioursandshouldthisbecomeevident,arrangementsforindividualhousingshouldbemade.

Pregnantfemalesshownestbuildingactivitypriortobirthandduringlactation.Duringthebreedingperiod,itisnormalbehaviourforthemaletonibblethefemale’sheadorbodyandtoexamineherano-genitalarea,priortocopulation.

Micemaycheweachother’shair.Thisiscalled‘barbering’.Theresponsiblemouseshouldbeseparated.

Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.Allactivitiesmustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.Mostdiseasescanbepreventedby:•selectinghealthystock•maintaininghygieniclivingconditions•providingadequatespaceandenvironmentalstimulation•ensuringfoodisfresh,inappropriatequantitiesandsuitableformiceand•observationandearlydetectionofproblemsandseekingadvicefroma veterinarian.

Signs of illness

Anyofthefollowingsymptomsmayindicateillness:•reluctancetomove•unkempt,erectcoat•breathingdifficultiesand/orincreasedrespiratoryrate


•hairloss,skinrednessandscalingand/orscabbingespeciallyaroundthehead orshouldersmaybeanindicationofmites,lice,ringwormsorotherfungus•dischargefromtheeyes,nose,urinaryorgenitalorgans•coughingandsneezing•constantscratching,lackofbalance,stumblingorstiffleggedgait,softfaeces withanunpleasantsmell•looseskin,whichisasignofweightloss•prostration,extension,bumpsorlumpswhichcanindicatepossiblegrowthsor abscesses.

Animalswithanyofthesesymptomsshouldbeimmediatelyisolatedfromotheranimalsandtheircagesfullydisinfected.Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofill-health,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithmice.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia


Disposal

Adisposalplanneedstobeconsideredbeforeusingananimalinanyprogram.Youngcanbeplacedinanewhomesoonafterweaning,providedthattheyarehealthyandgainingweight.Thenewownershouldbegivenaccurateinformationonhousing,diet,healthcare,parasitecontrol,handlingandgrooming.Breedinginschoolsisnotrecommended.

Suggested resources




Printed textsUniversitiesfederationforAnimalwelfare(UfAw)(1987)The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals,longmanScientificandTechnical,Hertfordshire,UK.

wallace,M.(1984)The Mouse in Residence and Transit,UfAw,Hertfordshire,UK.


wray,J.D.(Editor)andKelly,P.J.(1974)Small Animals: Educational Use of Living Organisms, Schools Council General,TheEnglishUniversitiesPressltd,london.

Contacts


Approved activities: micePlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines


• Observation of the normal behaviour of animals(Category 1)Toavoidfrighteningmiceduringobservation,studentsshouldbekeptatareasonabledistance.


• Breeding of mice in the classroom (Category 2)Micemaynotbebredforthepurposeofdissection

• The appropriate care of classroom pets (Category 2)Aplanforthedisposalofsurplusanimalsmustbeinplacepriortobeginningthisactivity.Ifkillingistheonlydisposaloption,thenthebreedingprogramisnotallowed.

Themaleandfemalemiceshouldbeseparatedpriortobirth.Atweaning,offspringshouldbeseparatedintosinglesexgroups.

• Capture, restraint and handling(Category 2)Onlymicethatareaccustomedtobeinghandledshouldbeused.

Allhandingshouldbegentleandunhurried.Sudden,loudnoisesandjerkymovementsmustbeavoidedatalltimes.Micemustbehandledregularlyifitisintendedthattheyremaintame.

Adultmicemaybesafelyliftedbythebaseofthetailbutneverbythetipofit.Afterbeinglifted,themouseshouldbeplacedimmediatelyontoafirmsurfacesuchasthebackofthehandoratable,whilestillbeingheldbutnotdangledintheair.Micecanalsobepickedupbyclosingthehandalmostcompletelyaroundthem.Handlemicegentlytoavoidanyaccidentalinjury.


Amousecanbegraspedbythescruffofthenecktoimmobiliseitorenableexaminationunderneath.Theonlywaytoadequatelyrestrainamouseistograsptheskinonthebackoftheneckfirmlyandwiththeotherhand,orthethirdandfourthfingersofthehandholdingthescruff,holdthebaseofthetail.


1. body weight(Category 2)



4. body proportions(Category 2)Studentsshouldhavepriortrainingandexperienceinthecapture,restraintandhandlingofmice.Studentscanobservemice,notingdetailsoftheirgrowth,e.g.weighingandmeasuringbodyproportions.Studentsshouldbeencouragedtodesignmethodsofmeasuringmice,whileminimisingthelevelofrestraintused.Tomeettheeducationalobjectives,miceshouldberestrainedfortheshortestpossibletime.


4. palatability(Category 3)forsmallanimalssuchasmiceandrats,theonlydietaryeffectthatshouldbeinvestigatedisthepalatabilityofdifferentfoods.Duetotheirsmallsize,itisunacceptabletovaryorrestrictthequantityorqualityofthefeedprovidedtomice.

Pigs


ThereisnotaseparatecodewithinTAMSforthewelfareofpigs.


Activitiesinvolvinglargedomesticandfarmanimalsthatmightstandon,crushorotherwisecausephysicalinjurytoapersonareclassedas‘highrisk’(level3)activitiesinthe Policy and Guidelines for Risk Management in ACT Government Secondary Science Programs 2001.Highriskactivitieshavethepotentialforriskofseriousinjurytostudentsorothers(e.g.anirreversibleinjury,permanentdamagetohealthorafatality).


Ariskassessmentmustbecompletedanddocumentedbyseniormanagementpriortothecommencementofhighriskactivities.Intheeventofastudentaccident,acopyofthe

For health reasons, pigs are not suitable for keeping in residential areas and are considered not suitable for the school situation. The following information has been provided for teachers who wish to take students on excursions to study the animal husbandry for pigs and commercial production of pigs.



riskassessmentformandotherrelevantdocuments(e.g.studentsafetytest,pre-activityteachingandlearning,coursedocuments)shouldbeattachedtothestudentaccidentreportformaandforwardedtoworkplacerelationsandGovernmentlegalandliaisonsection.


Mostcommonbreedsare:•largewhite•landrace•Hampshire•Duroc•Berkshire•largeBlack•Tamworth•wessexSaddleback.

Physical attributes

Size: Mediumsizefarmanimaluptoapproximately180kgweight: Porker:45kgBaconer:90kgBreedingsow:120kgAgeatadultsize: 9–10months(105–120kg)weightatbirth: 0.8–1.6kgGestationperiod: 3months,3weeks,3days(114–115days)Numberofoffspring: Upto20pigletsSexualmaturation: Agiltmaybematedbyaboutninemonthsifsheiswell developed.Breedinglife: 8–9years.weaningage: 6–8weeksHealthycharacteristics: Temperature:38.8–39.7ºCHeartrate: 60–80beats/min,takeninsideahindkneeorovertheheart.

Environment

Please note:Itisnolongerappropriatetoroutinelyusefarrowingcratesforthehousingofsowsjustpriortoandduringfarrowinganduptoweaning.

Managementsystemsforfarrowingthatprovidethefollowingarerecommended:•Spaceforthesowtomovearound.•Nestingmaterialforthesowandpiglets.Animals•Safe(creep)areaforthepiglets,reducingthechanceofinjuryordeathdueto squashing.

Thereareanumberofoptionsthatcanbeusedtodevelopasystemthatmeetsthephysicalandbehaviouralneedsofthesowandpiglets.Ingeneral,thepigproductionsystemshouldprovidethemaximumamountofspaceandenvironmental


enrichment,andfordrysows,boarsandgrowersaccesstotheoutdoors.whenpigletsareraisedinlessintensiveconditions,theneedforroutineteethclippingandtaildockingisgreatlyreducedandmaynotberequiredatall.


SpacePigsrequiresufficientspaceforeachonetoliewithlimbsextended,tobeabletostretchandmovefreely,tosleep,feedanddung.Pigswithadequatespace,dunginadifferentareatotheirsleepingarea.Theymusthaveenoughspacetohaveaclean,dryplaceonwhichtolie.

Recommendedspace:•porkers:1.5m2perpig.• baconers:2.1m2perpig.

Movement and exercisewhenspaceisprovided,exerciseisusuallyobtainedthroughinteractionssuchasseekingfood,waterandplayfulbehaviourthatisoftenquitephysical.

Pigsareintelligentandinquisitiveanimalsandshouldbeprovidedwithsomeenvironmentalenrichment,e.g.tyres,hangingchains,balls.

Growersandweaners,inparticular,respondwelltoenvironmentalenrichmentandwithenoughspaceandstimulustheneedtocarryouttaildockingisgreatlyreduced.

TemperatureOptimumgrowthtemperatureis22.2°C.forfarrowingsows18–21°C,growingpiglets26–40°C.

LightArtificialornaturallightisrequiredasitprovidesabetterenvironmentforgrowthandhealth.

Ventilationfreshairisrequiredtopreventabuild-upofpoisonousgases,inparticularammonia.Ventilationshouldbedesignedtoletfreshairinwithoutcausingdraughts.

ShelterPigsmusthaveaccesstoshadyconditionswhichhelpspreventpainfulsunburnandoverheating.Pigsrequiresunlightbutaresusceptibletosunburn.Particularcareneedstobetakenwithwhitebreeds.

BeddingPigsmustbeprovidedwithadryareaforsleeping.Thismaybeprovidedbydrynestingmaterial,suchasstraworricehulls,inarestrictedareaawayfromtheexcretingarea.

CleaningUseahoseinwell-drainedpiggeriesorashoveltoremovesolidwaste.Alternatively,flushingdrains,whichself-clean,canbeinstalled.



TypeUsepelletsasacommercialdiettosuitanimaltypeandgrowthstage,e.g.PigGrower,Pigfinisher,SowPellets,PigletCreepfeed.

Notethatthefeedingoffoodscraps,calledswill,isillegal.

QuantityMostproducersfeedadlibthroughtoslaughter,butgoodreferencesareavailabletoproviderecommendationsfordietformulationforthevariousstagesofproduction.

Regularityfeedadlibtopiglets,growers,finishersandpregnantandlactatingsows.Drysowsandboarsshouldbefeddailyinamountssufficienttomaintaincondition.

WaterAclean,adequatesupplyofwater,placedinacool,shadedareainhotweather.Ifautomaticnippledrinkersareused,theyshouldalwaysbefittedwithafailsafemechanism.

Handling

Pigsneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimalsandthehandlers.Pigscannotbeledbythehead.Drivetheanimalfrombehindbyusinganopenhandtoslaponrumporflankregion.Often,astrawbroomorflapperusedtotapthesideoftheneckwillassistwithdirectionalchange.

Normal behaviour

Healthypigsarevigorousandalert.Theyhaveamoistsnout,warmearsandskiningoodcondition.Theyhaveagoodappetite,firmdungandbreathesteadily.Agruntiscommonwhentheyaredisturbed.Pigsgenerallyseekthecompanyofotherpigsastheyareinquisitivebynatureandplayfulwithothers.

withtheexceptionofpregnantsows,adultboarsandsickanimals,pigsshouldnotbekeptassolitaryanimals.

