AMIF Animal Handling Conference Returns with Popular Pork, Beef and Management-Specific Tracks

Washington, D.C. – The 2007 Animal Care and Handling Conference, March 29-30, 2007 at the Sheraton Overland Park in Overland Park, Kan., will again feature three distinct tracks to address the needs and interests of different groups.

The Pork Track will address two important handling challenges, sow handling and non-ambulatory pigs. Attendees in the Pork Track will also attend session on electric and CO2 pig stunning, general pig handling and the connection between proper handling techniques and quality.

The Beef Track will also address handling challenges within the cow population and will also include sessions on basic cattle handling and behavior principles, cattle stunning, a case study on religious slaughter and the use of head-holders in a conventional setting and the connection between handling and quality.

One highlight of the Management and Policy track includes a discussion on animal compassion standards with Andrew Gunther, animal compassion product development and sourcing specialist with Whole Foods Market, Inc. Other sessions include animal welfare in Latin America, a status report on international welfare guidelines, and updates on the National Commission on Industrial Animal Agriculture and on welfare audits.

Sponsored by the American Meat Institute Foundation, the Animal Care and Handling Conference for the Food Industry is the leading animal welfare educational opportunity for meat and poultry companies, their customers and those involved in the production and management of livestock and meat products.

The conference is co-sponsored by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Swine Veterinarians, Animal Agriculture Alliance, Canadian Meat Council, Food Marketing Institute, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, National Grocers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, National Council of Chain Restaurants and National Restaurant Association.

The conference will be held at the Sheraton Overland Park in Overland Park, Kan., just outside of Kansas City, Mo. Room rates are $139 for a single or double. For the special conference rate, be sure to contact the hotel directly (913-243-2100) and mention the Animal Care and Handling Conference prior to March 7, 2007.

Registration can be completed online or by submitting a registration form. For AMI members, registration is $425 per person ($395 for three or more registrations from the same company). Non-AMI members pay the full registration rate of $450.

For more information, registration and ongoing updates, visit the Events/Education section of http://www.MeatAMI.com.