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Health Observations

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Regularly observe the health of feedlot stock and treat preventative and re-active as and when required. Refer to learning unit 6 for diseases. Animals may have to be moved to the health/hospital pen or totally removed from the feedlot if required. 

Pacing and Route Tracing

This happens when animals are kept in a confinement, such as a cage.  For example, hens are kept in a cage pace because they do not have access to a social environment.

Rocking, Swaying and Weaving

This kind of behaviour shows boredom in animals.

Rubbing

Animals such as pigs can start rubbing their heads or even bang their heads, leading to injuries when restricted in a narrow single sty.

Pawing or Stall Kicking

When horses are frustrated because of not getting the food they will start pawing which can lead to leg injuries.

Head-Shaking and Nodding

Caged domestic fowls or caged birds can start showing this kind of behaviour when their movement is retained. They are unable to escape and obviously, they get frustrated.

Eye-Rolling

Is shown by calves in pens.

Shan-Chewing

This behaviour is typical to pigs when no litter or leavings are available for scrounging. (Pigs chew even if there is no feed in the mouth.)

Licking or Crib Wetting

An animal repeatedly licking its own body, can lead to the abrasion of the tongue.  This condition is caused by inadequate food.

Drinker Pressing

Caused by boredom. The animal tries to reduce boredom by pressing the drinker repeatedly without drinking the water.

Click here to learn more about animal health.

Click here to learn more about healthy cow check-ups.