Cattle behaviour provides reliable signals of welfare state — from ear posture and nasal secretion to social cohesion and activity patterns. Training stockpeople to read these signals improves welfare outcomes.
A trained stockperson who reads cattle behaviour effectively can identify welfare problems 24-48 hours earlier than those relying on obvious clinical signs. Early intervention prevents progression from mild discomfort to serious suffering. The Qualitative Behaviour Assessment provides a reliable snapshot of group welfare state that complements individual health checks with herd-level awareness.