Cows 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. Cows that are sick/injured and not receiving adequate attention are suffering pain, discomfort and 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 constituent drugs/homeopathic remedies 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, application of a claw block etc. may be included.
How to assess and score using the AssureWel measure
| 8. Cows needing further care All animals on farm |
Assess the whole herd - including the milking herd, dry cows, in-calf heifers, calves, hospital pens and animals that are due to leave the farm.
Record and comment on the number of any sick or injured cows that would benefit from further intervention (including mobility score 3 cows).
Further interventions could include further treatment, hospitalisation (i.e. removal from the main herd) or culling.
Do not include sick or injured cows already receiving suitable care. |
- Mobility
- Body condition
- Cleanliness
- Hair loss, lesions
- Swellings
- Broken tails
- Response to stockperson
- Cows needing further care
- Mastitis
- Calf/Heifer survivability
- Cull and Casualty Cows