# Camel Handling Facilities: Design for Safe and Low-Stress Management ## Key Takeaways - Camel handling facilities must accommodate species-specific behaviors, including a larger flight zone than cattle, sensitivity to sudden movements and noises, and a tendency to baulk at novel stimuli or dead ends; raceways should be 80-100 cm wide and no longer than 15 meters without a curve, with solid sides at least 1.5 meters high. - Optimal site selection involves elevated ground with good drainage and orientation so prevailing winds are perpendicular to animal movement, minimizing handler odors and allowing scent detection from ahead, while avoiding proximity to loud machinery or busy roads. - Restraint systems should match procedure duration and animal temperament; head gate crushes are suitable for short procedures (under 2 minutes) on calm animals, while full-body squeeze crushes are essential for longer procedures (over 5 minutes) or fractious/nervous animals to prevent injury and panic. - Loading ramps must not exceed a 20-degree angle, feature non-slip surfaces and solid sides at least 1.5 meters high, and align directly with the vehicle deck to prevent falls and baulking. - Low-stress handling techniques involve working at the edge of the camel's flight zone (5-20 meters), using slow, deliberate movements, and employing visual aids like flags; electric prods are strongly discouraged due to extreme sensitivity and lasting fear responses. - Facility design directly impacts animal welfare and worker safety; regular inspections for hazards, maintaining handling incident logs, and training handlers on stress recognition and equipment operation are critical for preventing injuries and ensuring biosecurity. --- Designing camel handling facilities requires understanding camel behavior, physical capabilities, and stress responses to create infrastructure that allows safe, efficient management while minimizing injury risk to both animals and handlers. This guide covers facility layout principles, raceway design, crush and restraint systems, loading ramps, and low-stress handling techniques based on established animal handling science and practical experience in camel-producing regions. ## At a Glance: Facility Design Decision Guide | Design Element | Key Consideration | Recommended Approach | |---|---|---| | Facility location | Drainage, prevailing wind, visibility | Elevated ground with good drainage, wind perpendicular to handling direction | | Raceway width | Camel shoulder width plus clearance | 80-100 cm for adult camels, wider for bulls | | Crush type | Restraint duration and procedure | Head gate with body restraint for short procedures, full-body squeeze for longer work | | Loading ramp angle | Animal comfort and safety | Maximum 20 degrees with non-slip surface and solid sides | | Flooring surface | Traction and hygiene | Broom-finished concrete with 1-2% slope for drainage | | Lighting | Animal movement facilitation | Diffuse, non-glare lighting, avoid shadows and bright spots | ## Understanding Camel Behavior for Facility Design Camels have distinct behavioral characteristics that directly influence facility design requirements. Unlike cattle, camels are more sensitive to sudden movements, loud noises, and unfamiliar objects. Their flight zone is larger than cattle, and they have a stronger tendency to baulk at novel stimuli. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provides general principles for animal handling that apply to camel facilities, emphasizing the need to accommodate species-specific behaviors. Camels are herd animals with a strong social structure. Isolating a camel from its herdmates during handling increases stress. Facility design should allow visual contact between restrained animals and their group when possible. Camels also have excellent memory for negative experiences, so a single bad handling event can create long-term handling difficulties. The visual system of camels gives them a wide field of view but poor depth perception. They are sensitive to contrasts between light and dark areas. Raceways and handling areas should have uniform, diffuse lighting without sharp shadows. Sudden movements by handlers outside the animal's field of view can cause startle responses. ## Facility Layout Principles ### Site Selection and Orientation Choose a site with natural drainage to prevent mud accumulation around handling areas. The facility should be oriented so that the prevailing wind blows perpendicular to the direction animals move through the raceway. This allows camels to detect scents from ahead while preventing handler odors from reaching animals prematurely. The facility should be visible from a distance so camels can see it before entering. Place the facility away from noisy equipment, busy roads, and other sources of sudden loud sounds. