Iron deficiency anaemia affects suckling piglets on concrete floors and parasite-induced anaemia affects sheep and cattle, causing significant welfare harm.
Anaemia causes weakness, lethargy, and impaired immune function that reduces welfare and increases susceptibility to other conditions. In piglets, the welfare cost of untreated iron deficiency anaemia within days of birth is severe and entirely preventable. Haemonchus-induced anaemia in sheep requires rapid treatment when FAMACHA scoring indicates severe anaemia. Preventive management including targeted anthelmintic treatment and appropriate monitoring prevents the development of welfare-compromising anaemia.