Element 3 is a compulsory component of PCAS. It ensures that cattle have been are grassfed their whole life and that they have never been fed cereal grains or grain by-products.
Compliance with this requirement is demonstrated through producers having a record that proves cattle have had continuous access to graze open pastures and have never been fed cereal grain products or by products.
Supplements
Supplementary feeding is acceptable under PCAS but it must be consistent with the Eligible Diet or identified on the Approved Supplements List as defined under the PCAS Standards. The Standards define the Eligible Diet as being forage consisting only of; grass (annual and perennial), forbs (legumes, brassicas), browse and cereal grain crops in an acceptable state.
Grazing Cereal Grain Crops
Under certain conditions PCAS cattle may graze cereal grain crops. PCAS cattle can graze a cereal grain crop while it is in a pre-grain stage and also post-harvest provided that sufficient regrowth has occurred.
Producers that allow PCAS cattle to graze cereal grain crops need to keep detailed records of the grazing periods, including photographs that demonstrate the crop was in the pre-grain stage or the regrowth post-harvest was sufficiently high.
Minerals and Vitamins
Routine mineral and vitamin supplementation may be given PCAS cattle provided it is to ensure their health and well-being and it is not being used for the purpose of production.
Purposeful Parallel Production
The PCAS program provides producers with a greater flexibility than other accreditation programs, as different cattle production systems can be run on a Certified Property.
Producers that wish to simultaneously run Certified Pasturefed animals and ineligible animals, due to feeding or assisting with cereal grains, are allowed provided that prior to their on-site audit approval for Purposeful Parallel Production has been granted. This exception enables producers to assist ineligible animals with banned feed supplements on their Certified PIC while ensuring that there Certification remains valid for animals that have not received such treatment.
If you have any further questions please consult the FAQ’s or contact PCAS Administration.