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) provides guidance on animal production facilities that emphasizes minimizing environmental stressors. ### Flow Pattern Design Design the facility as a continuous flow system with no dead ends. Camels will refuse to enter areas that appear to be dead ends. The ideal layout uses a circular or curved raceway that allows animals to see the exit point ahead. Straight raceways longer than 15 meters can cause camels to baulk because they perceive the far end as a dead end. The holding yard should have a capacity of at least 1.5 times the number of animals to be processed in a single session. This allows for sorting and provides space for animals to settle before handling. The holding yard should have shade, water access, and solid fencing to prevent visual distractions. ### Fencing and Gate Design Fencing must be strong enough to contain adult camels, which can weigh 400-600 kg and are capable of pushing through weak barriers. Use steel pipe or heavy-duty timber posts set in concrete. Rail spacing should be close enough to prevent camels from getting their heads through, typically 30-40 cm between horizontal rails. Gates should swing in both directions and have positive latching mechanisms. Sliding gates are preferable in high-traffic areas because they reduce the risk of camels being struck by swinging gates. All gate latches should be operable from both sides of the fence. ## Raceway Design ### Dimensions and Configuration The raceway is the central corridor through which camels move from the holding yard to the crush or loading ramp. Width is critical: too narrow causes camels to baulk, too wide allows them to turn around. For adult camels, a width of 80-100 cm is appropriate. Bulls may require slightly wider raceways of 100-110 cm. Raceway length should not exceed 15 meters without a curve or visual break. Longer straight raceways cause camels to stop and refuse to move forward. Curved raceways work well because camels can see the animal ahead but cannot see the far end, which reduces baulking behavior. Solid sides on the raceway prevent camels from seeing distractions outside the handling area. The solid barrier should be at least 1.5 meters high for adult camels. The floor should have a non-slip surface, preferably broom-finished concrete with grooves cut perpendicular to the direction of travel. ### One-Way Systems and Back Gates Install one-way gates at intervals along the raceway to prevent camels from backing up. These gates should be operated manually or with simple counterweight systems. Back gates behind each animal allow handlers to encourage forward movement without entering the raceway. The raceway should have a slight curve at the entrance to prevent camels from seeing the entire length when they first enter. This reduces baulking and encourages steady movement. The curve radius should be at least 5 meters to prevent camels from feeling trapped. ## Crush and Restraint Systems ### Crush Types and Selection The crush is the central restraint point where camels are held for examination, treatment, or loading. Two main types exist: head gate only and full-body squeeze. The head gate crush restrains the camel by the neck while the body is free to move within a narrow stall. This is suitable for short procedures such as vaccination or blood sampling. Full-body squeeze crushes have moving sides that apply gentle pressure to the camel's body, providing more complete restraint. These are necessary for longer procedures, hoof trimming, or when working with fractious animals. The squeeze mechanism should be hydraulically or manually operated with a gradual, controlled action. ### Head Gate Design The head gate must accommodate the camel's neck shape, which is longer and more flexible than cattle. Adjustable head gates with padded yokes reduce the risk of neck injury. The opening should be wide enough to allow the camel's head to pass through easily but narrow enough to prevent the shoulders from following. Head gates should have quick-release mechanisms for emergency situations. Handlers must be trained in proper head gate operation to avoid trapping the camel's ears or causing unnecessary pressure on the trachea. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on animal handling equipment that emphasize safety features. ### Body Restraint Considerations Full-body restraint should apply even pressure across the camel's body. Uneven pressure can cause panic and injury. The squeeze sides should be padded with at least 5 cm of foam or rubber to distribute pressure and prevent bruising. Restraint duration should be minimized. Camels have a strong fight-or-flight response and prolonged restraint increases stress. Have all equipment and supplies ready before restraining the animal. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines recommend that restraint periods be as short as possible for all livestock species. ## Loading Ramps ### Ramp Angle and Dimensions Loading ramps are critical for safe transport of camels. The ramp angle should not exceed 20 degrees from horizontal. Steeper ramps cause camels to baulk and increase the risk of falls. The ramp should be at least 80 cm wide for adult camels and have solid sides at least 1.5 meters high. The ramp floor must have a non-slip surface. Use expanded metal mesh, rubber matting, or grooved concrete. The surface should be clean and dry before loading. Wet or muddy surfaces cause camels to slip and refuse to ascend. ### Ramp Configuration Straight ramps are preferred over curved ramps for loading. The ramp should align directly with the vehicle deck to prevent camels from having to turn at the top. A level platform at the top of the ramp allows camels to step onto the vehicle