Disease prevention

DiseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarianorNSwAgricultureofficer.Anyactivitiesmustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Movement of pigs

Therearerestrictionsrelatingtothemovementofpigs.Toensureyouabidebytheappropriatelegislation,contacttheRurallandsProtectionBoardandNSwAgriculture.


Signs of illness

Thefirstsignnoticedisachangeinthepig’snaturaldemeanour.Itmaybelistlessorlethargic.Closerexaminationsmayshow:

variations in:•gastrointestinalfunctionssuchasdiarrhoea,weightlossorlossofappetite•urogenitalfunctions,e.g.abortion,infertilityorabnormaldischarges•respiratoryfunctionssuchaspersistentcoughing,gaspingorpanting;or

evidence of:•skinconditions,e.g.lesions,abnormalgrowthsorredblotchypatchesespecially ontheears•atuckedupappearance,stiffgait,orabnormalposture•excessivescratchingorrubbing•swollenjointsorlimping.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Pigsarepronetodiseasesassociatedwitharthritis,footabscessandminorwounds.Sickpigsshouldberemovedtoahospitalpenfortreatment.

Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofill-health,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithpigs.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentsgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia


Disposal

Pigscanbesoldprivately,atauctionorconsignedtoanabattoir.Carcassesmustbedisposedofinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.

Suggested resources

Web sitesBreedsoflivestock,2008,OklahomaStateUniversityBoardofRegents,viewed15October2008www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/



ModelcodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals:Pigs,2008,CSIRO,viewed15October2008www.publish.csiro.au/pid/5698.htm


Printed textsCleary,G.&Meo,H.(1996)Pigstats 96,AustralianPorkCorporation.

Mcfarlane,A.&G.(1996)Pig Keeping on a Small Scale,KangarooPress,Australia.

NSwAgricultureAgfacts: Information sheets,Australia.

NSwDepartmentofAgricultureandfisheries,Pig Breeding By Artificial Breeding Manual,Australia.

SouthAustralianDepartmentofAgriculture,A Practical Guide To Pig Nutrition,Australia.

Contacts


NSwAgriculture

localCouncil


Approved activities: pigsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage54,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of the normal behaviour of animals(Category 1)Generally,pigswelcomeattentionandwillbemorethaninterestedintheirvisitors.Studentsneedtobeawarethatexcessivenoiseisnotdesirable.

Studentscanobservethenormalpigbehaviouralpatternsandcompileashortlistofactionsobservedoveradesignatedperiod.Observationscanbemadeinasmall,modernpiggeryoronafree-rangefacility.



• Capture, restraint and handling(Category 2)Differentagegroupsrequiredifferenthandlingmethods.Captureshouldbedonequicklyandfirmly.Pigletsmaybecaughtfrombehindandliftedbyoneorbothhindlegs.Theuseofawallorcornerisadvisablewhenhandlingmiddle-weightrangeanimals.

Olderpigsaretooheavyanddifficulttorestrainwithoutexcessiveforce.Pigcatchersmaybeusedinordertocaptureandrestrainolderandlargerpigs.

Theseactivitiesshouldbecompletedquietlyandkindly.longperiodsofrestraintarenotrecommendedandoftenleadtoloudsquealing.

Comfortablerestraintwillextendthecapturetime.Continualtrainingcanleadtowell-behavedanimalsthatknowexactlywheretogoattherighttime.

Pigsmaybemovedbydriving.Usepigboardsandsheetsofmetaltocreateapath.


1. body weight(Category 2)



4. body proportions(Category 2)Toassistthemovementofstock,handlingrecommendationsshouldbeobserved.Onlyanimalsthatareaccustomedtohandlingshouldbeused.Thephysicalmeasurementofbodyweightshouldtakeashortperiodoftimesothatstresslevelsarereduced.

Ultrasoundbackfattestersarenowroutinelyusedinpiggeries.Theyareexpensivepiecesofequipment.

Togainaccuratemeasurements,itisrecommendedthatatleastfouranimalsaremonitored.Ifagreaternumberispresentinthelitterorgroup,includeallavailableanimalsinyourMeasurements.

5. pulse or blood flow (Category 2)

6. respiration (Category 2)

7. skin temperature(Category 2)Quickandaccuratemeasurementscanbeobtainedbyconfiningapiginasmallarea.Animalsthatareaccustomedtohandlingshouldbeused.Asingleanimalwilldo,however,asecondpigallowscomparisonstobemadeandimprovestheaccuracyofresults.



2. milk (Category 2)

3. faeces and urine (non-invasive) (Category 2)

5. saliva(Category 2)Collectionoffaecesandurinewillnotrequirerestraintassamplesarereadilyavailable.Collectionofmilkandsalivamayrequirethepigtoberestrainedusingafarrowingcrate.Onlypigsthatareaccustomedtohandlingshouldbeused.Milkisusuallycollectedsothatfrozencolostrumcanbestoredfororphanpiglets.Asingleanimalisadequate,however,inordertoobtainallfoursamples,severalanimals,inavarietyofphysiologicalstates,mayberequired.



topical•backline(Category 3)



Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofallinternalandexternalparasitesforallpigs.whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allanimalsshouldbetreatedatthesametime.Theseprogramsneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.


wheninjecting,ensuretheneedlesaresharpandsterile,andthateachpigisadequatelyrestrained.Choosethesitefortheinjectionandcleanawayloosedirt.Aftertheinjection,removethesyringebeforetheplungerisreleased.Ironinjections,whenused,areappliedintramuscularlyintheneckregion.Ironinjectionsarenotnecessaryforfree-rangepigswithaccesstosoil.

Treatmentsforinternalandexternalparasites,usinginjecteddrugs,arenowroutine.Theproceduremustbedemonstratedbyasuitablytrainedperson.


Oralmedicationsaregenerallyassociatedwiththecontrolofscouring.Carefulrestraintisrequiredtoensuretheentiredoseisswallowed.Smalleranimalscanbeheldinanuprightpositionwhilelargeranimalsneedtobeheldwiththeheadtiltedslightly.

Quickapplicationmeansthatprolongedrestraintisunnecessary.Gravity-fedapplicationsaremosteffectivesotiltingtheanimal’sheadhelps.Treatallanimalsthatshowsignsofparasiteinfestationandscouring.Professionalrecommendationsmaysuggesttreatmentoftheremaininganimals.

Non-treatmentcanresultinlong-termsufferingandpossiblydeath.

4. ear marking and tagging (Category 3)Earsaremarkedortaggedtoaididentification.Incommercialpiggeries,smallV-shapedmarksarenotchedintheearaccordingtothepig’sageandsex.

Pigsshouldbetaggedafterweaningwiththeanimalrestrainedinacomfortablepositionthatreducesheadmovement.Applicationisquickandsimple.Eartagplierscauseminimalstressduetothespeedoftheoperation.Ifearmarkingispreferred,specialearmarkingpliers,withaV-shapedcuttingpattern,needtobepurchased.Tohelppreventinfection,ensureallequipmentisdisinfectedaftereachpig.Usingsmallpenstorestrictmovementishelpful.

Markingoftenrequiresseveralcutstobemadesomorephysicalrestraintisrequiredoveralongerperiod.Asecondpersonmustbeavailabletorestrainthepigandpreventitfrommoving.Astheweanedpigisapproximatelyfourweeksold,itmaybeheldinthearmsagainstthechest.Ifindividualidentificationisnotrequiredthenthisactivitydoesnotneedtobeundertaken.Markerpensallowshort-termidentificationbutmarkingstendtowearoffovertime.

5. tattoo application (branding)(Category 3)Tattooironsarepurchasedprenumbered.Spike-likeprojectionsformanumberinadot-to-dotformat.

Smotherthenumberwithtattooinkandslapthetattooironontothepig’srumpandshoulder.Thepigfeelsslightdiscomfortaseffectivetattooingrequiresreasonableforcetobeapplied.Ifyouaretoogentle,asecondattemptmayberequired,thismeansunnecessarystressforthepig.Cleanandsterileapplicatorsshouldbeused.

Theactivityisquickand,generally,doesnotrequirepigstoberestrained.Pigscanbetattooedintheirnormalgrowerpensastattooingreliesontheelementofsurprise.followtheanimaluntiltherumporshoulderisexposed,thenswingtheironontothetargetarea.Aftertattooing,removetheiron,re-inkandmovetothenextanimal.

Smallholdingpensareidealasthereisnoneedtochasetheanimals.Allproducersarerequiredtopossess,anduse,aregisteredbrandonallpigssoldforslaughteratcommercialabattoirs.Brandingisrequiredidentificationandtracebackofstockfordiseasemonitoringpurposes.InNSw,theRurallandsProtectionBoardcontrolsregisteredbrands.


27. tail docking piglets

•knife(Category 4)Taildockingisdonetoreducetailbitingthatmayoccurwhenpigsarebored.

Pigletsraisedinextensiveconditionswillnotrequiretaildocking.

whenrequired,tailsaredockedleavingastumpoftwotothreecentimetresinlength.Thisactivityshouldbecarriedoutwithinthefirstweek,preferablywhenthepigletisonedayold.

28. teeth trimming and removal(Category 4)Teethtrimmingisdonetoreducethechanceofpigletsinjuringthesowandeachother.Itismostcommonlycarriedoutinintensivepiggeriesandisnotgenerallyrequiredwhenpigletsareraisedundermoreextensiveconditions.

Ifitistobedone,itshouldbecarriedoutwithinthefirstweek,preferablywhenthepigletisonedayold.Holdingthepigletbehindtheneckcausesittoautomaticallyopenitsmouth.Theeyeteetharetrimmedtopandbottom,justabovegumlevel.Takecarenottocutthegumasthiscancauseabscessation.

Rabbits


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March09at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/57163/rabbitcop.pdf



Therabbitwasonceclassifiedasarodentbut,becauseofasecondpairofincisorsontheupperjawandnocanines,rabbitsarenowclassifiedinthefamilyleporidae.Thereareavarietyofrabbitbreeds,dividedintothreemaingroups:•CalifornianandNewZealandwhiterabbit,largesize, 2–5kg,bredformeatandresearch.•Smallerbreeds,upto2kg,fromHollandandPoland, usedaspetsandasresearchanimals.•longhairedAngoravarieties.

Note: domesticatedrabbitsdifferfromthewildrabbitandtheyaregenerallycapableofbreedingallyearround.Domesticatedrabbitsareinducedovulatorsasapposedtowildrabbits.wildrabbitsareseasonalbreederswithadefinedoestrouscycle(see:Myers,KandPoolewE(1962)Astudyofthebiologyofawildrabbit,Oryctolaguscuniculus(l.)inconfinedpo;ulations.lll.Reproducation.Aust.J.Zool.10,225-67.)



