![G.A.P. Species: Beef Cattle](png/icon-beef.png)
Access a detailed version of our comprehensive standards in the documents below or reference this quick, at-a-glance overview of the key standards being met at each certification level to understand which level could be achievable for your farm or ranch.
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 1](png/gap-label-step1.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-1.jpg)
Cattle on pasture except for finishing
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-2.jpg)
Cattle must be protected from weather extremes
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-3.jpg)
Pasture maintained with a minimum 50% vegetative cover
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-4.jpg)
Specific requirements for weaning (6 mos min) and castration (6 mos max)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-5.jpg)
25-hr maximum transport time
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 2](png/gap-label-step2.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-1.jpg)
Cattle on pasture except for finishing
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-2-2.jpg)
Feedlots (for finishing) must have shade and other enrichments
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-3.jpg)
Pasture maintained with a minimum 50% vegetative cover
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/beef-requirements-green.jpg)
Specific requirements for weaning (6 mos min) and castration (3 mos max)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-2-5.jpg)
16-hr maximum transport time
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 3](png/gap-label-step3.png)
NO LEVEL 3 STANDARD FOR BEEF CATTLE
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 4](png/gap-label-step4.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/beef-pasture-75.jpg)
Cattle on pasture for 75% of life
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-4-2.jpg)
No feedlots permitted
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-3.jpg)
Pasture maintained with a minimum 50% vegetative cover
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-4.jpg)
Specific requirements for weaning (6 mos min) and castration (3 mos max)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-4-5.jpg)
16-hr maximum transport time
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 5](png/gap-label-step5.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-4-1.jpg)
Cattle always on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-5-2.jpg)
No feedlots permitted
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-4-3.jpg)
Pasture maintained with a minimum 75% vegetative cover
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-1-4.jpg)
Fenceline or 2-stage weaning required; minimum age 8 months
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-5-4.jpg)
No physical alterations allowed
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-5-5.jpg)
8-hr maximum transport time
![Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Certified Step 5+](png/gap-label-step5plus.png)
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-5-1.jpg)
Cattle always on pasture
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-5-2.jpg)
No feedlots permitted
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-5-3.jpg)
Pasture maintained with a minimum 75% vegetative cover
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/beef-requirements-green.jpg)
Natural weaning required
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-6-4.jpg)
No physical alterations allowed
![](https://globalanimalpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/standards-species-icons-beef-step-6-5.jpg)
No transport time; entire life on farm
All levels of certification: No animal by-products | Every farm 3rd party audited every 15 months
Standards in green indicate a new or changed requirement from the previous certification level.