Cattle in extensive low-input systems may face nutritional deficiencies of minerals, trace elements and energy that cause welfare harm that is less visible than in intensive systems.
Extensive system cattle may appear to be in natural conditions, but if the land is deficient in key minerals and trace elements, individual animals suffer from deficiency diseases that cause significant welfare harm. Selenium deficiency causes painful muscle disease in calves; copper deficiency causes neurological damage. Regular blood and soil monitoring, combined with targeted supplementation, prevents these hidden welfare harms.