Physical attributes

Size: Dependsoncountryoforigin.weight: NewZealandwhiterabbitsarelarge,approx.2–5kg. Smallervarietiesaverageapproximately2kg.Ageatadultsize: Male:6–10months female:5–9months.Averagelifespan: Normally6–8years. Somehavesurvivedfor12yearsunderidealconditions.weightatbirth: 30–100g.Gestationperiod: 30–32days.Numberofoffspring: 4–9,littersizeisdeterminedbybirthweight.weaningage: 42–56daysRangeofbreedingages:4–36months.Onaverage,rabbitsbreedfourtimeseach year.Healthycharacteristics: Bodytemperature:38–39°CHeartrate: 180beatsperminuteRespirationrate: 50–55perminute.

Environment

Rabbitsneedadequateprotectionfromrain,wind,directsunlightandextremesoftemperature.

Rabbitsmaybehousedindoorsorinlessintensiveconditionsoutdoors,withaccesstofreshgrazing.Housingshouldalsobeescapeproofandsituatedeitherinsideabuildingorwithinobservationfromabuilding.Anenclosedsleepingareaisrequired.Exposedmeshflooringisnotrecommendedasitisdangerousandcancausebrokenlegsorinjurytothefeet.

whetherkeepingrabbitsintensivelyorinanoutdoorsystem,thehousingareamustbekeptclean.Rabbitsbecomeagitatediftheircageisuncleanormovedfrequently.Thecageshouldbecleanedeveryseconddayandthoroughlycleanedweekly.

Rabbitskeptindoorsshouldbehousedinawelllitandventilatedarea,awayfromdraughts,fumesandnoise,andatatemperaturebetween16°Cand25°C.foroptimumhealthandwell-being,however,theaveragetemperatureshouldbekeptbetween16°Cand21°C.Rabbitsareextremelysusceptibletoexcesshumidity.Theyshouldnotbeplacedinthefollowingpositions:•nearwindows,especiallyduringwinterormidsummer•indirectsunlight•indraughtsfromventilators,windowsordoors•infumesofanykind,overornearheaters•whereaccessisdifficult.

Keepingrabbitsisolated,inanareawithoutwindows,adequateventilationorcontactwithhumansorotherrabbitsisunacceptable.



SpaceRabbitsrequireafloorareaaccordingtotheanimals’ageandactivitylevel.Ingeneral,youngrabbitsneedmorespacethanadultsforplayandbehaviour.

Aminimumclearareaof2.0m2shouldbeprovidedwithaminimumlengthinonedirectionof2metres.

TheGuidelinesforthehousingofrabbitsinscientificinstitutionsdescribestheminimumspacerequirementsforrabbitsasfollows:

No. of rabbits Minimum space (m2) (*ensure a CLEAR area of 2m2 and a minimum length in one direction of 2m)

1 2.00

2 2.00

3 2.25–2.40

4 3.00–3.20

5 3.75–4.00

6 4.50–4.80

7 4.75–5.05

8 5.00–5.30

Overcrowdingmustbeavoidedatalltimesasaggressionwillbeginafterthreemonthsofage.Overcrowdingalsocauseslargelossesinbodyweightandproblemswithliver,spleenandkidney.Incrowdedsituations,theyoungtendtobebornstunted.

Malerabbitsover3monthsofageshouldbehousedindividually.

Movement and exerciseAllrabbitsshouldhaveanadequateexercisearea.

Theminimumspaceprovidedshouldalloweachrabbittocarryoutitsnormalbehaviour,includingawiderangeoflocomotorybehaviours,suchashopping,leaping,playing,exploringandstretchingout.Ithasbeensuggestedthattheminimumspaceprovidedshouldallowrabbitstocompletethreehopsinonedirection.

Inadditiontomeetingminimumspacerequirementsformovement,spaceshouldbeprovidedtoallowtheprovisionofstructuralcomplexityandenvironmentalenrichmentinpens.Environmentalenrichmentisessentialfortherabbit’shealthandwell-beingandissuppliedbysuchdevicesasjumpboxes,restingboards,andPVCorterracottatunnels.Theserelieveboredom.

Theheightofpensshouldbegreatenoughtoallowtherabbitstorearupontheirhindlegsandsituperectwithearspricked.Rabbitscommonlysitontopofnestboxesandledgesandagainthepenheightshouldbegreatenoughtoallowthiswithoutriskingthechanceoftherabbitjumpingfromthepen.


TransportRabbitscanbecomeverystressedduringtransportationastheyareextremelysensitivetoheat.Rabbitsshouldnotbetransportedintemperaturesabove30°C.

TemperatureAvoidmovingrabbitsfrequentlyfromindoorstooutdoors,particularlyifthisresultsinextremechangesoftemperature.

ShelterIfrabbitsarehousedoutdoors,hutchesprovideprotectionfromadverseweather.Thesemaybewoodenormetallic.Aluminiumispreferabletogalvanisedironasitismoreresistanttourineandhasalongerlife.Extremecaremustbetakensothatpredatorssuchasdogs,cats,owlsandgoannasdonotfrightentherabbitsandcausestress.Rabbitsmustbehousedindoorsatnight.

Toassistwithmyxomatosiscontrol,mosquitoscreeningisadvisable.

Inintensivehousingsystems,hepaticcoccidiosismayoccurifrabbitsarekeptonatotalsolidfloor.Cagefloorsoftenhavemeshwireforeaseofcleaningandportability.Tominimiseproblemswithrabbitscatchinghocksinthemesh,suggestedmeshsizesare19by19mmforadultsand13by13mmforkittens.Meshisnotrecommended.

Anareaofsolidfloorshouldalsobeprovidedfortherabbittositupon.Thismaybeapieceofwoodorarubbermat.

Asrabbitseliminatelargeamountsoffaecesandurine,cleanlinessisimperativeatalltimes.Rabbitscanbetrainedtouselittertraysforurination,butnotalwaysfordefecation.Toiletareasandlittertraysneedtobecleanedwithasolutionofdilutebleachandhotwater.

Cagesmustbecleanedeveryseconddayexceptwhenanewlitterisborn.Thelittermustnotbedisturbedforapproximatelyoneweektopreventthedoefromeatingheryoung.Shortlyafterweaning,separatetheyoungdoesandbucksastheyarecapableofreproducingatanearlyage.

BeddingStraw,coarsesawdustorsoftwoodshavingsaresuitable.Ifmetalhutchesareused,awoodennestingboxwithstrawisrequiredforbreeding.Donotusewickerbasketsastheyaregnawedeasily.Approximatelyoneweekbeforeparturition(birth),thedoewillpullfurfromherbodytolinethenestingarea.Beddingandrefusemustnotbecompostedbutshouldbeeitherburntorwrappedinnewspaperanddisposedofproperly.Hutchesshouldbedisinfectedweekly,thenrinsedthoroughly.


Rabbitswouldbefedatleastoncedaily,preferablytwice,andallstalefoodscrapsremovedasahygienemeasuretodiscouragevermin.Rabbitsarevegetarianwithahighrequirementforfibreintheirdiet.Theirdietshouldconsistof:•freshcommerciallypreparedrabbitpelletsand/ormix•freshuncontaminatedlucernehay


•supplementedwithfreshfruits,vegetables,grasses,herbs,grainsandtreats•ablockofuntreatedtimberofunsprayedfruittreewoodforchewingon.

Rabbitsshouldnotbefedanyfoodthathasfinedrypowder.Someplantsaretoxictorabbitsandcareshouldbetakenwhenprovidingfreshfoodstoavoidthese.(Seethecodeofpracticeforfurtherinformation)

Aclean,freshandreliablesupplyofwaterisnecessary.Inthelaststageofpregnancyandwhilelactating,doesrequireextrafoodandwater.

Handling

Rabbitsneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimalandthehandler.well-designedrefugesassistwithcatching.Ifrabbitshideunderstructures,suchaselevatedshelvesornestboxes,thedesignshouldallowthemtobereachedandrestrainedeasily.Asapreventativemeasuretoavoidscratchestohandlers,allnailsshouldbekepttrimmed.

Normal behaviour

Healthyrabbitshavesleekcoats,clear,brighteyesandalertears.Theearsareusedforcoolingthebodyaswellasforhearing.

Rabbitsconsumelargeamountsoffood.Theyhavepowerfulrearlimbs,whichmaycausepainfulscratchesiftheanimalisnotproperlyrestrained.

Itisrecommendedthatrabbitsbekeptwithamate.Inordertocontrolbreedingwhileprovidingcompanionship,suggestedmatesincludetwocompatiblefemales,twodesexedmalesorafemalewithadesexedmale.

Rabbitshousedinwirecagesmaycatchandinjurelimbsordevelophocksores.Eventhoughrabbitscansitforhours,orevendays,withoutsignsofdistress,inactiveanimalsshouldbecheckedforinjury.

Extremetemperaturechangeswillaffectrabbitsandtheybecomestressedattemperaturesgreaterthan27ºC.Othercausesofstressareovercrowdingandexposuretopredatorssuchascats,dogs,owls,foxesandgoannas.

Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.Allactivitiesmustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.Allrabbitsrequireanannualvaccinationtoprotectthemagainsttherabbitcalicivirusandmyxomatosis.

Rabbitsshouldbehandledandexamineddailytocheckforthefollowingsymptoms.Thosemarkedwitha(v),requireveterinaryattention.


Signs of illness


variations in:•bodytemperature•gastrointestinalfunction,e.g.diarrhoea(especiallywithadistinctodour(v)), weightlossorlossofappetite(e.g.offfoodforlongerthanaday(v)),firmboated stomach(v),nofaecalpelletsevidentinthehutch(v)•urogenitalfunctionsuchasabortion,infertilityorabnormaldischarges•respiratoryfunction,e.g.sneezing(v)orloudbreathing(v)

evidence of:•soresonthehocksoranyplaceonthebody(v)•persistentwhitedandruffwithredskinandscabs(v)•inactiveorsittinghunchedoverwithclosedeyes(v)•atuckedupappearance,headcarriedtooneside(v),stiffgaitorabnormal posture,patchycoatorlossofhair•excessiveandpersistentscratchingorrubbingoftheearsorotherareasofthe body(v)•swolleneyesorgenitalia(v)•wetnessaroundthenoseorslobberingaroundthemouth(v)•weepyeyesthatpersistaftercleaning(v)•ordrinkingverylittleofnowater(v)•grindingteeth(v)•lumpfeltbelowtheskin(v)

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofill-health,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithrabbits.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentsgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia

Inthecaseofananimalbecomingsosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,theneuthanasiamustbearrangedwithalocalveterinarian.ItisillegalundertheAnimal Welfare Act 1992toabandonorreleaseananimal.

Disposal


forfurtherinformationaboutthecareanduseofRabbitsintheACTrefertotheAnimalwelfareStandards–CodeofpracticeforRabbitwelfare(seeresourcelist).


