Code ofGood Animal Husbandry Practice for
GoatsPHILIPPINE NATIONAL
STANDARDPNS/BAFS
ICS
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS
BPI Compound Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
Phone (632) 920 -6131; (632) 455 -2856; (632) 467 -9039; Telefax (632) 455 -2858
E-mail: bafpsda@yahoo.com.ph
Website: www.bafps.da.gov.ph
Draft copy onlyDRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practice for Goats
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Foreword
This Philippine National Standard on Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practices for Sheep
was developed by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards in collabor ation with a
multi-stakeholder Technical Working Group created as per Department of Agriculture Spec ial
Order No. 146 series of 2016 .
The objective of this PNS was to revisethe generic, multi -species PNS 60:2008 Code of Good
Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP)to species -specific GAHP in consideration of the
directional thrust of the ASEAN towards species -specific GAHP. This revision is in accordance
with the BAFS mission to ensureharmonization of local standards with that of international
and regional sta ndards.DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practice for Goats
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1Scope
This code sets out the general principle and good practice and minimum requirements in the
rearing of goat for food use. Industry specific requirements for dairy and meat type of goat
production system may be developed provided that it satisfies the minimum requirements set
out in this Code.
2References
The titles of the standard publications and other references of this Code are listed on the
inside back cover.
3Objective
The purpose of this Code is to ensure that the farming pract ices of the establishment provide
greater confidence in consumers’ expectations that the final products are safe and fit for
human consumption, while ensuring health safety and comfort to both the farm workers and
goat, without any degradation to the envir onment.
4Definition of terms
For the purpose of this Code, the definitions specified in the documents of the Codex
Alimentarius shall apply. Other relevant definitions are as follows:
4.1abnormal behavior
any behavioral change developed as a response to poor or wrong management practice
causing stress to the animal
4.2animal
refers to goats  conventionally raised or reared for food and non -food (e.g. animal by -
products such as leather, etc.) purposes
4.3authorized
that which has been permitted by the competent authority
4.4competent  authority
an entity/agency who has the knowledge, expertise and authority as designated by law
4.5dam
female animal used for breeding and having given birth at least once
4.6      establishment
given due permission, a firm authorized to operate
4.7farm owner/operator
legal entity who is responsible for the management and general operation of the  farm; the
term maybe used interchangeablyDRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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4.8farm technician
a certified trained personnel who is technically skilled and knowledgeable in the various
aspects of dairy operation
4.9farm worker
trained personnel directly responsible for the rearing of animals
4.10feeds
any single or multiple materials, whether processed, semi -processed or raw, which is
intended to be fed directly to domesticated animals to meet the nutrient requirements in
order to maintain life, promote growth, production and reproduction
4.11forage
plants grown for grazing, cut -and-carry, ensiling or haying.
4.12gait
way of walking or pace of the animals
4.13ration
total amount of feed given for one day
4.14rearing/farming
the act of raising of animals
4.15vehicle
any means of transporting animals, including but not limited to trucks, tractors, trailers,
trains, ferries, ships and aircrafts
4.16weaning
a process of complete withdrawal from the dam and of milk feeding
5         Minimum requirements
5.1        General Skills and Responsibilities
5.1.1Farm operators and work ers
a.The farm owner/operator should provide training to farm workers on the necessary
knowledge and skills about basic procedures of farm management including the correct
handling of animal, routine management practices and usage of farm tools or
equipmen t.DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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b.The farm operator/worker should be responsible for the welfare of the goats by giving
adequate provisions so that they are able to perform at their optimum levels.
c.The farm operator/owner should provide farm workers with appropriate attire and
footwear for protective measures
d.Appropriate working uniform/attire and footwear should be provided to visitors who
need to be at the production area.
e.In cases of housed staff, the farm owner/operator should provide adequate
accommodation for the workers.
f.The farm operator/worker should always promote a safe and healthy working
condition in the farm. Accident and emergency procedures should be available with
clear instructions for all workers. First aid kits and fire extinguishers should be ea sily
available at all times, and placed conspicuously in strategic locations.
g.The owner/operator should ensure that all farm operators and farm workers undergo
annual routine health check -up/medical examination.
h.The farm operator should report imme diately or within 24 hours to relevant
authorities any incidence of abnormal behavioural changes, health conditions and
mortalities in the farm or any characteristic of a disease outbreak (Caprine Arthritis
Encephalitis, Hemorrhagic Septicemia).
