Identifying and measuring positive welfare states in cattle goes beyond disease absence to include play behaviour, social cohesion, exploratory behaviour and positive affective states.
Cattle assessments focused solely on disease, lameness and body condition scores miss the positive welfare dimension that determines whether animals are merely surviving or thriving. Cattle that play, explore, engage in social grooming and show curiosity are expressing positive welfare states that represent the aspiration of good animal husbandry. Management changes that increase positive behaviour indicators alongside disease reduction represent genuine welfare progress.