Suggested resources

Web sitesAnimalwelfareStandards–CodeofpracticeforRabbitwelfare,2006,DepartmentofTerritoryandMunicipalServices,ACTGovernment,viewed17October2008http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/pets/animalwelfare/animalwelfarestandards-codesofpractice

NSwAgriculture,2005,StateofNewSouthwales,viewed16October2008www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture

AustralianandNewZealandCouncilfortheCareofAnimalsinResearchandTeaching(ANZCCART),2008,ANZCCARTviewed15October2008www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART



Printed textsGendron,K.(2000)The Rabbit Handbook,Barron’sPetHandbook,NewYork.

NSwAgriculture,Agfacts: Information sheets,Australia.

Contacts


NSwAgriculture

localcouncil


Approved activities: rabbitsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of the normal behaviour of animals (Category 1)Atrainedandregularly-handledrabbitwillhopquietlyaroundaroom.Keeptheclassatareasonabledistancefromtherabbitandavoidsuddennoiseor


movement.Arabbitcaninflictpainfulscratchesifstressed,sosomecareisnecessary.Iftheanimalpanics,donotcontinuetheobservationperiod.

Arabbitisarelativelycleananimal.Duringanobservationperiod,itmaybeallowedtomovefreelyaroundtheclassroomaslongasthedoorisshut.


• Breeding of rabbits in the classroom (Category 2)Rabbitsmaynotbebredforthepurposeofdissection.

• Capture, restraint and handling(Category 2)Arabbitcanbeeasilycapturedandhandledifmovementsarecalmandconfident.Donotallowtoomanystudentstoattempttohandletheanimalatonetime.

Thecorrectmethodofhandlingarabbitistograsptheskinatthebackofitsneckfirmlybutgentlywithonehand,andtosupporttherumpwiththeotherhand.Arabbitwillsenseanyinsecurityinthehandlerandmaystruggle,possiblybreakingitsbackorscratchingthehandler.Arabbitmustneverbepickedupbytheearsorbythehindlegsasitwillprobablybreakitsback.

forlargerrabbits,thehandlershouldgrasptheearsandtheskinatthebackoftheneckwithonehandandsupporttherumpwiththeotherhand.





4. body proportions(Category 2)

5. pulse or blood flow(Category 2)


Itispossibletosetupaweight–ageandsize–agechartforanumberofrabbitsandmonitorthemoveraperiodof10weeks.Useapre-weighedcontainerofappropriatesizeandatriplebeambalanceorabucketbalancetodeterminetheweight.

Ameasuringtapecanbeusedtodetermineoveralllength,girth,andsizeofskull.whenmeasuringarabbit’sdimensions,careshouldbetakennottoexerttoomuchpressureonthetrunk,particularlyofpregnantfemales.



topical (Category 3)liceandfleascanbecontrolledbydustingtheanimalswithinsecticidepowdersuitableforuseonpets.


2. coat care and grooming (Category 2)Inlaboratoryandschoolsituations,arabbit’sclawsgrowcontinuallyandneedtobecutregularlybyanexperiencedhandler.Caremustbetakennottocutbloodvessels.Angorarabbitsneedtheirfurclippedatregularintervals.Thisactivityshouldbecarriedoutinawaythatdoesnotstresstherabbit.Cutsandscratchesshouldbetreatedwithantisepticcreamsorpowders.

Rabbitsmaybeidentifiedusinguniquelegrings,eartattoingandmicro-chipping.Thelatermustbeadministeredbyaveterinarian.


Rats(NorwegianRat)


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March2009at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/48823/ratandmicewelfare-codeofpractice.pdf



•Albino•Hooded.

Commerciallyavailablelaboratorystockareallstrainsoftheabovespecies.

Mutationsandhybridisationshaveledtoratsinamultitudeofcoatcoloursandpatterncombinations.

Physical attributes

Size: lengthfromsnouttobaseoftail is17–21cm.lengthoftailis 20–23cm. Overalllengthis37–44cm.weight: Adultmaleapproximately 200–400g Adultfemaleapproximately 250–300gAgeatadult: 12–14weeksAveragelifespan: 3yearsweightatbirth: 5–6gGestationperiod: 20–23days


Numberofoffspring: 9–11weaningage: approximately21daysRangeofbreedingages:3–15monthsrecommendedHealthycharacteristics: Bodytemperature:37–38°CHeartrate: c.300beatsperminuteRespirationrate: c.100perminute

Environment

Ratsshouldnotbehousedwithanyotherspecies.

Adequateprotectionfromrain,wind,predators(includingcatsanddogs);directsunlight,andextremesoftemperature(below10°Candabove26°C)mustbeprovidedaswellasventilationandsafetyfromfumesandvapours(e.g.carexhausts,chemicals,ammoniafromurine).

Acageornestingplaceshouldbeseenastheanimal’shomeordomainanddisturbedaslittleaspossible.Itmustberememberedthatenvironmentalrequirementsofsmallmammalsarecomplexandimperfectlyunderstood.

Stepsshouldbetakentoensurethatanimalscanbeattendedtopromptlyasfaraspracticableintheeventoffire,flood,injuryordisease.

SpaceMinimumsizeofthecagemustbe:height44cm;depth28cmandlength35cm.Adultsandjuvenilesupto450grequireanareaof500cm2perrat.Adultsandjuvenilesabove450grequireanareaof1cm2perrat.Cagesmust:•bepredatorproof•excludeverminwhichmaybeattractedtofood•provideadequateprotectionfromheatandcold•providecontinuousaccesstowater•providegenerousventilationandbesafefromfumesandvapours•beeasilycleaned•besafefortheoccupantsi.e.havenosharpprojections,andnothaveawire meshfloorthroughwhichfeetandlegsmaybedamaged•provideopportunitiesforsufficientexercise•cagedoorsshouldnotopeninwards.

Movement and exerciseResearchshowsthatratsdonotappeartousephysicalexercisetomaintainmuscletoneortoworkoffreservefat.Cagedratsspontaneouslyexercisebyplayingwithcagematesorduringfeeding.Opportunitiesforexercisemustbeprovided.

Elevatedboxesandtubes,madeofeithercardboardorpolycarbonate,makeexcellentexerciseareas.Othersuitableaccessoriesinclude:bricks,exercisewheels,toiletrolls,platforms,ladders,commercialtoys,commercialchews,terracottapipesandropesforclimbing.


TemperatureTheoptimumtemperaturerangeforratsisfrom18–21°C.Avoidlargefluctuations.

LightPreferably,goodnaturallightingorartificiallightwiththefullrangeofspectralcolours,45–60lux.Cagesshouldbekeptoutofdirectsunlight.Sheltershouldalsobeprovidedwithinthecagetoallowtheratstoavoidlight.Studentsshouldbeabletoobservethatratswillseekdarknessifitisavailabletothem.Thereshouldbe12-hourperiodsofbothlightanddarkness.

AsAlbinoratsaresensitivetolight,theyshouldbekeptunderlowlightintensityexceptwhenbeingexamined.Ratswithdarkpigmentedeyesaremoresuitablefortheclassroom.

VentilationEnsuregoodnaturalventilation,withoutdraughtsandsafetyfromfumesandvapours.

ShelterNotapplicableasratsshouldbehousedindoors.

Beddinglittershouldbehighlyabsorbent,dustfree,splinter-free,non-toxic,non-edibleandnotcontaminatedwithpesticidesorchemicals.Suggestedbeddingisdrystraw,meadowhay,whitesawdust,whiteshavings,cleanshreddedpaper,softcardboard,ricehullsorabsorbentpaperpellets.(Avoidglossymagazinesastheinksusedcanbedangerousandtreatedwoodbecauseofthechemicalsused.)

CleaningCagesshouldbecheckeddailywithwetandsoiledmaterialremoved.Theyshouldbethoroughlycleanedtwiceweekly,withasolutionofdetergentandhotwaterandthoroughlydried.Newbeddingshouldbesuppliedandoldbeddingdisposedofinasuitablemanner.

NestingEasilyshreddedmaterialsshouldbeprovided.Shreddedpaper,straw,softcardboard,papertowelsorcottonfibrearesuitable.Cottonwoolshouldnotbeusedasitcanwraparoundthelegsofyoungratsandcauseinjury.

Food requirements

Commerciallypreparedratpelletsorcubesarerecommendedastheyprovideallthebasicrequirements.Seemanufacturers’recommendationforappropriatequantities.However,asratsareomnivoresandenjoyvarietyintheirfood,thedietcanbesupplementedwithfreshfruitandvegetables.Ratsshouldbefedonceaday.

Ratsshouldnotbefedmixednutsandseedfeedsduetotheirtendencytoonlypickouttheseedshighinfats.Rats’teethgrowcontinuously,soagnawingmaterial,suchasblocksofuntreatedtimber,bones(especiallychickenbones)mustbeincludedtopreventovergrowth.


Asratslikefreshfood,purchasesmallamountsonly,mouldyorrottenvegetablesshouldnotbeofferedandstalefoodandscrapsshouldberemoveddaily.lactatingfemalesmustbeprovidedwithapproximatelyfourtimestheamountoffoodandwaternormallyrequiredbyanadultrat.

Avoidtablescraps,chocolate,chipsorother‘junk’foodsthatarehighinfatsthatmayleadtoobesitytumoursorhearttrouble.

Dailyfoodallowancesareforratsupto9monthsofage,orpregnant,10gm/100gmbodyweightofpelletedfood.foradultrats,5gm/100gmofbodyweight.

Aclean,adequatesupplyofwatermustbeavailable.Inhotweather,anadultratneedsapproximately50mlofwaterdaily.Asratscontaminatewaterindishesandbowls,asuspendedfeederbottleofadequatesizeisrequired.Areceptacleshouldbeprovidedunderneathtopreventthewaterdrippingintobedding.Thewatershouldbereplaceddaily,thebottlekeptclean,andthespoutcheckeddailyforcorrectflowasblockagesoccurfrequently.

Handling

Ratsneedtobehandledcalmly,regularlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimalandthehandler.well-designedrefugesassistincatchingrats.Ifratshideunderstructures,suchaselevatedshelvesornestboxes,theycanbeeasilycaughtwithoutstruggling.forspecifichandlingtechniques,seetheApprovedActivities:ratsinthissection.

Normal behaviour

Healthyratsarealert,activeandinquisitive.Theyhaveclearandwideopeneyes.Theirearsstandupstraightandtheirfurisdenseandsleek.Normalcagedbehaviourincludesrunning,jumping,standingonhindlegsandsomeclimbing,ifcagefacilitiesallow.Maleratsaremoreaggressivethanfemalesandmoreinclinedtobite.Ratsrarelybitewithoutprovocationand,then,onlyonce,notrepeatedly.

Ratsaresocialanimalsandarebestkeptinsinglesexpairsorgroups,preferablyfromthesamelitter,unlesstheyareintendedforbreeding.Theyshouldnotbekeptassolitaryanimals.

Somemalesarepronetoexcessiveaggressivebehaviourorfighting.Ifanysignofeitherofthesetraitsispresentthenthemalesshouldbehousedseparately.

