These however are debated mostly by animal welfare groups, legislators and academics. Therefore, the above domains can summarily be defined as “Providing animals with environments and management to meet their intrinsic physiological and behavioural needs”.

With the above in mind, it needs to be mentioned that Namibia, despite its dry climate, is not immune to disease and as producers of export quality beef, there are certain preventative measures that we are compelled to adhere to as regulated by our Directorate of Veterinary Services under the mandate of the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.

Similar to human programmes, the same is applicable to the large livestock sector, These are classified into government controlled, compulsory, essential and optional vaccinations. For example, we as farmers are required to vaccinate our herds annually against anthrax.

Another precautionary measure due to foot and mouth disease which occurs in the northern regions of the country is an un-intrusive method of protection. The Veterinary Cordon Fence or more commonly known as the “red line” runs diagonally across the north of the country from west to east preventing the movement of cattle north of that line into the commercial farming rangelands south of the fence. There are several manned veterinary entry / exit points along the red line to control and monitor the movement of animals.

By complying with these vaccination programmes and adhering to stringent record keeping protocols, one can be further assured that our beef production is held to stringent health measures. Namibia has an EU certified abattoir and exports to the EU and other European countries since the early 1990’s. Our strict animal health laws and regulations administered by the Meat Board of Namibia (www.nammic.com.na) in conjunction with EU and other international processing standards further ensures the quality of our meat products.

Whether it’s live auctions, private sales, local or export abattoirs, a determined levy is paid by producers / sellers, but the buyer is responsible for the collection and payment of the levy on all animals transacted in order to finance the activities of the Meat Board of Namibia. All beef in Namibia, whether for national or international consumption, must be free of hormones, antibiotics and steroids thereby further contributing towards a wholesome and nutritional dining experience.