without a gap. Adjustable ramps that can be raised or lowered to match different vehicle heights are useful for operations that use multiple transport contractors. The ramp should have a positive locking mechanism to prevent movement during loading. ### Loading and Unloading Procedures Low-stress loading begins with proper facility design. The holding yard should be close to the loading ramp to minimize the distance camels must travel. Use the raceway system to move camels singly to the ramp. Never force a camel up the ramp, allow it to approach at its own pace. Unloading should follow the same principles. The ramp should be positioned so camels can see the ground at the bottom. A gentle slope from the ramp to the holding yard prevents camels from having to step down abruptly. ## Low-Stress Handling Techniques ### Handler Positioning and Movement Handlers should work at the edge of the camel's flight zone, not directly behind the animal. The flight zone for camels is larger than for cattle, typically 5-10 meters for calm animals and up to 20 meters for nervous ones. Handlers should move slowly and deliberately, avoiding sudden arm movements or loud vocalizations. The point of balance is at the camel's shoulder. Moving forward of the shoulder causes the camel to move backward, moving behind the shoulder causes forward movement. Handlers should use this principle to guide camels through the facility without physical force. ### Use of Aids Flags or paddles can be used to extend the handler's reach and guide camels without physical contact. The aid should be used to point or tap gently, never to strike the animal. Camels respond to visual cues more than physical pressure, so the aid should be visible and moved slowly. Electric prods should never be used on camels. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and other animal welfare authorities strongly discourage the use of electric prods in livestock handling. Camels are particularly sensitive to electric shock and will develop lasting fear responses. ### Vocalization and Noise Control Camels are sensitive to loud or sudden noises. Handlers should speak in low, calm tones. Whistling or shouting causes stress and can trigger panic. The facility should be designed to minimize noise from gates, latches, and equipment. Rubber bumpers on gates and quiet-operating hydraulic systems reduce noise levels. ## Records and Measurements ### Handling Incident Records Maintain a log of handling incidents including injuries to animals or handlers, equipment failures, and procedures that caused excessive stress. Record the date, animal identification, procedure performed, and any unusual behaviors. Review these records quarterly to identify patterns that indicate facility design problems. ### Facility Inspection Checklist Inspect the facility before each handling session. Check for sharp edges, loose bolts, broken latches, and worn non-slip surfaces. Test all gates and crush mechanisms. Ensure lighting is functioning and shadows are minimized. Document inspections and corrective actions. ### Animal Behavior Observations Train handlers to recognize signs of stress in camels: excessive vocalization, sweating, trembling, refusal to move, or attempts to jump or climb. Record these observations during handling sessions. Persistent stress behaviors indicate facility design issues that need correction. ## Common Failure Patterns ### Baulking at Raceway Entrance Camels that refuse to enter the raceway often do so because of visual distractions, shadows, or perceived dead ends. Check for bright spots at the far end of the raceway, shadows cast by overhead structures, or movement visible through gaps in fencing. Solid sides and diffuse lighting usually resolve this issue. ### Turning Around in Raceway If camels turn around in the raceway, the width may be too great or the length too long. Narrow the raceway with temporary panels or install one-way gates at shorter intervals. Curved raceways reduce turning behavior because camels cannot see the exit point. ### Refusal to Enter Crush Camels that refuse to enter the crush may have had a negative previous experience. Check for sharp edges, excessive noise from the crush mechanism, or poor lighting inside the crush. Allow a calm, experienced camel to go through first to demonstrate that the crush is safe. ### Falls on Loading Ramp Falls on loading ramps indicate excessive angle, poor traction, or gaps between the ramp and vehicle. Measure the ramp angle and reduce if necessary. Install better non-slip surface and ensure the ramp is securely positioned against the vehicle deck. ## Welfare and Safety Context ### Animal Welfare Considerations Proper facility design directly impacts [camel welfare](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/camel-welfare-standards-handling-transport-slaughter). The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provides standards for animal welfare during handling and transport. Facilities that cause stress, injury, or prolonged restraint fail to meet these standards. Handlers have a responsibility to minimize suffering. Stress during handling affects camel health and productivity. Stressed camels have reduced immune function, lower feed intake, and decreased milk production. