Regular and thorough inspection of livestock is a legal requirement and fundamental welfare safeguard, yet inadequate stockmanship remains a leading cause of welfare problems.
Many welfare problems that cause prolonged suffering are detectable through careful, frequent inspection and worsen dramatically when undetected. Good stockmanship involves observing behaviour and appearance systematically, acting promptly on abnormalities, and maintaining records. Technology including automated monitoring enhances but cannot replace skilled human observation and relationship with animals.