Welfare assessment tools allow objective evaluation of sheep welfare on farms. Using validated scoring systems identifies problems and tracks improvements over time.
Welfare assessment is the essential bridge between welfare aspirations and welfare reality on sheep farms. Without systematic measurement, welfare problems may normalize and go unrecognized. Body condition loss, lameness, and fleece soiling are highly prevalent in many flocks but become invisible to farmers who see their animals daily. Validated scoring tools provide objective benchmarks that reveal these problems and enable tracking of improvement. The use of welfare assessment as a farm management tool - not just an audit compliance exercise - transforms the potential for genuine welfare improvement at flock level.