5.1.1.1 Legal Responsibilities of the Farm Operator/Owner
a.The farm owner should conform to existing animal farming legislation. This covers the
management of environment issues, farm location, animal welfare requirements,
disease control, production of wholesome food and hazard associated with animal
farming.
b.The farm operator should conform to existing labor legislation.
5.1.2Farm technicians and workers
5.1.2.1 The farm workers should not cause cruelty to animals, in accordance with the
Animal Welfare Act (Republic Act 8485):
a.Maltreatment of animals under his/her care and attention.
b.Neglect of animal, such that it experiences pain, suffering or distress.DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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c.Failure to implement the proper feeding program to maintain the live weight of the
animal within the normal physiological range for the species type, age and sex.
d.Removal of any part of the anatomy without adequate anesthesia, whenever
applicable.
e.Putting to sleep (euthanasia), confine, handle or transport any animal in a manner
causing deliberate pain , suffering or distress.
f.Keeping an animal alive, especially that which is pronounced physically or
physiologically incapacitated, unless it is under the direct care of a licensed and
registered veterinarian.
5.1.2.2 The farm farm technicians and workers should not neglect animals according to
the following criteria;
a.Freedom from hunger and thirst and malnutrition. Feed withdrawal of animals should
not be more than eight (8) hours before slaughter;
b.Freedom from physical discomfort and pain;
c.Freedom fro m injury and disease;
d.With due consideration to the differences in the production system (confined and free -
range/grazing), animals should be given enough freedom to conform to essential
behavior patterns; and
e.Freedom from fear and distress.
5.2Farm Lo cation
5.2.1Site Selection
The farm should:
a.Be strategically located within the approved land use plan of the local government and
should be compliant with the DENR regulations and other regulations as prescribed by
law (e.g,  Laguna Lake Development A uthority).
b.Have a continuous supply of adequate power, potable water and good access road.
c.Not be prone to flooding. Perimeter canals that drain to a closed lagoon may be
constructed to prevent runoff from contaminating bodies of water and/or adjacent
farms.
d.Be accessible to major facilities of production (i.e. feed mill, water system, forage area).DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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e.With exception for those practicing integrated farming with their own post -harvest
facilities, the farm should not be near service/public slaughterhouses.*
*Existing farms should have full control of the risks and ensure that there are
mitigation measures in place.
5.2.2Site history
Ifthere areavailabledata/informationfromrelevantgovernmentagenciesor organizations
onthepriorlanduse,thenitshouldbeusedtoestablishthatthesiteisnota possiblesource
of physical,chemicalandmicrobiologicalhazards.However,whenthesedataarenot
available anduncertaintyexistsastothesuitabilityofthelandforagriculturaluse,itis
recommendedtohavethesoil analyzedforheavymetalcontamination,etc.
5.3Animal housing and facilities
Farm owners/operators when building animal housing facilities may also refer to the
Standards on Animal Housing established by competent authorities.
5.3.1Housing
a.The farm building should be designed and constructed appropriately for the intended
purpose, should provide proper ventilation and should be well maintained.
b.The building intended for keeping animals should be constructed in the orientation
thatminimizes the adverse effects on animal performance and eliminates possible
hazards to its surroundings.
c.The building should be designed and constructed using materials that:
should not cause any injury or impart hazard to the welfare of the animal;
provide comfort;
can be easily cleaned and disinfected;
can be easily replaced when damaged;
create efficient stock management; and
enhance biosecurity .
d.Painting materials used for the building and facilities should not be hazardous to the
animals.
e.There should be an effective drainage system in place at the building.
f.Animals should be provided with sufficient floor space/size suitable for their age, body
weight and size to allow animals to feed and drink comfortably.
g.The feeding and drinking equipment and facilities should conform with the
standards/requirements for each species and should be constructed and
conspicuously placed such that:DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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animals  are able to eat and drink freely, allowing them to behave normally; and
contamination with animal feces and urine is prevented.
h.Pens and pathways should:
be designed and constructed to prevent animals from escaping;
be free from protruding objects or structures (e.g. nails and bolts) that may
cause injury to the animals and farm operators and farm workers.
