Animal Welfare

Nexia respects its goats and ensures their health and safety. We have very strict policies regarding the care of our goats. All procedures are consistent with the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and the US FDA/USDA, and the facility is federally inspected and assessed by the CCAC. This provides Nexia with a Good Animal Practice certificate representing the highest national certification in terms of animal care & welfare. The CCAC certification is recognized by the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (OPPR) in the United States. The CCAC certification means we have professional veterinary care on the premises, provide proper nutrition and health care, maintain all facilities in a manner to foster the health and well being of the animals, and have strict biosecurity measures to protect the animals.

Nexia has developed an environmental enrichment program to provide healthy, stimulating surroundings for our goats. Environmental enrichment is comprised of several important components. One aspect is to encourage natural behaviours. Most of our goat housing areas have two different levels; such topography mimics their natural surroundings. Goats are naturally playful and social animals; therefore, Nexia uses group housing for its herds. We encourage their playfulness by providing them with toys that simulate them both mentally and physically. These measures help keep the goats happy. Since happy, healthy goats are more productive and produce more milk, the environmental enrichment program is highly beneficial from both ethical and economic perspectives.

We are sensitive to the issues surrounding animal groups concerned with farm animal care and we maintain an open dialog with these groups. Our facilities are open and we have allowed numerous animal welfare groups to see our facilities to confirm the safety and care of our animals for themselves. It is our policy to be transparent and to engage in constructive dialog and sharing of information with any individuals about their concerns regarding our animals.

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