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on the relationship between handling stress and animal health. ### Worker Safety Camel handling is inherently dangerous. Camels can kick in all directions, bite, and crush handlers against fences. Facility design should include escape routes for handlers at multiple points. Crush systems should have emergency release mechanisms that can be operated from outside the crush area. Handlers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment including steel-toed boots, gloves, and helmets when working with fractious animals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides veterinary resources that include safety guidelines for animal handling. ### Biosecurity Considerations Facility design should support biosecurity protocols. The layout should allow for separation of sick animals from healthy ones. Drainage should prevent contamination of clean areas with manure slurry. Footbaths at facility entrances help prevent disease spread between groups. Cleaning and disinfection of handling equipment between groups of animals reduces disease transmission. Surfaces should be smooth and non-porous for easy cleaning. The FAO Animal Production and Health division provides guidance on biosecurity in livestock facilities. ## Professional Escalation Criteria ### When to Consult a Facility Designer If camels consistently refuse to move through the facility despite correct handling techniques, consult a professional facility designer. Persistent baulking, turning, or escape attempts indicate fundamental design flaws that cannot be corrected through handling changes alone. ### When to Seek Veterinary Input If camels show signs of injury after handling, such as lameness, swelling, or bleeding, consult a veterinarian. Repeated injuries indicate facility design problems that cause physical harm. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides veterinary resources for reporting and managing animal injuries. ### When to Contact Regulatory Authorities If facility design causes repeated serious injury or death to animals, contact the relevant animal welfare authorities. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provides reporting guidelines for animal welfare incidents. Failure to address known hazards may result in regulatory action. ## Practical Decision Framework: Selecting the Appropriate Restraint System for Your Operation Choosing between a head gate crush and a full-body squeeze crush requires a systematic evaluation of your specific management needs, animal characteristics, and operational constraints. This decision framework provides a structured approach to selecting the restraint system that balances animal welfare, handler safety, and procedural requirements. ### Assessment Criteria for Restraint System Selection **Procedure Frequency and Duration** The primary determinant of crush type is the nature and duration of procedures performed. For operations conducting primarily short-duration procedures such as vaccinations, deworming, or visual health inspections, a head gate crush with a narrow stall provides adequate restraint. These procedures typically require less than two minutes per animal. The FAO Animal Production and Health division provides guidance on handling systems that match restraint type to procedure requirements. For operations performing longer procedures such as hoof trimming, wound treatment, dental work, or reproductive examinations, a full-body squeeze crush is necessary. Procedures exceeding five minutes require the additional security and reduced animal movement provided by body restraint. The squeeze mechanism prevents the camel from shifting weight or kicking during extended handling. **Animal Temperament and Handling History** Evaluate the temperament of your camel herd before selecting a restraint system. Camels with prior positive handling experiences may tolerate head gate restraint for moderate procedures. However, animals with a history of negative handling experiences, those that are unhandled or semi-wild, or bulls during breeding season require the additional control of a full-body squeeze crush. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) emphasizes that restraint methods should match the animal's temperament to minimize stress. A full-body squeeze crush provides gradual, even pressure that can have a calming effect on nervous animals, whereas head gate restraint may cause panic in animals that are not accustomed to confinement. **Operator Experience and Staffing Levels** Consider the skill level of your handling team. Head gate crushes require precise timing and positioning to avoid neck injuries. Operators must be trained to recognize when a camel's head is properly positioned before closing the gate. Inexperienced handlers may cause more stress with a head gate system than with a properly operated full-body squeeze. Full-body squeeze crushes are generally more forgiving of operator error because the animal is restrained along its entire body length. However, these systems require more maintenance and have more moving parts that can fail. Operations with limited staffing may prefer the simpler operation of a head gate system for routine procedures. ### Decision Matrix for Restraint System Selection | Operational Factor | Head Gate Crush | Full-Body