In addition to the procedure described here for recording, documenting and evaluating indicators in connection with daily animal checks, as well as when animals are moved into their pens and during feed changes, the collection of indicators can be further expanded. On a weekly basis, but at least after every feed change, the amount of feed consumed per animal during the respective phase should be recorded and assessed. Around the time of the feed change, the weight trends of a number of animals should be checked. If there is no animal weighing scale installed in the barn, 20 animals per barn should be weighed individually by hand. 

If the animals are too light, possible causes – some of which may be difficult to influence – such as illness, weather conditions, feed composition and quality should be investigated and assessed. 

Further surveys and analyses help to provide a nuanced picture of the animals’ development. To provide a meaningful picture of the level of animal welfare on the farm – which includes identifying changes and assessing the effectiveness of measures as they are implemented – a sufficient sample size is required, in addition to the selection of relevant, animal-specific indicators. The existence of limit or threshold values, which can be used to identify any problems at the earliest possible stage, is also important. The KTBL has produced a detailed guide to the collection of animal ^{welfare indicators⁹} as well as a guide to the interpretation of results^¹⁰. 

Further information

Documentation and evaluation enable comparison with previous rounds and provide an overview of seasonal effects. Critical time periods can thus be identified, and potential animal welfare issues – which may also have long-term financial implications – can be avoided.