Ratsarenocturnalanimalsand,ofcourse,arefarmoreactiveatnight.Itisnormalbehaviourforratstoresthuddledtogethertoconservebodyheatduringdaylighthours.Ahealthyratsleepscurledinafoetalposition.Extensionisasignofillhealth.Cannibalismisrarebutdoesoccurandisusuallyindicativeofinadequatedietormaintenance.Pregnantfemalesshownestbuildingactivitypriortobirthandduringlactation.Duringthebreedingperiod,itisnormalbehaviourforthemaletonibblethefemale’sheadorbodyandtoexamineherano-genitalareapriortocopulation.


Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.

Allactivitiesmustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Signs of illness

Anyofthefollowingsymptomsmaybeanindicationofillness:•dischargefromeyes,nose,urinaryorgenitalorgans•sores,scabsorareasoffurloss•coughsandsneezing•lumpsunderthechinduetoenlargedglands•constantscratching•lackofbalance,stumblingorstiffleggedgait•softfaeceswithunpleasantsmell•looseskin(asignofweightloss),prostrationorextension•lumpsinorunderskinduepossiblytotumoursorabscessation

Excessivegroomingbyratscanbeanindicationofstress.Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Ifthecauseofillhealthcannotbeidentifiedorcorrected,seekassistancefromaveterinarianfamiliarwithrats.Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,mustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia


Disposal


Suggested resources

Web sitesAustralianandNewZealandCouncilfortheCareofAnimalsinResearchandTeaching(ANZCCART),2008,ANZCCARTviewed1October2008www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART




Printed textsUfAw(1987)The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals,longmanScientificandTechnical,UnitedKingdom.

wallace,M.(1984)The Mouse in Residence and Transit,UfAw,Hertfordshire.

Approved activities: ratsPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of the normal behaviour of animals(Category 1)Duringobservation,studentsneedtobekeptatareasonabledistancetoavoidfrighteningtheanimals.

B. Low impact activities involving animals

• Breeding of mice or other appropriate animals in the classroom(Category 2)Ratsmustnotbebredforthepurposeofdissection.

Priortobreeding,homesmustbesourcedforalloffspringandadequateinformationprovidedtonewownersaboutthecareanduseoftherats.

• Appropriate care of classroom pets (Category 2)Aplanforthedisposalofsurplusanimalsmustbeinplacepriortobeginningthisactivity.Ifkillingistheonlydisposaloption,thenabreedingprogramisnotallowed.Toensurethatbreedingdoesnotoccur,themaleandfemaleshouldbeseparatedpriortobirth.Offspringshouldbeseparatedintosinglesexgroupsatweaning.

• Capture, restraint and handling(Category 2)Studentscancatch,pickupandhandletheratsduringclassroomactivitiesandformaintenance.Priortrainingmustbegiventostudentsintheappropriatemethodsofhandling,asdetailedinprevioussection.Onlyratswhichareaccustomedtobeinghandledshouldbeused.

Allhandlingshouldbegentleandunhurried.Nervouspeopleshouldnotattempttohandlerats.Suddenloudnoisesandjerkymovementsmustbeavoidedatalltimes.Glovesareunnecessaryandundesirableastheyleadtoclumsyhandling

Alwaysapproacharatfrombehindandgripitfirmlywiththethumbandforefinger,formingacircleroundtheneck.Theheadandonefrontpawshouldbeincludedinthisgripwhilethesecondfrontpawisheldbetweentheforefingerandthemiddlefinger.Usetheotherhandtosupportthepelvisandtailfrombehindandholdtherearpawsbetweenthethumbandforefinger.




2. body conditon (Category 2)


4. body proportions (Category 2)Studentsobserverats,notingdetailsoftheirgrowth,weighingthemandmeasuringbodyproportions.Priortrainingandexperienceincapture,restraintandhandlingmustoccurtoensurethattheratsarerestrainedfortheshortestpossibleperiod.


4. palatability (Category 3)forsmallanimalssuchasmiceandrats,theonlydietaryeffectthatshouldbeinvestigatedisthepalatabilityofdifferentfoods.Asratsaresmallinsize,quantityorqualityofthefeedprovided.

E. Rat Dissections

Ratdissectionsarediscouraged.PermissionmustbeobtainedfromtheACTSchoolsAnimalEthicsCommittee.PleaserefertoAppendix4ofPartAoftheGuidelines.

Sheep


Therelevantcodeofpracticewasviewedon4March09at:http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/48824/sheepwelfare-codeofpractice.pdf




Ariskassessmentmustbecompletedanddocumentedbyseniormanagementpriortothecommencementofhighriskactivities.Intheeventofastudentaccident,acopyoftheriskassessmentformandotherrelevantdocuments(e.g.studentsafetytest,pre-activityteachingandlearning,coursedocuments)shouldbeattachedtothestudentaccidentreportformandforwardedtoworkplacerelationsandGovernmentlegalandliaisonsection.




BreedscommonlyusedinAustraliacanbedividedintothefollowingcategories:•finewoolsincludingtheMerinoandMerinoComebacks•ShortwoolsincludingtheDorset,RyelandandSuffolk•longwoolsincludingtheBorderleicesterandlincoln•DualPurposeBreedsincludingtheCorriedale,GromarkandPolwarth•CarpetwoolsincludingtheDrysdaleandTukidale•woolless,e.g.thewiltshireHornwhichshedsitsfleece.

Itisrecommendedthatschoolsthatwishtomaintainasheepenterpriserestricttheirchoicetoplain-bodiedsheepsuchasthedualpurposebreedsandfirstcrossewes.Theyprovidewoolproductionbutarelesslikelytogetflystrike.Thismeansthereisareducedneedtocarryoutoperationslikemulesing.

Physical attributes

Size: Attheshoulder, •smallframedfinewoolMerinos:60cm •mediumframedstrongwoolMerinosandSuffolks:75cm •largeframedBorderleicester:90–95cm.

weight: 35–90kgAgeatadultsize: approximately2years.weightatbirth: Merinos3.6–4.1kg,others4.1–5.1kg.Theseareonly averageweightsandfinalbirthweightisdependentupon theageoftheewe,thefeedingregimeoftheewe,the breedandwhetherasingleormultiplebirth.Gestationperiod: 150days.Numberofoffspring: Normallyasinglelamb,exceptfortypesspecifically bredforreproductiveperformancesuchastheBooroola, PollDorsetandBorderleicester/Merinocrosswhere twinsaremorenormal.Rangeofbreedingages:Pubertyvariesfrom8–12months,withbreedssuchasthe Borderleicester/Merinocrossmaturingearliestand havinganextendedbreedingseason.Mostewesare matedforthefirsttimewhentheyare15–18monthsofageweaningage: 3–5monthsHealthycharacteristics: Rectaltemperature:38.9ºC Heartrate:75/min Respirationrate:16/min

Aseparatebudgetallowanceshouldbeavailabletoensurelivestockareadequatelyfedandcaredforatalltimes.


Environment

Thebasicrequirementsforthewelfareofsheepare:•alevelofnutritionadequatetosustaingoodhealthandvigour•accesstosufficientwaterofsuitablequalitytomeetphysiologicalneeds•socialcontactwithothersheepandwithsufficientspacetostand,toliedownand stretchtheirlimbs•protectionformpredation•protectionfrompaininjuryanddisease•protectionfromextremesofweatherwhichmaybelifethreatening•provisionofreasonableprecautionsagainsttheeffectsfnaturaldisasters,e.g. firebreaks,andfodderstorage.•handlingfacilitieswhichundernormalusagedonotcauseinjuryandwhich minimizestresstothesheep.

SpaceSheepperformwellinanopenpasturethathasplentyofavailablewateraswellasshelterfromwind,rainandsun.forinformationaboutstockingrates,refertonotesonfoodandwaterrequirements.

Ifsheeparehousedintensively,eachpenshouldbedesignedtoholdnomorethanthreetofoursheepandshouldprovideanareaofatleast1.5squaremetrespersheep.PermissionmustbeobtainedfromtheSAECtoraiseanimalsinintensiveconditions.


FencingAllpaddockswithinabuildupareamustprovideadequateprotectionfrompredators.fencesmustbecheckedregularlyfordamageandallsharpedgesthatcouldcausedamagetolivestockshouldberemoved.

TemperatureNewbornlambsandsheepoffshearsareparticularlysusceptibletocold,wetconditions.forsheepinpens,careneedstobetakenthattheslattedfloorsdonotcausecold,draughtyconditions.

ShelterShelterisessentialtoprovideshadeandprotectionfromcold,windyandwetweather,particularlyfornewbornlambsandsheepoffshears.windbreaksorhousingandshadeshouldbeavailabletoensureprotectionfrominclementweatherconditions.

VentilationNeedstobeadequateinshedstopreventthemfrombecominghumidanddampandtopreventabuildupofammonia.

CleaningPensshouldbecleaneddaily.


Ifsheeparetobehousedforlengthyperiods,woodenslattedfloors,withexcellentsub-floorandroomventilation,arebest.Thisensuresthatwooldamage(staining),fleecerotandflystrikeareminimisedandfacilitatescleaningofpens.Shedsshouldhaveallsharpobjectsthatcouldcausedamagetolivestockremoved.

feedbinsshouldbeoffthegroundandautomaticwaterers,whichsupplyclean,freshwateratalltimes,mustbeinstalledandcheckeddaily.


Sheeparemostefficient,intermsofdigestion,withgoodqualitypasturecomprisingabalanceofgrassesandlegumes.Caremustbetakento,asfaraspossible,excludesheepfromtoxicplantsandothersubstancessuspectedofbeingdetrimentaltotheirhealth.E.g.whensheepareputonpastureswithahighlegumecontent,bloatcanoccurwhilepasturescontainingyoungphalarisplants(bluetingedincolour)aretoxictosheep.freshcleanwaterthatisreadilyaccessibleisalsoneededforefficientgrowth.

Remember,whenfeedingbyhand,theruleistointroducenewfoodtypesslowlyandcarefully.feedplentyofhighqualityroughageandfeedsmallamountsatfrequentintervals.

Donotfeedexcessivegrains.

ThecarryingcapacityofsheeponpastureisbasedontheaverageannualfeedavailabilityandisexpressedintermsofDrySheepEquivalent/hectare(DSErating).OneDSEistheamountoffeedrequiredtomaintaina50kgwether.Acrossbredewewithafive-weekoldlambhasaDSEratingof2.9.

Monitoringofliveweightandconditionscoringwillindicatetheadequacyofthefeedconditions.

Type

Younglambs:suckleoneweorusemilkreplacer.Oldersheep:grazingisthemosteconomicalmethod.Supplementaryfeedingwithhayandconcentratemixesmaybenecessary.Ifthesheeparesolelygrazed,alocalveterinarianshouldbeconsultedtodetermineifthereisaneedforspecificsupplementation.

QuantityVarieswithweight,stageofgrowthandstageofproduction.

