Cattle needing further care
Why is it measured?
Any animal that is sick or injured must be provided with the necessary treatment and care regardless of whether it is a cull animal or not. This is a legislative requirement under the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations 2007. Cattle that are sick/injured and not receiving adequate attention are suffering pain, discomfort and/or distress. This not only compromises their welfare but also reduces their likelihood/speed of recovery, increases the risk of disease spreading and reduces the productivity. ‘Treatments’ may not always constitute medication but will depend upon the cause of the illness/injury. Management changes such as separation from the herd, provision of soft bedding, easy access to feed and water etc. may be included.
How to assess and score using the AssureWel measure
6. Cattle needing further care Herd Measure
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Assess the whole herd. Tally and comment on the number of any sick or injured animals that would benefit from further intervention. Further interventions could include further treatment, hospitalisation (i.e. removal from the main herd) or culling.
Do not include sick or injured animals already receiving suitable care.
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- Lameness
- Cleanliness
- Body Condition Score (adult cattle only)
- Hairloss, lesions and swellings
- Animals with respiratory signs
- Cattle needing further care
- Disbudding, dehorning and castration
- Mortality