Regular systematic welfare monitoring is more effective than periodic inspections at identifying and improving welfare problems.
Welfare monitoring effectiveness depends on frequency, quality, and follow-up. Annual farm inspections provide a welfare snapshot that may not represent typical conditions. Continuous monitoring using validated animal-based indicators — locomotion scoring, body condition scoring, wound and lesion assessment — provides a more representative and actionable welfare picture. Training farmers in self-assessment using the same validated tools as professional assessors improves welfare recognition and embeds welfare thinking into daily management.