FASS Makes Ag Guide Available for Download; Integrates Ordering Options for Farm Animal Worker Training Series

FASS has recently announced the immediate availability of the first revised edition of Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Teaching and Research (Ag Guide).  The Ag Guide pdf can be purchased through the organization’s secure web site (www.fass.org/publications/order_form1.asp) either by chapter or as a whole.  The publication is fully searchable in the posted format, which adds tremendous value to the resource.

The first revised edition of the Guide was published by FASS in 1999.  Today, it stands as the primary resource for scientific reference on agricultural animal husbandry.  Immediately upon its release, the Ag Guide was formally endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture–Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, as “The most current and complete scientific information available on appropriate practices for the handling, care, treatment, and transportation of farm animals used for nonagricultural purposes when they are maintained in an agricultural setting” (Federal Register, vol. 65, no. 23, Feb. 3, 2000).

Today, the reference remains viable and now enhanced because of its availability for download and electronic distribution.  Dr. Joy Mench, who served as Chair of the Guide Revision Committee, expresses her excitement over this new availability: 

“We are extremely pleased to be able to offer an electronic version of the Ag Guide.  Given the rapid change in accessible and viable media over the past five years, it is important for FASS to offer this publication in a searchable pdf format.  The first revised edition of the Ag Guide remains a credible, scientifically sound resource relative to agricultural animal husbandry, and this effort to make it even more available reflects FASS' commitment to the principles of sound animal care.”

In addition, the newly revised FASS site (www.fass.org/publications/order_form1.asp) integrates purchase of the Ag Guide with purchase of the supplementary educational modules that have been developed from the original publication.

The development of the Farm Animal Worker Training Series was initiated in 2000, and, to date, five training units have been produced:  Introduction to the Ag Guide; Swine Training, Level 1; Beef Cattle Training, Level 1; Dairy Cattle Training, Level 1; and Horse Training, Level 1.  Each of these modules combines multimedia to enhance the information provided in the hard copy edition, including video and PowerPoint.  The Poultry Training, Level 1 resource will be the next unit released by FASS.

When first marketed, FASS received praise from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International for its venture in this new initiative in educational product provision.  The Ag Guide is recognized by AAALAC as an official “Reference Resource” and a quality, well-designed product that can assist that organization in its mission to promote scientific validity and ensure animal well-being.  The same praise originally expressed at the advent of this effort is confirmed today by AAALAC International Executive Director, Dr. John Miller, in his review of the overall series:

“AAALAC, International acknowledges the quality contributions that FASS has provided to the field of educational training of agricultural animal handlers through the Farm Animal Worker Training Series.  Each module produced represents sound scientific research and provides benchmarks for animal husbandry practices that promote higher quality research through improving animal welfare.  AAALAC commends FASS on the production of this series and encourages the use of these modules in all instances where training relative to agricultural animal husbandry is needed.” 

Interested universities, producer groups, and organizations can access more information relative to the Ag Guide and the Farm Animal Worker Training Series from the FASS website (www.fass.org/publications/order_form1.asp).  In addition, the FASS Headquarters office would welcome your inquires and comments.