AnimalHandling.org
Provides an animal handling and audit guidelines from the American Meat Institute (AMI) as well as links to companies that provide auditing services.
Standards and Guidelines
Humane Farm Animal Care.
Includes links to the Policy Manual as well as Standards for beef cattle, broiler chickens, laying hens, dairy cows, goats, pigs, sheep, turkeys, and young dairy beef.
National Dairy Farm Program Animal Care Manual ( pdf | 5.34 MB )
National Milk Producers Federation.
This manual is an educational resource on best management practices for animal care issues including animal health, facilities and environment, nutrition, and transportation and handling of dairy cattle.
Animal Welfare Institute.
Humane husbandry standards are outlined for pigs, cattle, ducks, rabbits, and sheep. Housing, diet, health, and transport of animals are addressed.
USDA. Agricultural Marketing Service. National Organic Program.
A 2011 policy memo regarding the regulations for livestock living conditions in organic production, 7 CFR Section 205.239.
Global Animal Partnership.
Referred to as the GAP 5-Step program, there are animal welfare rating standards now available for beef cattle, broiler chickens, and pigs.
American Meat Institute.
The AMI's audit guidelines recommend that companies conduct self-audits and third party audits using specific criteria.
American Sheep Industry Association
Published in 2006, these guidelines for sheep producers are intended to minimize animal stress and improve the health and well-being of sheep.
Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg Laying Flocks ( pdf | 292KB )
United Egg Producers.
Provides recommendations for best management practices for cage and cage free egg production.
Pork Checkoff.
Links to fact sheets, publications, programs and research relating to animal welfare in the US swine industry.