Welfare and cattle behaviour

This chapter first indicates how cattle welfare can be measured. The optimum welfare measurement technique depends on the purpose of the assessment. Although welfare can be variously considered to relate primarily to the animal's ability to cope with its environment, its feelings, experiences or ability to express natural behaviour, it is important to remember that welfare is primarily a state of both physical and mental good health. This is indicated by several parameters, and it is advisable to use a combination of these to gain an understanding of the animals' welfare. The chapter also highlights major concerns and solutions in dairy and beef cattle farming systems and in cattle transport and slaughter. It includes time budgets for important parameters of cow behaviour, and enables welfare assessors and veterinarians to be able to identify inadequacies and their possible causes