s
i.Housing design (particularly roof height and sides) should provide proper ventilation
(whether natural of artificial) to maintain a comfortable environment.
j.Animal buildings should have adequate lighting to ensure that animals can be
thoroughly inspected as required.
k.Electrical installations and wirings should be protected and should not be accessible to
the animals.
l.Floors and pathway used by the animals should be elevated and made from non -
slippery materials, safe, stable and well -lighted to prevent i njury or abnormal gait to
the animals.
m.The design of alleys and chutes should allow effective management of the animals
Floors of alleys and chutes should be properly built to provide good footing,
preventing slippage and injuries.
Alleys and chutes shoul d have sides of sufficient height to prevent animals from
jumping off or falling.
n.The farm should provide effective and appropriate facilities to restrain or handle
animals without causing undue stress and injury to both animals and farm workers.
o.The premises should be kept clean at all times to prevent disease occurrence,
establishment of breeding ground for pests and avoid environmental degradation.
5.3.2Facilities
5.3.2.1 Holding yard
a.Sufficientpensandfloorspaceshouldbeprovidedtopreventovercrowdingand
permit necessa rysegregationofanimals.
b.Penfloorsshouldbe, rough finished for cemented flooring, grass finished or sandy
flooring andwell-drainedtoprovidegoodfootingand preventslippingortripping.
c.The holdingyard should beconstructedinsuchawaythatitwilladequatelyprotect
the animalsfrom adverseweather cond itionsandwillprovidesufficientventilation.DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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d.Theholdingyardshouldhaveproperfacilitiesfor animalstofeedanddrink.
5.3.2.2 Pasture area and Paddocks
Provide enough space for grazing and practice rotational grazing, i.e., the herd is moved
pasture after one pasture lot has been grazed for sometimes. This will keep the pasture from
being over grazed and polluted or heavily infested by parasites.
5.3.2.3 Storage facilities
a.Thefarmshouldhaveafacilityfor proper storageofallfeeds and forage materials; for
machinery and equipment and other toxic chemicals.
b.Thestoragefacilities shouldbekept cleanatalltimes.
c.The storage should have adequate v entilation, adequate protection from moisture to
prevent acquisition of molds, and should be vermin -proof.
d.“First in–first out” rule should be practiced.
5.3.2.4 Breeding facilities
Thebreedingfacilityandequipmentshouldbeproperlydesignedtoprovidetheanimalsa
comfortableandconduciveenvironmentforreproduction.
5.3.2.5 Isolation area
There should be a separate area intended for sick, injured and disabled animals which require
necessary veterinary attention.
5.3.2.6 Fencing
a.Thefence,includingitspostsandgates,shouldbeeffectivelydesignedtoprevent
entryofstrayanimals,andescapeorinjuryofthefarm animals.
b.Ifelectricfenceisused, itshouldbeoperatedaspermanufacturer’sinstructions.
5.4 Farm Management
5.4.1Breeding, lactation and weaning
a.Only sexually mature animals of appropriate age and weight, and free from any disease
or probable inherited abnormality should be bred .DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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b.Innaturalmating,appropriateratioofmaletofemaleanimalsshouldbepracticed.
c.Onlytrained personnel shou ldperformassisted breedingtechniquesontheanimals
d.Thekidsshouldbeweanedonlyatarecommendedbodyweightandage.
e.Weaningshouldbeconductedwithminimum stresstoboththedamanditsyoung.
f.Thefarm operator shouldprovidethebasicfacilitiesforthenewlyweanedanimals.
g.Thefarm operator shouldmaintain individual animal records that contain their
lactation, breeding and reproductive performance.
h.Breeding programs and activities should beproperlyrecorded,maintained,monitored
andevaluated.
5.4.2Animal sourcing, identification and traceability
a.Animal identification shouldberoutinely done (ear tagging and other forms of
identification) andtherecordsofidentificationforthe animalsshouldbekept
properly.
b.Iftheestablishmentimportsanimals,recordsofpertinent documentsshouldbekept.
c.The farm operator should record all movement of animals in and out of the farm. This
includes records of veterinary protocols as prescribed by the concerned authorit y.
