Livestock display

Basic requirements

The display of livestock in many countries is strictly regulated by national- and regional legislation. Pet retail outlets must obtain a licence for livestock, which requires compliance with a wide range of specific regulations about animal welfare, health and safety of staff and customers, conditions of sale and emergency procedures. Licensing is granted and monitored generally by local authorities. In some countries, this legislation is not in place, but could be on the way. Livestock display equipment must enable the retailer or other livestock keeper to conform to all these regulations.

Animal welfare is a top priority for livestock display. Compliance with animal welfare standards set in the legislation is a minimum requirement. Advances beyond the minimum, species-specific requirements for environmental conditions of space, lighting, temperature, ventilation and exercise facilities are a plus. Livestock display equipment manufacturers are already tapping into technology applied in other industries to advance environmental controls, for example in livestock displays.

In parallel, the health and safety of staff and potential customers is also a fundamental priority. Units that are easy to clean support a rigorous hygiene policy, necessary for optimal animal welfare and human health and safety regulations. Safety features, such as animal viewing slots, enhance animal-, staff- and customer safety display Sara Sharpe sara@thecreativepractice.com www.thecreativepractice.com

Viewing experience

Additionally, the attractiveness of displays is important to support livestock sales and can help to ensure a long-lasting match between potential pet and owner. Displays should ideally show the livestock clearly and enhance the potential new pet owners’ viewing experience. Plus points include an unobstructed view of livestock, and lighting that emulates ‘natural light’ allows potential pet owners to see the animal’s natural colour, and easily accessible and comprehensive information and advice on species-specific pet care to align expectations and elucidate the responsibilities involved in taking on the livestock.

Smarter by design

Tailor made design support in the design and realisation of new livestock displays is offered by some livestock display equipment manufacturers. For example, some companies utilise 3D design tools for planning and designing livestock displays that enable livestock retail outlets to virtually build each unit, piece by piece to their exact shop specifications and visualize the end-result before ordering and purchase. Others offer labelling services for retail outlets. Good inventory underpins good livestock care and management regimes and is also fundamental in compliance with licensing agreements. For retail outlets with larger numbers of staff and dynamic work shifts, as well as higher livestock turnover, in particular, innovations that can support inventory management can be very beneficial. Service provisions Service contracts with livestock display equipment manufacturers are becoming more comprehensive. Display equipment needs regular maintenance to remain in optimal working condition, particularly complex, environmentally-controlled systems, such as aquariums and terrariums. However, in busy workplaces, this often gets forgotten or overlooked. It can seem relatively unimportant, until environmental control and ultimately, livestock, can be put at risk. Twenty-four hour emergency service cover and preventative maintenance services contracts with livestock display equipment manufacturers can therefore be attractive options for livestock retailers.

Sustainable solutions

Sustainability is a strong trend across all industries. Any options that support the environment and reduce running costs, whilst providing an attractive, functional and regulation-compliant display have obvious appeal in the current economic climate. More sustainable equipment saves space, energy, resources or labour, or enhances the longevity of equipment. For example: space-saving curved displays, such as aquariums that save space and provide a very attractive customer experience, scratch proof materials that protect against wear and tear from livestock or customers and improve the lifetime of display units significantly.

Opportunities

Some areas in which livestock display equipment manufacturers could explore are in partnership with livestock retail outlets and wider stakeholders, such as animal rescue centres, academic institutes and animal breeders. Some innovations in livestock display equipment will have broader market applications. Livestock housing is, of course, important beyond the retail establishment.

Continued investment in innovation could answer more needs of both livestock display purchaser, livestock and potential pet owner? Can innovations, such as multimedia information displays help improve potential pet owner viewing experience and support a better match with customer and livestock? With increasing demands on retail outlets in terms of costs and regulation, can sustainability and resource use be improved further? In this respect, ideas from other industries, such as agriculture, domotics and building automation, might be worth exploring.