Health and welfare
Understanding the Basics of Health and Welfare
- Grasp the importance of health and welfare in livestock production, which includes the physical and mental well-being of animals.
- Recognise the Five Freedoms which form a useful framework for thinking about animal welfare: freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, and disease, the freedom to express normal behaviour, and freedom from fear and distress.
- Understand that preventative health care, such as vaccinations and regular check-ups, is key to maintaining the welfare of livestock.
- Appreciate that healthy, well-cared for animals are productive animals, meaning good animal welfare practices can enhance profitability.
- Learn about common diseases and ailments that can affect livestock, such as foot and mouth disease, bovine tuberculosis and mastitis, and how to prevent, recognise and treat them appropriately.
Key Concepts in Health and Welfare Management
- Get familiar with biosecurity measures, such as proper disinfection practices and managing visitor access, to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Know that providing appropriate nutrition is a cornerstone of animal welfare: livestock need the right balance of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy and productive.
- Recognise the importance of providing animals with an appropriate living environment, which includes space, shelter and engagement opportunities.
- Understand that humane handling and transport practices play a significant role in protecting animal welfare.
- Learn about the importance of regular health checks and understand how to recognise signs of distress, disease or injury in livestock.
Ethical Considerations in Health and Welfare
- Be conscious of the importance of animal rights and ethics in livestock production - the way animals are treated can have significant impacts on public perception of the industry.
- Acknowledge the legal and regulatory standards that exist, such as the Animal Welfare Act, to protect livestock health and welfare.
- Understand that neglect or mistreatment of animals can result in legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.
- Respect that as a livestock keeper, you have a duty of care to the animals under your supervision - their well-being should be a top priority.
- Start discussions about controversial practices like tail docking or castration, and be aware of the ethical dilemmas that may arise in livestock health and welfare management.