5.4.3Feeds and Nutrition
The farm operator should:
a.Ensure that animals are provided with optimum level of nutrition at all times, as
required for their respective functions and well -being.
b.Provide animals with adequate and continuous access to clea n and safe water.
c.Provide the animals with safe, clean, and adequate rations or feeding materials
(grasses, legumes and concentrates) suited for goats.
d.Provide animals with commercial feed that has been officially registered with the
Animal Feeds, Veteri nary Drugs and Biologicals Control Division (AFVDBCD) of the
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
e.In case of farm -mixed feed formulation, farm operators should only use ingredients
from authorized and traceable suppliers.  Records of purchases should be kept .DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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f.Not use banned chemicals, feed additives, supplements and any form of medication in
the diet of  the animals, including those disallowed by the authorities or importing
countries.
g.Strictly  follow  instructions  of  medication,  paying  special  attent ion  to  the
withdrawal period of each specific drug being administered before the animals are
sent to market.
h.The feed mixing equipment should be kept clean at all times and have regular
preventive maintenance schedule.
i.The farm operator should provide a daily feeding schedule or routine.
j.Procurement documents of feed concentrates should be kept and updated properly to
include:
supplier or source of feed concentrate and its registration number;
type of feed and supplements;
quantity;
declaration of ing redients;
document of feed analysis;
date of delivery; and
date of manufacturing and batch number
k.The farm operator should record the type and quantity of ration being fed to the
animals.
5.4.4Animal health management
a.The farm operator should be respo nsible for maintaining good health of the animals at
all times, through proper management practices that include prevention, treatment and
disease control and containment measures of the disease affecting the animals.
b.There must be a written animal health program in place that is updated regularly and
supervised by a licensed veterinarian, in accordance with the requirements of the
competent authorities.
c.The health status of the animals in the farm should be monitored and recorded
regularly by the farm, a nd veterinary assessment of the establishment should be
carried out annually by a licensed veterinarian and/or by a competent authority.
d.The vaccination program should be adopted against the diseases as required by
competent authorities.
e.Drugs, medicines , and vaccines should be administered by a licensed veterinarian or
trained personnel under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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f.Drugs or medicines should only be used for prophylactic and treatment reasons
g.The use of illegal and banned medication and vaccines should be prohibited (use
vaccines accredited by BAI; the same with controlled drugs.)
h.Drugs, medicines, and vaccines  should be stored and identified properly; proper
disposal of these items should be followed to prevent contamination to th e
environment.
i.The farm operator should keep and maintain complete records of farm operations,
management routines, and animal health records like disease monitoring and
medication. These records should be easily retrievable.
j.Records include, but are n ot limited to, the following:
Vaccination program;
Deworming;
Disease condition;
Diagnosis;
Intervention or treatment done;
Control measures;
Post-mortem findings;
Surveillance; and
Disposal.
k.The farm should maintain updated records of medicine purchase a nd administration
that should be readily available for inspection.
l.The procurement records should have:
Date of purchase;
Name of the product (generic compound);
Quantity purchased;
Batch number;
Expiry date; and
Name of supplier.
m.Administration records should consist of the following:
Type of drugs or medication used;
Batch number;
Quantity of medicine used;
Date administered;
Route of administration;DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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Identification of animals/group treated;
Number of animals treated;
Date of completion of treatment;
Withdrawal period; and
Name of the person who administered the medicine.
5.4.5Other management practices
The farm personnel, when performing the management practices listed below, should use the
appropriate tools and equipment, observe proper procedure (i ncluding provisions for
restraint and pain management), and should keep records of such activities:
a.Hoof trimming
b.Disbudding/dehorning
c.Castration
d.Other routine management practices
5.4.6Animal welfare management
a.Proper techniques should be applied to h andle and restrain animals.
b.Animals should always be handled and restrained in such a way to protect them from
fear, stress, pain and injury.
c.Appropriate facilities, equipment and tools should be provided and used in handling or
restraining the animals.
d.Appropriate tools should be used for the purpose of effective animal management and
the operators should acquire the skills and techniques to use the tools properly.
e.Tools should be used in a manner that minimize stress and does not injure the animals.
f.Tools should be functional for efficient application on the animals by the operators.
g.Sick, injured or disabled animals should be separated form healthy animals and should
be given the necessary veterinary attention.
h.Sticks or canes  should not be used t o restrain the farm animals.