Squeeze Crush | |---|---|---| | Procedure duration under 2 minutes | Suitable | Suitable but may be excessive | | Procedure duration 2-5 minutes | Marginal | Recommended | | Procedure duration over 5 minutes | Not recommended | Required | | Calm, handled camels | Suitable | Suitable | | Nervous or unhandled camels | Not recommended | Recommended | | Bulls during breeding season | Not recommended | Required | | Inexperienced operators | Requires training | More forgiving | | Single operator | Challenging | Manageable with hydraulic controls | | Budget limited | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost | | Maintenance capacity | Lower maintenance | Higher maintenance | ### Implementation Steps for Restraint System Selection **Step 1: Audit Your Current Procedures** Document every handling procedure performed in your operation over a six-month period. Record the procedure type, average duration, number of animals processed per session, and any incidents of animal injury or escape. This audit reveals the actual restraint requirements of your operation instead of assumed needs. **Step 2: Assess Animal Groups Separately** Different groups within your herd may require different restraint approaches. Breeding bulls, lactating females with calves, young stock, and working males each have distinct handling characteristics. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recommends evaluating animal groups separately when designing handling facilities. **Step 3: Evaluate Facility Constraints** Measure your existing facility dimensions, particularly raceway width and crush area size. A full-body squeeze crush requires more space than a head gate system. Ensure your facility can accommodate the crush dimensions plus adequate clearance for handler movement and emergency access. **Step 4: Consider Future Needs** Anticipate changes in your operation over the next five years. If you plan to expand herd size, add veterinary services, or begin artificial insemination programs, a full-body squeeze crush provides greater flexibility. The USDA National Agricultural Library provides resources on [planning livestock facilities](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/planning-livestock-facilities-step-by-step) that emphasize scalability. ### Records and Measurements for Restraint System Evaluation **Restraint Incident Log** Maintain a log for each handling session that records: - Date and number of animals processed - Restraint system used - Procedure type and average duration - Number of animals requiring repeat restraint attempts - Any injuries to animals or handlers - Equipment malfunctions or adjustments needed Review this log quarterly to identify trends. An increasing number of repeat restraint attempts may indicate that the current system is inadequate for your herd's temperament or your procedure requirements. **Stress Behavior Scoring** Train handlers to score stress behaviors during restraint using a simple 1-5 scale: 1. Calm, minimal movement 2. Alert but cooperative 3. Moderate resistance, vocalization 4. Strong resistance, attempted escape 5. Panic, dangerous behavior Record scores for each animal during routine handling. If more than 20 percent of animals score 4 or higher, the restraint system may be causing excessive stress and should be reassessed. **Time Efficiency Tracking** Measure the time required to process each animal from entry to release. Compare this across different restraint systems if you have access to multiple setups. The FAO Animal Production and Health division notes that efficient handling reduces overall stress and improves animal welfare outcomes. ### Common Failure Patterns in Restraint System Selection **Head Gate Crush Used for Inappropriate Procedures** The most common failure is using a head gate crush for procedures that require full-body restraint. This leads to animal injury, handler danger, and incomplete procedures. If your records show that procedures routinely exceed three minutes or require multiple attempts, upgrade to a full-body squeeze crush. **Full-Body Squeeze Crush Used Excessively** Using a full-body squeeze crush for very short procedures such as visual inspection or simple injections can cause unnecessary stress. The squeeze action itself is a stressor, even when applied gently. Reserve full-body restraint for procedures that genuinely require it. **Inadequate Training on Selected System** Regardless of which system is chosen, inadequate operator training leads to poor outcomes. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recommends that all handlers receive training specific to the restraint equipment they use. Schedule training sessions before introducing new equipment and annually thereafter. ### Professional Escalation Criteria **When to Consult a Veterinary Behavior Specialist** If camels consistently show extreme fear responses to restraint despite proper technique and equipment, consult a veterinary behavior specialist. Some animals may have trauma histories that require desensitization protocols before they can be safely restrained. **When to Seek Equipment Manufacturer Input** If your chosen restraint system causes repeated equipment failures or animal injuries, contact the manufacturer for assessment. Design flaws in head gate shape or squeeze mechanism pressure distribution may require modification. