Welfare assessment in beef finishing systems uses outcome-based indicators measuring animal experience rather than just resource provision. Understanding these indicators improves welfare monitoring.
Outcome-based welfare assessment represents a paradigm shift from prescriptive resource requirements to measuring the actual welfare experience of individual animals. High lameness prevalence, poor body condition and absence of positive behavioral indicators reveal welfare deficits even when minimum resource requirements are technically met. Consumer-facing welfare labels based on outcome measures provide more meaningful assurance than resource-based certification alone.