The five welfare needs of animals (for farm workers)
The five welfare needs of animals (for farm workers)
This module is designed to help you identify and serve the welfare needs of animals in your care.
Owners and keepers of animals are responsible for ensuring the welfare needs of their animals are met. This includes their need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; their need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals; their need for a suitable environment; an appropriate diet, and protection from pain, injury, suffering, and disease.
In this module, you'll explore what is contained in the codes of practice and recommendations in relation to the five welfare needs of animals.
What will I achieve?
2 CPD points
How long will it take?
45 minutes
Learning objectives
- Identify the parts of the code that are legal requirements and outline how the needs are covered in the current and relevant code
- Explain the three essential elements of stockmanship
- Define 'need' in terms of animal welfare
- State what the code requires regarding the needs of animals kept either outdoors or indoors
- State the principles of thermal comfort in animals and list the signs of heat and cold stress
- State what the code requires regarding the provision of water and a suitable diet
- Explain the benefits of body condition assessment and why you should undertake them
- Identify when animals might be suffering and how that is demonstrated in their behaviour
- State why knowledge of animal behaviour is important to remain compliant with the code
- Explain the animal welfare implications of keeping animals in isolation and when isolation might be necessary
- Explain the animal welfare implications of inappropriate groups and how to prevent or reduce causes of conflict in the herd or flock
- State what the code requires regarding health plans, biosecurity and inspection of animals
Who is this module for?
This topic applies to farm workers in all industries working with animals, including sheep and goats, pigs, poultry, beef and dairy. There is a focus on the main livestock types, but it is likely to be relevant to a range of animals.