Animal husbandry entails a responsibility to ensure that animals are able to lead a life appropriate to their species. Animal husbandry should create the conditions necessary to prevent pain, suffering and harm, and to ensure the animals’ welfare. Despite all efforts and precautions, illnesses and injuries can occur. This jeopardises the animals’ welfare and performance. Early detection of sick and injured cattle is therefore particularly important. It can minimise pain, suffering, injury and the risk of compromising animal welfare.

Once the sick animal has been identified, it is important to handle it in a targeted manner, adapted to the situation and, above all, to the animal’s condition. It is not always easy to decide how to proceed with the animal. This begins with assessing the severity of the illness or injury. Should the herd veterinarian be contacted? Does the animal need to be moved to a recovery pen? What are the chances of a quick recovery? How should one proceed if the prognosis for the further course of the illness is very poor? Can the animal be transported to the abattoir? Does the animal need to be euthanised, and in which cases would emergency slaughter be possible?

A comprehensive practical guide comprising a 5-minute check, an illustrated guide to the ‘examination procedure’ and a specialist article is designed to help identify problems early, make clear decisions and take the appropriate measures.