GAAMPS

What are GAAMPs?

Mandated by the Michigan Right-to-Farm Act (Act 93 of 1981, as amended), generally accepted agricultural and management practices (GAAMPs) are written standards providing uniform, science-based standards and acceptable management practices. Producers can compare their current management routines to the GAAMPs or use them as a guide for improving management practices.

Who should be aware of the GAAMPs?

The GAAMPs for farm animal care are intended for use by the livestock industry and other groups concerned with animal welfare in Michigan. The GAAMPs can also be used as a teaching tool for promoting humane animal husbandry and care practices.

What do the GAAMPs for farm animal care cover?

The GAAMPs for farm animal care address animal husbandry practices (system of care permitting animal growth, maturity, reproduction and healthiness) and environmental variables such as physical surroundings, nutrient intake, and social and biological interactions. Environmental conditions should support profitable performance and minimize disease, death loss and behavioral problems. Housing, space concentrations, pests, nutrition and availability of water should be managed. In all cases, the animal’s nutritional needs for health and well-being must be met. The GAAMPs also provide recommendations for health care and procedures including euthanasia and dead animal disposal.

Why should I abide by the GAAMPs for farm animal care?

Following GAAMPs is voluntary, but agricultural producers who follow these and other applicable GAAMPs are protected by the state against public and private nuisance litigation by the provisions of the Michigan Right to Farm Act.

Who develops the GAAMPs for farm animal care?

A team of industry representatives, university faculty members and Extension specialists, and government agency staff members provide input for developing the recommended GAAMPs practices.

How are the GAAMPs for farm animal care developed?

Scientifically derived guidelines and handbooks for care of individual species are referenced for each section of the GAAMPs. Cited references for each species serve as recommended reading if additional information is needed.

How often are the GAAMPs updated?

The GAAMPs are reviewed annually and revised as necessary following a public comment period. Producers and industry representatives are encouraged to review the current year’s GAAMPs and submit suggestions during the public comment period for updates based on new available technologies or changing economic conditions.

What species of farm animals are covered by the GAAMPs?

The Michigan GAAMPs for farm animal care provide uniform standards for animal care and acceptable management practices for these species of animals: beef cattle and bison, dairy cattle, veal, swine, equines, privately owned cervidae (deer and elk), sheep and goats, laying chickens, broilers, turkeys and game birds, rabbits, farm-raised mink and fox, aquaculture species and South American camelids (llamas, vicunas, alpacas and guanacos). The Michigan GAAMPs for farm animal care also apply to beekeeping and apiary management.

How can I learn more about the GAAMPs for farm animal care?

Visit www.michigan.gov/gaamps to find the most recent version of the GAAMPs for farm animal care. Also available on this Web site is information about the GAAMPs for manure management and utilization, pesticide utilization and pest control, nutrient utilization, cranberry production, site selection and odor control for new and expanding livestock production facilities, and irrigation water use.

Whom do I contact if I have questions about the Michigan Right-to-Farm Act or need help interpreting the GAAMPs for farm animal care?

Contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture Right-to-Farm Program for answers to questions about the Michigan Right-to-Farm Act or help interpreting the GAAMPs for farm animal care.