Cymraeg

Health and Welfare of Farm Animals
Session 1 - Introduction to the Welfare of Farm Animals

This resource is suitable to support Level 2 Agriculture courses.

Introduction

Animal welfare is important because:

  • People who look after livestock have a moral responsibility to ensure that the animals are properly cared for.
  • There is legislation in place to safeguard animal welfare (the law states that stock are looked after properly).
  • Stock need to be fit and healthy to be profitable.

Livestock Welfare Codes

There are specific guidelines relating to farm animal welfare in England and Wales. Welfare codes are available for different classes of stock (e.g. sheep. cattle and pigs) and for specific circumstances such as livestock auctions.

  • Welfare codes give information about the current animal welfare legislation, and they also give explanations that show how the law may be interpreted for given situations e.g. space requirements for animals.

    • Who Should Read the Codes?

    Everyone who owns or is responsible for keeping livestock should ensure that the standards laid down in the codes are met.

  • The codes cover all aspects of livestock production and stockmanship e.g. health, management, feeding, breeding, housing and emergency precautions.
    • Graphic with text 'The 5 Freedoms'

    The Five Freedoms

    Animals must be kept in a way that meets the requirements of the five freedoms.

    The five freedoms as stated in the front of the welfare codes are:

      1. Freedom from hunger and thirst.

      2. Freedom from discomfort.

      3. Freedom from pain, injury and disease.

      4. Freedom to express normal behaviour.

      5. Freedom from fear and distress.

    The Five Freedoms

    1. Freedom From Hunger and Thirst

    Freedom from hunger and thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full vigour.

    Graphic with text 'Freedom from hunger and thirst'

    The Five Freedoms

    2. Freedom from Discomfort

    Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

    Graphic with text 'Freedom from Discomfort'

    The Five Freedoms

    3. Freedom from Pain, Injury and Disease

    Freedom from pain, injury and disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

    Graphic with text 'Freedom from Pain, Injury and Disease'

    The Five Freedoms

    4. Freedom To Express Normal Behaviour

    Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals’ own kind.

    Graphic with text 'Freedom To Express Normal Behaviour'

    The Five Freedoms

    5. Freedom from Fear and Distress

    Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffering.

    Graphic with text 'Freedom from Fear and Distress'

    Stockmanship

    The codes also state that those who look after livestock should practice:

    • Caring and responsible planning and management.
    • Skilled, knowledgeable and conscientious stockmanship.
    • Considerate handling and transport.
    • Humane slaughter.
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