Regularityforhandfeeding,providetwicedailyforyounglambsanddailyforothersheep.Essentialdietaryneeds(variations):Newbornlambsmustgetcolostruminthefirst24hours.

WaterAclean,freshandreliablesupplyisnecessary.wateringpointsshouldbeofsufficientcapacityandallowsafeaccess.Abovegroundcontainerswithautomaticwateringsystemsthatuseclean,freshwaterarepreferred.waterandwateringsystemsshouldbecheckeddaily.Themoisturecontentoftheavailablefeedwilldeterminethequantityofwaterrequiredbythesheep.


Handling

Allsheepshouldbecheckeddailyforsignsofillhealth.

Ifhandlingisrequired,itisessentialthattheybehandledcalmlyandgentlytoreducestresstoindividualsheepandtoothersheepnearby.Thetimeofrestraintshouldbeminimizedtotheshortesttimepossibletoensurethesuccessfulcompletionoftheactivity.

Asetofsolidyards,preferablyincludingadraftingrace,increasestheeaseofhandlingsheep.Allsharpobjectsthatcouldcausedamagetolivestockshouldberemoved.

Sheepkeptinschoolslearnroutinesquicklyandrespondtofoodincentives.whennewsheepyardsaretobeconstructedorexistingyardsmodified,expertadviceshouldbesought.

forspecifichandlingtechniques,seetheApprovedActivitiessection.

Normal behaviour

Sheeparegregariousanimals,movingandrespondingasagroup.Thisbehaviourpatternsignificantlyfacilitatesmoving,workingandidentifyingindividualanimalswithproblems.

forexample,whenewesareabouttolamb,theybecomeextremelyagitatedandmoveawayfromthemainbodyoftheflock.Thesamemaybetrueforinitialsignsofillhealthorpoornutrition.

Disease prevention

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.Allactionmustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Movement of sheep

Thereareanumberofrestrictionsrelatingtothemovementofsheep.Toensurethatyouabidebytheappropriatelegislation,contactTAMSandtheRurallandsProtectionBoardorNSwAgriculture.

Signs of illness

Asicksheepmaydisplay:•disorientation•lethargy•changedfeedinghabits•scouring•nervousness•discharging•separationfromorlaggingbehindthemainbodyoftheflock


•lameness•ill-thriftorwasting•abnormalgaitorareluctancetorise.

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Commonailmentsthatmayoccurincludemastitis,bloat,internalparasites,footrotandflystrike.

Ifunabletoidentifyandcorrectthecauseofillhealth,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianwhoisfamiliarwithsheep.

Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,mustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

Euthanasia


Disposal

Sheepcanbesoldprivately,atauctionorconsignedtoanabattoir.Considerationtoemotionalaffectofthemethodofdisposalonstudentsmustbetakenintoconsiderationandstudentsshouldbepreparedwellinadvanceofthedisposalofanimals.

Carcasesmustbedisposedofinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.

Suggested resources

Web sitesAustralianandNewZealandCouncilfortheCareofAnimalsinResearchandTeaching(ANZCCART),2008,ANZCCARTviewed29October2008www.adelaide.edu.au/ANZCCART


ModelCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals:Sheep,2006,CSIROpublications,CSIRO,viewed29October2008http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/18/pid/5389.htm





Printed textsBannerman,S.,Thornthwaite,S.andGant,l.(2001)Enterprising Agriculture,MacMillan,Victoria.

NSwAgriculture,Agfacts,Informationsheets.

NSwAgriculture,Agskills,HomeStudy.

ProgramdevelopedatC.B.AlexanderCollege,Tocal.

NSwAgriculture(1994)Sheep Production Guide,HomeStudyProgramdevelopedatC.B.AlexanderCollege,Tocal.

SCARM(1991)Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: the Sheep,CSIRO,Australia.

UfAw(1988)The Management and Welfare of Farm Animals,UfAw,Hertfordshire,UK.

Yabsley,G.(1983)Farming in a small way,NSwAgriculture,Sydney.

Contacts


localcouncil


Approved activities: sheepPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage54,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Capture, restraint and handling(Category 2)Asetofsheepyardswitharacecanbeveryusefulforhandlingsheep.

Thereareexcellentportableyardsthataresuitableforuseinschools.Manyactivitiescanbeeasilycarriedoutwhilethesheeparestandinginarace.


Alternatively,individualsheepcanbecaughtandrestrained.Todothis,asheepcanbethrown,sothatitsitsonitsrump.Thispositionimmobilisesthesheepandallowshusbandryactivitiestobecarriedout.

Topreventthehandlerbeingkickedinthefacebythesheep’shindlegs,ensurethatthesheep’sheaddoesnotslipbetweenthehandler’slegs.Thesheep’sheadshouldleantoonesideandbehelddownagainsttheflankofthesheep.Normally,oneofthesheep’slegsisplacedbehindthehandler’sleg,givingthehandlermaximumcontroloftheanimal.


1. body weight(Category 2)Theeasiestandmostappropriatemethodtodeterminebodyweightisbyusingasetofportablesheepscalesthatcanbefittedintoarace.

Thisallowstheanimaltoberestrainedandweighedwithoutunduestressorhandling.Bathroomscalescanbeusedforlambs.Thelambsarecarriedontothescalesandtheholder’sweightissubtracted.

2. body condition by visual assessment or condition scoring (Category 2)Thebodyconditioncanbeassessedwhensheeparestandinginarace.NSwAgricultureAgfactsdescribesthebestmethodofconditionscoring.

3. growth (Category 2)woolgrowthisdirectlylinkedtofeedavailabilityandbreeding.Therecordingofwoolgrowthwillgiveaccurateperceptionsoftheeffectsofnutritionandbreedingwithoutcausingunduestresstotheanimal.Thereisaverysimpleandeffectivemethodofrecordingwoolgrowth.woolgrowthcanbeascertainedbymarking,withsilvernitrate,thebaseofasmallsectionofwoolstapleintheloinregionofthefleece.Thesilvernitrateplacesapermanentbrownlineonthefleece.whenthefleeceisremovedatshearing,growthratescanberecordedbycomparingthelengthofthewoolfromshornendtobrownlinecomparedagainsttime.Thisisaneasyandsafeexperimentbothforthesheepandthestudents.Stainedwoolshouldberemovedfromtheclipbeforesale.

Note:SilverNitrateissuitableforusebyyear11and12studentsandstaffonly.

4. body proportions (Category 2)Asanimalsgrow,thechangeinbodyproportionsisbestrecordedthroughphotographsasthismeanslittlehandlingofstockandgivespermanentandaccuraterecordsofdevelopmentalchanges.Itisusefultostandthesheepagainstabackgroundgrid.

5. pulse or blood flow(Category 2)Thepulsecanberecordedbyfeelingthecarotidarteryatthebaseofthejaworthefemoralartery,insidethehindleg,wherethereislittlefleece.

6. respiration (Category 2)


8. age by dentition (Category 2)Toageasheepbyitsdentition,checkthenumberofteethinitsmouth.Thesheepcanberestrainedbyputtingitinaraceorrestingitonitsrump.Birthto12months,lamb’steeth12–19months,two-tooth18–24months,four-tooth23–36months,six-tooth28–48months,eight-toothOldsheep,brokenmouth

9. scrotum and testicles (palpation)(Category 2)Thesheepisheldinastandingposition.Thehandlerplacesahandoneachsideofthebaseofthescrotumandfeelsforthespermaticchordsbetweenthumbandfingers,graduallymovingdowntotheepididymis.

Abnormalitiessuchashardnessandswellingcanbefeltwithouttoomuchpressure.Comparisonsbetweenthetestescanbemadesimultaneouslybyusingahandoneachside.




3. high/normal fat (Category 3)

4. palatability (Category 3)Itisrecommendedthatdietaryobservationberestrictedtophysiologicaleffectsonwoolgrowthastheseprovideaccurateresultswithoutcausingstresstotheanimal.

Restrictionoffoodquantityisnotacceptable.


2. taming and gentling (Category 3)

3. training for competition or showing(Category 3)lambscanbequietenedatanearlyageandshouldbehandledasmuchaspossible.Initially,theycanbetrainedtothehalterbytyingthemuptoasolidobject.Gradually,lambswillgetusedtothehalterandwillwalkonthelead.

Sheepshouldbecomeaccustomedtobeinghandledalloverand,forrams,thisincludestouchingthescrotum.

Duringashow,thehandlerwalksontheleftsideoftheanimal.whenthehandlerisseated,theanimalshouldfacethehandlerandhaveitsheadataboutkneeheight.Theanimalshouldstandwithitsheadhighandfeetevenlyspacedsothatitisshowntoitsoptimum.Topreventinjuryfromthehorns,hornedsheep,especiallyrams,needtobeheldbythehead.


forshortwoolbreeds,trimmingorclippingshouldcommenceatleastamonthbeforejudgingday.Itshouldbedonefourorfivetimesbeforeashow.Thesheepshouldbesecuredbyitsheadstalltoarailand,ideally,raisedonatable.Removeanyburrsfromthewool.Dampenanarea,e.g.ahindquarter,withaspraybottleofwaterandbreakupthefibrewithastiffbrushorcardingcomb.Usehandshearstotrimthefibrebacktoasolidbase.Usethebottombladeoftheshearsasagaugefordepth.Cardupseveraltimesandcliptoachieveasmoothfinish.Clipthewoolfromthescrotum.Trimthetailtofitintothehindquartertogiveameatyappearance.

forlongwoolbreeds,rugthesheepduringthewintermonthswitheitherahessianorcanvasrug.Justpriortoashow,openupthewoolandtrimoffanystragglyorfluffypieceswithapairofshears.


1. wool (Category 2)Thisiseasilyachievedatshearingbyusingsharphandshearsorcurvedscissorstoremovethewoolrequired.Theanimalshouldbeadequatelyrestrained.

3. faeces and urine (non-invasive)(Category 2)whencollectingurine,themostefficientmethodisbyrestrainingtheanimaloveracollectiontray,whichgathersall,passedurine.Remembertotreatallurineasthoughitcontainshazardousdiseases.Storetheurineinsealedcontainers,handlewithsurgicalglovesandensurethatallcollectionareasarekeptclean.

faecescanbecollectedfromthegroundaftertheanimalhasdefecated.Sheepcanbetemporarilyrestrainedinapenorcornerofthepaddock.Studentsshouldwearglovesandfollowproperhygieneprocedures.

5. saliva (Category 3)feedingroughagetosheepjustbeforecollectionfacilitatesthecollectionofsaliva.Roughagestimulatesexcesssaliva-productionsocollectionfromthemouth,usingasyringe-operatedsuctiontube,becomesaneasyprocess.

4. faeces (invasive) (Category 5)

6. ruminal fluid (Category 5)




topical•backline(Category 3)•spray(Category 3)•dip(Category 3)

Dipsandspraysshouldbeconstructed,maintainedandoperatedinamannerthatminimisesinjury,diseaseandstresstosheep.Backlineadministrationoftreatmentsisthemostsuitableforschoolsituations.




Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofparasitesforallsheep.

whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allanimalsshouldbetreatedatthesametimeandpasturesshouldberotatedinconjunctionwiththedrenchprogram.Theseactivitiesneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.

whenusingvaccines,drenchesoranyotheranimalcarechemicals,caremustbetakenandnotedaboutthefollowing:• readingalllabels• maintainingappropriatestorageadheringtowithholdingperiods• determiningtheweightofanimals• determiningthecorrectdoserate• usingprotectiveclothingifrequired.

whenvaccinating,ensurethattheanimalisadequatelyrestrainedandtheneedlesaresharpandsterile.

Subcutaneousinjectionsaremostcommonlyusedandinvolveinjectingthevaccinejustundertheskin.Therecommendedsiteforvaccinationisinthelooseskinfoldsatthebaseoftheear.

forscabbymouth,theskinisscratchedwithaspecialapplicator.Pleasenotethatscabbymouthvaccineisalivevaccineandisinfectioustohumans.

Caremustbetakentoavoidaccidentalself-inoculation.Ifthisoccurs,medicalassistancemustbesoughtimmediately.

whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allanimalsshouldbetreatedatthesametimeandpasturesshouldberotatedinconjunctionwiththedrenchprogram.

Treatmentforexternalparasitesisnowcommonlycarriedoutusingpour-onorbacklinechemicals.Asthesechemicalsaresaferfortheoperatorandforthosewatchingtheprocedure,theyaresuitableforuseinschools.

• intrauterine pessaries (Category 4)TheintroductionofControlledIntravaginalReleasingDevice(CIRD)isclassifiedasadministeringanintrauterinepessary.Ensureequipmentiscleanedaftereachapplication.

Carefullyintroducetheloadedapplicatortothesheep’svaginaand,whentheapplicatorisinposition,dischargetheCIRD.


4. ear marking (Category 3)Earmarkingwitharegisteredmarkforidentificationisrequiredbylegislation.Schoolsshouldcontacttheirlocalveterinarianforadvice.Seealsolambmarkingbelow.

whenitisnecessarytomarksheepforpermanentidentification,theearmaybetattooed,tagged,notchedorhole-punched.Electronicmethodsmayalsobeacceptable.

Eartaggingcancausesometearingoftheearsifnotconductedproperly;carefultechniquewillavoidthis.

Earmarkinginstrumentsshouldbesharp,withthecuttingedgesundamaged,soastopreventtearingoftheear.

6. hoof paring (Category 3)Thisoperationremovesovergrownhoofmaterialand,inconjunctionwithsoundmanagementpractices,keepsthehoofclean,hardandpreventsdiseaseslikeabscesses.Toavoidtakingofftoomuchhoofandcausingbleedingordamage,thehornofthehoofshouldbecutbackinseveralstages.Studentsshouldreceivepriorinstructiononhoofstructuretohelptoavoidcuttingintosensitivetissue.Controloreradicationproceduresshouldbeadoptedifevidenceoffootrotoccurs.

8. shearing (Category 3)Shearingistheremovalofwoolfromthesheepusinganelectrichandpiece.Studentsshouldbefamiliarwiththeelectrichandpiecepriortoshearingandbesupervisedbyanexperiencedperson.Thetallyhighmethodofshearingisrecommended.Note:shearingisstressfultotheanimal,especiallyifcut.

11. crutching (Category 4)Crutchingistheremovalofwoolfromthebreechareaofthesheepusinghandshears.

25. castration(Category 4)Castrationcanbeachievedbyplacinganelastratorringattheneckofthescrotum,byremovingusingaknifeorbyusingaspeciallydesigned,heatedknifethatsealsthewound.Castrationiscarriedoutbefore12weeksofage.

26. tail docking (Category 4)Taildockingiscarriedouttostopsoilingofthebreechareaandtohelppreventflystrike.Thetailshouldberemovedatthethirdtailjoint.SeeNSwAgricultureAgfactsfordetailedinformation.leavingthetailthislengthprotectsthevulvafromthesunandflies.

Castration,taildockingandearmarkingareusuallycarriedouttogetherandarecollectivelyknownaslambmarking.

whencarryingoutseveraloperationsontheoneanimalattheonetime,suchaslambmarking,plantheoperationssothattheoperationcausingmoststressisperformedlast.

Theseoperationsshouldbecarriedoutbyaskilledpersononly,andpreferablyusingalambmarkingcradletoadequatelyrestrainthelamb.Markingisbestcarriedout


beforethelambsare4-6weeksofage.Animalsoversixmonthsofagerequireananesthetic.Intheinterestsofanimalwelfareandtopreventsoilingofthebreecharea,alllambsthataretobekeptuntilweaningageshouldbemarked.Allmalelambs,otherthanthosekeptforbreedingpurposes,mustbecastratedbeforesixweeksofageaspartofnormalhusbandrypractice.

Entireramlambswillcauseproblemswithmanagementandwilltendtofightastheyreachpuberty.

40. mulesing, teeth grinding or trimming, pizzle dropping(Category 5)forfurtherinformationaboutspecialisedanimalhusbandrytechniques,refertotheACTCodeofpracticeforthewelfareofanimals–sheep.


Turkeys



Theimportanceofgoodstockmanshipinanimalwelfarecannotbeover-emphasised.Personsresponsibleforthecareofpoultryshouldbewelltrained,experiencedanddedicated.Staffshouldbeencouragedtoundertakeappropriatetraininginanimalmanagementandhusbandryappropriatetothespeciesbeingkeptinschools.Knowledgeofthenormalappearanceandbehaviouroftheiranimalsisessentialforthemtobetreatedeffectivelyandefficientlyandwithconsideration.

Physical attributes

Size: toonemetretallweight: male8–15kg female4–8kgweightatbirth: 40–60gmIncubationperiod: 28daysSexualmaturity: wellgrown,seven-monthsold pulletsHealthycharacteristics: bodytemperature:40–42oC heartrate:180–340beatsperminute

Environment

Thebasicneedsofpoultryare:•readilyaccessiblefoodandwatertomaintainhealthand vigour•freedomtomove,stand,turnaround,stretch,sitandlie down•visualcontactwithothermembersofthespecies•accommodationwhichprovidesprotectionfromthe weatherandwhichneitherharmsnorcausesdistress•preventionofdisease,injuryandvice,andtheirrapid treatmentshouldtheyoccur.


SpaceStockingdensityshouldbereviewedperiodicallyandadjustedasnecessaryforage,breed,strainandtypeofturkey,colonysize,temperature,ventilation,lighting,qualityofhousingandoccurrenceofdiseaseandcannibalism.

floorspaceunderahoverbroodershouldbeatleast90cm2foreachpoult.forbirdsuptosixweeksofage,provideatleast900cm2apoult.fromeightweeksofage,theminimumextensivespacerequiredforrearingis2.5kg/m2.Grassedrunsshouldhaveatleast15m2ofpastureperbird.Rotatepasturesbetweenbatches.Provideashedwith1.2m2ofroofperbirdandallow25cmofroostspaceperbird.

Stepsshouldbetakentoensurethat,asfaraspracticable,birdscanbeattendedtopromptlyintheeventoffire,flood,injuryordisease.

Everyreasonableeffortmustbetakentoprovideprotectionfrompredators.Thisincludesadequatefencingthatisfoxanddogproof.Thismayrequirecementingaroundthebaseoftheshedandpoultryruns.Buildingsshouldbeconstructedandmaintainedtorestricttheentryofwildbirds,rodentsandpredatorsthatarecapableofcausingdiseaseand/ordistress.

Thefloorshouldhaveasolidbase.

Movement and exerciseTurkeysappreciatearangingsituationbutcanbesuccessfullyraisedinmoreintensivesituations.ModelCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals:DomesticPoultry(4thedition)providesfurtheradviceonthespaceallowancesforturkeys.

Temperatureforday-oldpoultsunderabrooder,measured8cmabovethegroundattherimofthebrooder,thetemperature,takenwithablackbulbthermometer,shouldbe37°C.Everythreedays,lowerthetemperature1°to2°Ctoreach21°Cwhenthepoultsarefourtosixweeksofage.Ageneralshedtemperatureof21°Cshouldbemaintained.Poultsinbroodersshouldbecheckedatleasttwiceinevery24hourperiod.

Thepoultsarethebestindicatorsoftemperature.whenitistoohot,theywilldisperseandtheywillhuddleifitistoocold.whenpoultsareweaned,thepreferredtemperaturerangeis20–28°C.Temperaturesbelow10°Candabove32°Ccausestress.

Adequateprecautionsshouldbetakentominimisestressproducedbytemperatureshighenoughtocauseprolongedpanting,particularlywhenaccompaniedbyhighhumidity.Inhotweatherprovisionofadequatecoolwaterandventilationisessentialandbirdsmusthaveaccesstoshade.Underadverseweatherconditionsbirdsmustbemonitoredmorefrequently.

LightSheddedbirdsmusthavereasonablelightandnotbekeptindark.Thebirdsshouldexperiencealightanddarkcycle.

VentilationAvoiddraughtsandchillingwinds.Ventilationisrequiredtopreventammoniabuild-upinintensivesituations.Ammoniacausesasmuchdistresstopoultryasitdoestohumans.Topreventammoniabuildinguptothelevelwhereitbecomes


unpleasant,reducethenumberofbirdsinagivenarea,cleanoutthelitterandimproveventilation.Ventilationfacitilitesandequipmentshouldaimtomaintainshedrelativehumiditybelow80%especiallyattemperaturesabove30°C.RefertotheCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals–DomesticPoultry4thEditionforfurtherinformationaboutacceptablegaslevels.

ShelterSufficientshelterisrequiredtoprotectbirdsfromextremesofclimatesuchastemperaturechanges,wind,rainanddirectsunlight.Shedsshouldprovideasolidfloorforbreedingbirdsthatiscoveredwithalittermaterialthatisabsorbentandprotectsthebirdsfromdamage.Shedsmusthaveadequatespace,ventilationandbecleanedregularlytoavoidabuildupofammonia.

BeddingUseclean,drylitterofricehulls,shavingsfromuntreatedtimber,straworsand.

Cleaninglittlecleaningisrequiredifthelitterisdeepandkeptdry.Makesurethatequipment,suchasnestboxes,ishygienicsothatthediseaseriskisminimised.

NestingSuitablenestingmaterialsuchasclean,drysand,ricehulls,straworuntreatedwoodshavingsshouldbeprovided.Anestingboxshouldhaveaminimumsizeof1900cm2andaccommodateupto5breedingfemales.Thenestshouldbereasonablydarkandofsufficientsizetoisolateonebirdfromanother,sothateggdamageandaggressivebehaviourfromsomebirdsduringnestingtimeareavoided.


TypeCommerciallypreparedturkeycrumblesforpoults,growersandadults.Automaticfeedersshouldbecheckeddailytotheyareoperatingcorrectly.Birdsshouldbeprovidedwithfoodonceinevery24hourperiod.

