Crawford County 4-H Dairy Skills
18 year old
Animal Welfare and Humane Care
Under the context of food and fiber production, and the knowledge gained through
animal research, man assumes responsibility for those subject animal’s health and well being.
With the domestication of animals, a covenant has evolved where man provides for their well
being, protects them from predators, and allows for reproductions. In exchange these animals
provide us with milk, meat, fiber and knowledge gained through research. Validation of this
unique relationship requires man to maintain high standards in terms of animal welfare and
humane care.
Why is animal welfare and humane care important? For starters it is simply the right
thing to do. All of us who own and care for animals understand and take pride in how
responsibly we take care of our animals. Second, public scrutiny requires it. Consumers expect
and demand high quality products and expect they will be produced in a responsible and
humane fashion. And lastly, the goals of animal health and well being are compatible and
dovetail with those of production agriculture. Well fed, healthy and comfortable animals are
simply more productive than those neglected.
When we consider animal welfare and humane care there are eight elements that must
be considered. They are feed, water, shelter, preventative health care, sick animal care, the
opportunity for most normal socialization, handling in a safe fashion that minimizes stress, and
humane slaughter and when necessary humane euthanasia.
Feed: Feed provided must meet the needs of the animal(s) for maintenance, growth,
and production. It must be palatable, and free of mold and adulterating substances. Adequate
space for all animals to feed is as important as the quality and quantity of fed presented.
Water: Water must be clean, palatable, and free of noxious substances. It must be
available 24 hours a day and be presented in a fashion that is competition free.
Shelter: Shelter must be well ventilated, comfortable, adequately lighted and
appropriate for the type and number of animals being housed. It should be maintained in a
fashion that ensures the environment is clean and dry.
Preventative Health Care: Requires practicing good biosecurity, and appropriate
immunizations and internal and external parasite control. Always provide an environment that
promotes animal health and well being.
Sick Animal Care: The first requirement of sick animal care requires good skills in terms
of animal observation and recognition of signs and symptom of disease. In the case of illness, it
is important to deliver timely veterinary care, proper administration of medications and keep
good records.
Opportunity for Most Normal Socialization: Animals that live in nature as herds or
flocks are less anxious and are more at ease when that they housed under circumstances that
support group socialization.
Safe Handling: Safe Handling of animals is based upon understanding three basic
principles. They are the flight zone, point of balance, and the blind spot. The flight zone is that
distance at which an animal will retreat when approached. The point of balance is that vantage
point (usually the shoulder in cattle) at which an animal will retreat backwards or move forward
when approached. The blind spot is that angle which an animal can be approached without
being seen. A blind spot approach frequently results in startling the animal. When moving
animals it pays to understand these principles and use them to your advantage. It also pays to
temper handling goals with the knowledge that some animals have poor depth perception,
especially in areas that are not well lighted. Under such circumstances a period of acclimation
is appropriate.
Humane Slaughter and Euthanasia: Methods used for the slaughter of meat producing
animals and for euthanasia must adhere to the principles of minimal pain and suffering.
Questions:
Name the eight elements of Animal Welfare and Humane Care?
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What are the 3 basic principles in safe handling of animals?
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