Here is a sampling of GPPs described in detail in the QSH  Producer Manual.

Animal Health Management Procedures

• A valid Veterinary – Client – Patient Relationship (VCPR) is in place for all prescription drugs and off-label use.

• Only Canadian-approved pharmaceuticals for use in cattle are purchased and used.

• Processing and treatment protocols and records are kept on all animals.

• If a needle breaks in the animal, the animal is uniquely identified, the needle is removed, and the incident is recorded.

Cattle Feeding

• Ruminant - derived (cattle, sheep, goat, deer) protein that is banned by CFIA is not purchased and fed to cattle - as per federal regulations.

• Feed medications are stored separately from non-medicated feed.

• Feed that is species-specific (meant for other than cattle) is stored separately and not fed to cattle.

• Feed additives/medications and bins a relabeled to avoid cross-contamination.

• If medicated feed or water is being used, pens are clearly and distinctly labeled to avoid medication mix-ups.

• Equipment such as scales and mixers a recalibrated and maintained properly to ensure accurate dosing of feed medications.

• All feed medication equipment, including that used for storage, processing, mixing, and feeding, is used in such a manner to prevent contamination of feed, e.g., flushing and sequencing.

• Medicated feed for reprocessing, returned products, and flushed material are clearly identified, stored and used in a manner to prevent unsafe contamination of other feedstuffs.

Cattle Receiving and Shipping

• Each animal is identified with an approved CCIA ear tag before leaving its herd of origin.

• Cattle and processing / treatment / feed records are visually inspected prior to shipment for slaughter to ensure animals have passed the withdrawal period for all animal health products.

• Cattle are inspected prior to shipment to slaughter to ensure they are healthy.

Pest Control and Yard Maintenance

• Pesticides are labeled clearly, used according to label directions, and stored separately from feed to reduce contamination.

• Pesticides are disposed of responsibly, i.e., in a manner that will not lead to contamination of cattle feed and water.

• Pens and alley ways are cleaned of manure at least once annually, and bedded as appropriate during inclement weather to reduce mud and manure buildup on cattle hides.

Biosecurity

• Worker washrooms stocked with soap and kept clean to ensure worker safety and reduce the risk of cysticercosis.

• Senior personnel in a beef operation have taken a Quality Starts Here : Verified Beef Production training course.

• All records are kept for two years. The records are stored in a secure location, and are well-organized and easily accessible.

This introductory guide presents the basic concepts of the QSH : Verified Beef Production Program. Please see the complete QSH  Producer Manual and Workbook, along with information from training sessions, for complete details.