Animals that die on farm during production represent both an economic loss and a welfare failure. Understanding mortality causes and how to reduce them improves both welfare and farm sustainability.
Farm animal mortality represents the most severe welfare outcome, but the welfare challenge extends beyond death itself to the duration and quality of dying. Animals that die of disease or injury following prolonged suffering represent a welfare failure compounded by delayed recognition and intervention. Prompt identification of animals unlikely to recover, followed by veterinary consultation and where appropriate rapid euthanasia, dramatically reduces the duration of terminal suffering. On-farm mortality rates are welfare indicators with practical utility: farms with high mortality have welfare problems requiring investigation. Good stockmanship requires daily observation specifically aimed at identifying animals in poor condition before welfare compromise becomes severe, combined with clear protocols for escalating concerns and accessing veterinary advice promptly.