Care, Management & Husbandry in Animal Health: Complete Learning Notes

Animal husbandry

Day-to-day care and management of animals to maintain health and meet production or companionship goals ethically.

Animal welfare

Describes the animal’s state as it experiences comfort, health, and ability to cope and express important behaviors.

Five Freedoms

A checklist for animal welfare: freedom from hunger/thirst, discomfort, pain/injury/disease, fear/distress, and freedom to express normal behavior.

Five Domains

A model emphasizing nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state in assessing animal welfare.

Observable indicators

Signs that help assess animal welfare; include body condition, cleanliness, lameness, injuries, and appetite.

Husbandry planning

A proactive approach that reduces stress, improves health, and creates accountability in animal care.

Daily routines

Regular tasks such as feeding, watering, and cleaning that are essential for animal welfare.

Preventive health schedule

A structured plan for vaccinations, parasite control, hoof/dental care, and grooming.

Biosecurity procedures

Strategies to prevent disease introduction and spreading, including quarantine and visitor policies.

Daily observation

Routine checks to detect changes in animal behavior for early disease detection.

Normal baseline

The typical behavior, intake/output, and appearance of an animal for effective monitoring of health.

TPR

Temperature, Pulse, Respiration; basic assessments critical for animal health monitoring.

Hydration assessment

Check for skin tenting and mucous membrane condition to evaluate hydration status.

Environmental enrichment

Additions to the animal's environment that promote natural behaviors, reducing boredom and stress.

Ventilation

A key factor in housing that affects air quality and animal health.

Footing

Surface quality affecting animal movement; must be safe and appropriate for species.

Animal behavior

Understanding animal movements and responses during handling to ensure low-stress stockmanship.

Flight zone

The personal space around an animal that, when invaded, causes it to move away.

Point of balance

The site on an animal's body that, when approached, influences its movement.

Cleaning

The process of removing organic material to reduce pathogen load in animal housing.

Disinfecting

Using chemicals to kill pathogens after cleaning surfaces.

Quarantine

Isolating new or returning animals before mixing to prevent disease spread.

Antimicrobial stewardship

Using antibiotics responsibly to protect animal health and reduce resistance.

Colostrum

The first milk that provides nutrition and immune protection to newborn animals.

Euthanasia

The act of humanely ending an animal's life to prevent suffering.

Diet balance

Providing the right amounts of energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals for animal health.

Emergency preparedness

Planning who does what during emergencies to limit animal suffering.

Behavior problems

Issues arising from frustration and boredom, leading to stress-related illnesses.

Isolation

Separating sick animals from the healthy population to prevent disease spread.

Recordkeeping

Documentation of health events, treatments, and routine procedures for consistent management.

Routine preventive care

Regular tasks aimed at keeping animals healthy and reducing disease risk.

Neonatal care

Support for newborns to ensure their survival and well-being.

Stocking density

The number of animals housed in a given area, which can affect welfare.

High-risk areas

Locations that require special attention to hygiene like waterers and feeders.

Injury response plan

A set of procedures outlining actions taken when an animal is injured.

Body condition scoring (BCS)

A standard method for assessing an animal's fat reserves and overall health.

Movement control

Limiting traffic between animal groups to prevent disease transmission.

Social interactions

Observing how animals interact within their group as indicators of welfare.

Pain assessment

Evaluating signs of pain to determine the need for intervention.

Lameness evaluation

Routine checks to assess foot and leg health in animals.

Good sanitation practices

Daily cleaning and disinfection routines that reduce pathogen load.

Stress signals

Observable behaviors indicating an animal's discomfort or anxiety.

Individual checks

Detailed observations of specific animals for signs of illness or distress.

Fitness to travel

Determining if an animal is healthy enough for transport.

Safe handling practices

Techniques that minimize stress and injury during animal handling.

Triage

Prioritizing care among animals based on severity of health issues.

Emergency supplies

Materials and equipment ready for use in case of an emergency.

Veterinary care

Professional medical treatment for animals prescribed by a veterinarian.

Transport planning

Considerations for ensuring animal welfare during movement.

Housing management

Design and upkeep of animal living environments to support health and behavior.