5.4.7Animal Transportation
In accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, the following measures should be observed
during the transport of animals:
a.Minimize soiling and cross -contamination with fecal material;DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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b.Carry records t o include animal identification and place of origin;
c.Avoid undue stress and/or risk from injury during loading, transport and unloading;
d.Separate each animals whenever necessary to avoid injury during transport;
e.If the transport vehicle has more than on e deck, animals should be protected from
cross-contamination;
f.Maintain adequate ventilation of the animals;
g.Clean and sanitize transport vehicles and crates as soon the animals have been
unloaded.
h.To mitigate the abrupt changes in weather condition, fit the transport vehicle with
supplies for, but not limited to containers with water, truck blanket or cover, and other
tools to include water hose, sprinklers, pail, and shovel, whichever is needed.
i.Provide transport vehicles with supplies necessary for em ergencies such as tools,
spare tires, etc.;
j.Transport vehicles should be registered with the Animal Health and Welfare Division
of the Bureau of Animal Industry.
5.4.8Biosecurity measures
a.The farm should have a written protocol of biosecurity measures. Proper warning
signage should be provided
b.Biosecurity procedures should be well implemented and continuously monitored to
prevent introduction of disease into the farm and/or to control its spread within the
farm.
c.The biosecurity measures should take in to consideration the relevant diseases
identified by local regulations/authority.
d.The farm should have the appropriate and functional lay -out and infrastructure to
ensure effective implementation of the biosecurity measures. These should  include
facilities for disinfection at entry (wheel bath or spraying)/exit point of the farm and
the building (footbath).
e.All incoming animals should undergo the appropriate quarantine measures.
f.Stray animals should not be allowed within the premises.
g.Imported animal b y-products should be accompanied by official documentation from
the competent authority.DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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5.4.9Farm Sanitation Program and Environmental Management
a.Farmpremisesshouldbekeptcleanandfreeofpotentialconditionsconduciveto
breedingofpests,animalparasitesanddiseaseoutbreak.Thisistoavoidnegative
effectsonthelandscape, environment andanimalwelfare.
b.Organicmaterialsshouldberegularlyremovedfromalllivestockcontactsurfaces(i.e.
floors,penpartitions).Wherebeddingisused,itshouldberegularly replaced.
c.Thefarm shouldhaveaproper and functionaldrainagesystem towards a water
treatment facility .Solid and liquid waste should be managed and disposed according
to existing relevant guidelines imposed by competent authorit ies.
d.Thefarmshouldhaveproperhandlingand disposalsystemforsick,injuredanddead
animals, and should should be in accordance to existing regulations of the authority.
e.The farm should have a written sanitation program that includes integrated pes t
management.
f.The farm operator should take necessary measures to ensure that activities related to
goat farming do not contribute to the degradation of the environment (i.e. land, water,
air) and cause destruction to bio -diversity.
g.The farm operator sho uld maintain and display clear instructions on procedure for
disposal of farm solid wastes and farm chemical wastes (e.g. expired
pesticide/weedicide and containers, paint, etc.)
h.The  farm  operator  should  be  familiar  with  the  proper  procedure for disposal  and
schedule of actions to be taken, especially at times of emergency.
i.Measures should be in place to keep noise from barns to acceptable levels, particularly
if the farm is located close to urban centers.
j.The farm should regularly monitor the air quality inside the building and maintain it at
acceptable levels.
k.The farm should take appropriate measures to minimize excessive odor coming from
the farm and that which may be associated with waste decomposition.
5.6Review and Evaluation of Prac tices
5.6.1Practices should be checked for compliance and evaluation for effectiveness and do -
ability on a regular basis.DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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5.6.2In cases where provisions are no longer applicable, they must be amended.DRAFT PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD                                                      PNS/BAFS ____________
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References
PNS/BAFPS 60:2008. Code of Good Anim al Husbandry Practices. Department of Agriculture.
Philippines.
PNS/BAFS 163: 2015. Animal Feed Ingredients.  Department of Agriculture. Philippines.
PNS/BAFS 164:2015. Code of Slaughtering Practices for Goats. Department of Agriculture.
Philippines.
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