Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Welfare and Pre-Purchase Examination

Pre-purchase veterinary examinations for cattle protect both buyer and animal welfare by identifying health issues before purchase that might otherwise result in suffering and loss.

Key Facts

Cattle can harbour subclinical disease that becomes apparent after purchase
Examination before purchase identifies lameness, BCS issues, and reproductive status
Bulk milk testing and farm health records provide herd-level disease risk information
Trade in cattle with known welfare compromise is a welfare and legal concern
Pre-purchase TB testing requirements protect both individual and herd welfare

Welfare Considerations

Pre-purchase examination protects cattle welfare by preventing sale of compromised animals and enabling informed purchasing decisions. It also protects buyer welfare by reducing unexpected disease in new stock.

What You Can Do

Request veterinary pre-purchase examination for significant cattle purchases
Review farm health records and bulk milk testing data before dairy herd purchases
Ensure TB testing compliance before moving cattle
Avoid purchasing cattle with signs of welfare compromise