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides veterinary resources that include equipment safety reporting guidelines. **When to Consider Dual System Installation** Operations that handle diverse animal groups may benefit from installing both a head gate crush and a full-body squeeze crush in series within the same raceway. This allows selection of the appropriate system for each animal without disrupting workflow. Consult a professional facility designer to evaluate the feasibility and cost of this configuration for your operation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the ideal width for a camel raceway? The ideal width for an adult camel raceway is 80-100 cm. Bulls may require 100-110 cm. The width should allow the camel to move freely without being able to turn around. Measure the shoulder width of your largest animals and add 10-15 cm clearance. ### How long should a camel raceway be before a curve? Raceways should not exceed 15 meters in a straight line without a curve. Longer straight raceways cause camels to baulk because they perceive the far end as a dead end. Curved raceways at 5-10 meter intervals improve animal flow. ### What is the maximum safe angle for a camel loading ramp? The maximum safe angle for a camel loading ramp is 20 degrees from horizontal. Steeper ramps increase the risk of falls and cause camels to refuse to ascend. Measure the ramp angle with a protractor or inclinometer before each loading session. ### Do camels need solid-sided raceways? Yes, solid-sided raceways are recommended for camels. Solid sides prevent camels from seeing distractions outside the handling area, which reduces baulking and stress. The solid barrier should be at least 1.5 meters high. ### Can [cattle handling facilities](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/cattle-handling-facilities-safe-corral-system) be used for camels? [Cattle handling facilities](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/cattle-handling-facilities-safe-corral-system) can be adapted for camels but require modifications. Raceways may need to be narrowed, head gates adjusted for longer necks, and solid sides added. Camels have different behavioral responses than cattle and may not flow through cattle-designed facilities. ### What type of flooring is best for camel handling areas? Broom-finished concrete with a 1-2% slope for drainage is the best flooring for camel handling areas. The surface should have grooves cut perpendicular to the direction of travel for additional traction. Avoid smooth concrete, which becomes slippery when wet. ### How can I reduce stress during camel handling? Reduce stress by using low-stress handling techniques: move slowly, speak quietly, work at the edge of the flight zone, and avoid sudden movements. Ensure the facility has uniform lighting, solid sides, and no dead ends. Minimize restraint time and allow visual contact with herdmates. ### What safety equipment is essential for camel handling facilities? Essential safety equipment includes emergency release mechanisms on crushes, escape routes for handlers, non-slip flooring, and proper lighting. Handlers should wear steel-toed boots, gloves, and helmets when working with fractious animals. First aid kits should be readily available. ## Related Farming Guides - [Dairy Calf Colostrum Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/dairy-cattle/dairy-calf-colostrum-management) - [Dairy Calf Weaning Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/dairy-cattle/dairy-calf-weaning-management) - [Dairy Farm Manure Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/dairy-cattle/dairy-farm-manure-management) - [Dairy Cattle Farming Nutrition Housing Health Signals And Herd Management](/knowledge/animal-farming/dairy-cattle/dairy-cattle-farming-nutrition-housing-health-signals-and-herd-management) - [Livestock Nutrition And Feed Management A Cross Species Decision Framework](/knowledge/animal-farming/farm-management/livestock-nutrition-and-feed-management-a-cross-species-decision-framework) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Water Buffalo Genetic Improvement and Breeding Programs](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/water-buffalo-genetic-improvement-breeding-programs) * [Camel Farm Biosecurity: Disease Prevention and Quarantine Protocols](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/camel-farm-biosecurity-disease-prevention-quarantine-protocols) * [Water Buffalo Farm Equipment and Infrastructure](/knowledge/animal-farming/alternative-livestock/water-buffalo-farm-equipment-infrastructure) ## References and Further Reading - [www.fao.org](https://www.fao.org/dad-is) - [FAO Animal Production and Health](https://www.fao.org/animal-production/en) - [World Organisation for Animal Health](https://www.woah.org/) - [Animal Health and Welfare](https://www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare). USDA National Agricultural Library. - [Animal Production and Protection](https://www.ars.usda.gov/animal-production-and-protection). USDA Agricultural Research Service. - [Animal and Veterinary Resources](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. > This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.