Managing livestock in social groups requires understanding of animal behaviour, competition, and social dynamics to achieve both welfare and productivity goals.
Group management welfare requires stockpeople to balance the welfare benefits of social housing against the risks of competition, aggression, and disease transmission within groups. Well-managed stable groups with appropriate space and resources show affiliative behaviours, mutual grooming, and resting together. Poorly managed groups with frequent regrouping, competition points, and inadequate space show chronic low-level aggression and stress. Key management decisions including group size, regrouping frequency, resource provision, and space allowance each have documented welfare consequences that evidence-based protocols can address.