QuantityRangesfromafewgramsperdayforpoultstoupto250gramsperdayforadults.

RegularityAdlibpreferred,atleasttwiceperday,inthemorningandevening.

Essential dietary needs (variations)28%proteinrationforthefirstfourweeks,24%forthenextfourweeksandthenreducedto20%untilgrown.whenthebirdsareyoung,usemedicatedrationstocounterblackheaddisease.

WaterMustbecool,cleanandfreshandinsufficientquantityatalltimes.Automaticwaterfeedersarerecommended.Thewatersupplymustbecheckeddailytoensurethatautomaticsystemsareworkingandthatthewaterisclean.Turkeysshouldneverbedeprivedofwaterformorethan24hours.Anynewwatersupplyshouldisobtained,thewatershouldbetestedforsaltcontentandmicrobiologicalcontaminationand


adviceobtainedonitssuitabilityforpoultry.Aminimumofonedayscalculatedwaterrequirementsshouldbeavailableinstorageorauxiliarysupplyincaseofbreaks,repairsoffailureofequipment.Eachbirdmusthaveaccesstoatleasttwoindependentdrinkingpoints.Manufacturersrecommendationsareagoodguidetothenumberofoutletsperbird.

LightYoungbirdsrearedawayfromthehenrequirealightintensityofabut20luxonthefoodandwaterforthefirstthreedayafterhatchinginordertolearntofindfoodandwater.TurkeysinACTschoolsshouldhaveaccesstonaturallightandnormaldaylightperiods.

Handling

Turkeysneedtobehandledcalmlyandwithcaretopreventdistressandinjurytotheanimals.Avoidchasing,whichagitatestheturkeys,andcausesthemtopileupincorners.

forspecifichandlingtechniques,seetheApprovedActivities.

Normal behaviour

Turkeysarealertandactivewithanerectcarriage.Theycannotflyfarandoftenscratchandpeckastheyinvestigatethesurroundings.Turkeysmayrushatobjectsand,ifinjured,maybecomecannibalistic.

Signs of illness

•diarrhea•nasaldischarge•sneezing•nervoussignsorparalysis•inactivity,headunderwing,feathersruffledorisolatedfromgroup•apaleorpurplecomb•frequentshuttingofeyes•littleresponsewhentouchedorpushed,oroftenpeckedatbyothers.•reducedwaterintakeorproduction•abnormalconditionoftheirdroppingsorotherphysicalfeatures

Afailuretothriveorgrowisanothersignofillness.Ifthecauseofill-healthisunabletobeidentifiedandcorrected,assistanceshouldbesoughtfromaveterinarianfamiliarwithturkeys.

Anysignsofillnessorinjury,andtreatmentgiven,shouldbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.


Disease prevention

Turkeysshouldbecheckedonceinevery24hourperiodandmorefrequentlyduringhotweatheroroutbreaksofdiseaseorcannibalism.

Diseasecontrolmethodsandinternalandexternalparasitecontrolprogramsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwithaveterinarian.Allactivitiesmustbedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.Thisincludesrecordsofmorbidities,mortalities,treatmentgivenandresponsetotreatment.Thisinformationwillassistdiseaseinvestigations.

Topreventorreducebehaviouralorotherproblems,schoolsshouldconsiderselectionofthemostappropriatebirdstrainandthemethodofrearingusedtosuitthetypeofhousingavailableandmanagementpracticesemployed.

Shouldanoutbreakoffeatherpickingorcannibalismoccur,oranoutbreakappearimminent,environmentalfactorsthatmayaggravateitshouldbeexaminedandifappropriate,adjustmentsmade,suchasreducingthestockingdensity,lightintensity,temperature,humidityordisturbancestothepeckingorder,removinginjuredbirds,removingbirdsobservedtobeinstigatingpecking,oreliminatingshaftsofbrightsunlight.Ifthesemeasuresfailtocontroltheproblemthenappropriatebeaktrimmingofthebirdsshouldbeconsideredinconsultationwithanexpertinanimalwelfaretopreventfurtherinjuryormortalityintheflock.

Euthanasia

Inthecaseofananimalbecomingsosick,diseasedorinjuredthatrecoveryisunlikelyorundesirableonhumanegrounds,theneuthanasiamustbearrangedwithacompetentperson.Inemergencycases,aperson,competentinthetechnique,mayuseastickingknifethatisstuckthroughtheroofoftheturkey’smouthandintothebrain.

Disposal

Turkeyscanbesoldprivately,atauctionorconsignedtoanabattoir.

Carcasesmustbedisposedofpromptlyandinaccordancewithlocalcouncilregulations.

Suggested resources



ModelCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimals:DomesticPoultry,2002,CSIROpublications,CSIRO,viewed29October2008www.publish.csiro.au/index.cfm





Printed textsNSwDeptofAgricultureandfisheries, Agfacts: Raising Turkeys,Australia.


Contacts


localcouncil


Approved activities: turkeysPlease note:ThecategoriesofactivitiesareexplainedinTable2,onpage12,inPartAoftheseguidelines.ThelettersandnumbersusedinapprovedactivitiescorrespondtothosedetailedinTable3,DescriptionofActivities,onpages11–16ofPartAoftheseguidelines.Category4and5activitiesmaybeundertakenbystudentsonlyifpriorwrittenapprovalfromtheACTSAEChasbeenobtainedbyapplyingonformD,onpage54,inPartAoftheseguidelines.Beforedemonstratingtostudentsacategory5activity,theteachermusthavewrittencertificationfromtheACTSAEC.Athree-yearlycertificationshouldberequestedbycompletingformE,onpage59,inPartAoftheseguidelines.


• Observation of normal behaviour of birds(Category 1)Bepatientasbirdsdonotlikeloudnoisesorsuddenmovements.Studentscanobserveonebirdforindividualbehaviourandtwobirds,amaleandafemale,forbreedingbehaviour.



• Capture, restraint and handling (Category 2)Birdsshouldbecapturedandhandledonlywhennecessary.Usebirdsthathavebecomeaccustomedtohandlingfromayoungage.Avoidchasingbirdsasthisagitatesthemandcausesthemtopileupincorners.Ifacatchinghookisused,abirdshouldbedrawntowardsthehandlerfirmlybutnotsoquicklyastodamageshank,legorjoints.firmlyandquietlytransferthebirdtotheholdingposition.Theholdingpositioninvolvesrestrainingonehockjointbetweentheindexfingerandthumb,andtheotherhockjointbetweenthethirdandfourthfingers.Thebird’sbreast,orkeelbone,sitscomfortablyonthepalmofhandwiththebird’sheadpointingtowardsthehandler’sbodyandtheventaway.

whenwalkingwithabird,itsheadcanbetuckedunderthecarrier’supperarm.Thenon-holdingarmcanbeusedtoassistwithrestrainingthebirdandpreventthewingsfromflapping.


1. body weight (Category 2)Onlyusebirdswhichareaccustomedtobeinghandled.Youngbirdscanbeweigheddirectlyonatriplebeambalance.Olderbirdsmayneedtoberestrainedinalightcardboardbox.

forgrowersandadults,aspringbalancewithasuitablescaleisrequiredforweighing.Asmall,loopedpieceofropecanbeattachedtotheshankofbothlegsofthebirdandconnectedtothebalance.Ensurethatthebird’sheadiskeptdowntoavoidflapping.Thereadingshouldbetakenasquicklyaspossiblesothatthebirdcanbereturnedtoanormalposition.

3. growth (Category 2)Growthisusuallymeasuredbybodyweightchanges.Growthcanbeshownbyphotographingordrawingabirdagainstanappropriatebackgroundgridorscale.

Useasufficientnumberofbirdstodetermineindividualdifferences.Videotapedrecordscanalsoshowabird’sgrowth.


5. pulse or blood flow(Category 2)forthisactivity,restrainabirdaspreviouslydescribed.Asbirdshaveaveryhighpulserate,itisdifficulttomeasure.Astethoscopeisrequired.

6. respiration(Category 2)Observebirdsinwarmerweatherasindicationsofrespirationaremoreobvious.Observeandrecordabirdwithitsbeaknaturallyopenandthetonguemoving.Thenumberoftonguemovementscanberecorded.





2. high/normal energy(Category 3)

3. high/normal fat(Category 3)Avariationindietcanbeachievedbyusingcommerciallypreparedfoodswhichuseadifferentformulathantheusualoneprovided.Anyvariationinthedietshouldbeanenhancementto,ratherthandeprivationof,thediet.

Theminimumlevelofprotein,energyorfatselectedforthetrialmustbetheminimumacceptableforthelifestageoftheparticularbirdtype.Thetrialperiodshouldnotbelongerthanisnecessarytoachieveaclearlyobservableresult.Tentofourteendaysissufficientforyoungbirds,afterwhichthebirdsshouldbereturnedtotheirnormaldiet.





3. training poultry for showing (Category 3)Useanadequatelysizedtrainingpen,housedinashedorverywellshadedarea.RefertotheACTCodeofPracticeforthewelfareofAnimalsDomesticPoultry4thEditiontocheckforapprovedpensizes.Provideclean,dryfloorlitterandadlibfeedandwater.Treatbirdstominimiseexternalparasites.

Coverthepenwithahessianbagtolowerthelightlevel.Ensurequiet,steadymovementsnear,andaround,trainingpens.Usehandstostrokeandhandlethebird.Ifitbecomesagitated,ceasehandling.








topical•dip(Category 3)

oral•drench (Category 3)

injection•subcutaneous(Category 3)Itisimportanttomaintainaprogramofvaccinationandcontrolofparasitesforallbirds.whentreatingforinternalandexternalparasites,allbirdsshouldbetreatedatthesametime.Theseactivitiesneedtobedocumentedintheappropriaterecords.


Oralmedicationstobeadministeredincludewormingcompoundsandvitaminandmineralsupplements.

Theymaybeadministeredinthefeedorwaterdependingoninstructions.Ifwater-basedtreatmentsaretobeused,waterisgenerallywithdrawnfrombirdsovernighttoincreasetheirthirst.

Avoidwaterwithdrawalduringtheday,particularlyinhotweather.


29. beak trimming (Category 4)Everyeffortshouldbemadetoavoidbeaktrimmingbytheappropriateselectionofbirdsandtheprovisionofconditionswhichreducethetendencyforadversetraits,suchascannibalism,tooccur.

Beaktrimmingisdonewhenthetopbeaktipbecomesexcessivelylong.


Thetopbeakiscutbacktothepointwherethebeakchangescolour,ensuringthelowerbeaktucksunderthetopbeak.Beaktrimmingmustbeperformedonlybyanaccreditedoperatororunderthedirectsupervisionofanaccreditedtraineraspartofanaccreditationtrainingprogramandmustbeperformedonlyinaccordancewithagreedaccreditationstandards.


32. semen collection (Category 5)

41. slaughter of livestock (Category 5)

the care and use of animals in act schools ...€¦ · of animals in general and particularly the...

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