JBS joins Every Calf Matters initiative in Brazil

JBS, the global food company, has announced it is adhering to and sponsoring the Cada Bezerro Importa (Every Calf Matters) project developed by consulting company BE.Animal. The strategy behind the initiative, which combines theory and practice, is to propagate good animal welfare practices in the breeding and husbandry of beef cattle calves, from birth to weaning, with the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality rates on Brazilian breeder farms.

“At JBS, guaranteeing the welfare of the animals means respecting what clients,  consumers and society demand. Besides strengthening this principle, we are supporting the Cada Bezerro Importa project because we believe in more efficient field work by reducing farmers’ production and economic losses, while adopting development strategies for increasingly sustainable livestock farming”, points out Fabio Dias, Livestock Farmer Relationship Director of Friboi, the JBS company and leader in the Brazilian beef segment.

The Cada Bezerro Importa project consists of a set of initiatives for training farm staff in the implementation of good animal welfare practices. The concepts covered, in practice, range from the beginning of the breeding process, with the structuring of maternity pastures, defining which characteristics comprise good surroundings, to the birth, which makes it easier for the cowhands to do their rounds.

Also included will be the care given to cows in the final days of pregnancy, looking for signs of birth (when the cow’s teats are milk-laden), the ingestion of the foremilk, the procedures for navel cure, the structures and materials for rearing and husbandry – such as maternity pens and containment mats – weighing, identification, vaccination and worming.

The project also concerns itself with the natural behavior of the animals. The consulting service aims to disseminate how to conduct these and perform the containment correctly, including the benefits of tactile stimulation.

After the initial stages of care, the project includes tracking the development of the calves, monitoring their health and providing support for identifying those visibly ill and in need of treatment. During the weaning process, the consultants will provide information about the structures, planning and actions required for conducting the weaning side by side.

In addition to the support of JBS, the Cada Bezerro Importa project is sponsored by MSD Saúde Animal and by Beckhauser.

• Animal welfare
• ESG
• Livestock farming
• Sustainability