Daily Animal Health Check (Specific Livestock - e.g., Dairy Cow) Checklist
Ensure thriving livestock with our Daily Animal Health Check checklist! Designed for farmers & ranchers, this guide helps identify early signs of illness in dairy cows (and other livestock). Boost productivity & prevent costly losses - download your free checklist today! #agriculture #livestock #dairycow #healthcheck #farmanagement
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General Observation
Initial assessment of overall animal behavior and appearance. Look for any immediate concerns.
Overall Demeanor
Interaction with Herdmates
Appetite Observation
Estimated Temperature (if visibly distressed, or feeling warm/cold)
Notes on General Appearance
Vital Signs
Record key physiological indicators to establish baseline health status.
Rectal Temperature (°C/°F)
Pulse Rate (beats/minute)
Respiratory Rate (breaths/minute)
Capillary Refill Time (seconds)
Mucous Membrane Color
Appetite
Body Condition Scoring
Assess fat reserves and muscle condition to identify potential nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
Body Condition Score (BCS) - Overall
BCS - Ribs (1-5 Scale)
BCS - Tail Head (1-5 Scale)
BCS - Spinal Processes (1-5 Scale)
BCS Description (Qualitative)
Notes/Observations on Body Condition
Locomotion & Gait
Evaluate the animal's ability to move freely and without discomfort.
Overall Gait Assessment
Forelimb Lameness?
Hindlimb Lameness?
Description of Limping (if applicable)
Estimated Lameness Score (0-10)
Affected Limb (if applicable)
Notes on posture or unusual movements
Udder & Teat Health (Dairy Cows)
Specific to dairy cows, assess the udder for signs of mastitis, injury, or abnormal secretions. *Omit for other livestock.*
Udder Swelling?
Teat Swelling?
Teat Coloration?
Abnormal Milk Secretions?
Milk Consistency?
Temperature (Rectal, °F)
Any Signs of Pain/Discomfort (e.g., vocalization)?
Respiratory System
Observe breathing patterns and listen for any unusual sounds.
Breathing Rate (Resps/min)
Actual Breathing Rate (Resps/min)
Nasal Discharge
Respiratory Sounds
Coughing
Additional Notes (Respiratory)
Digestive System
Monitor feed intake, manure consistency and appearance, and signs of digestive upset.
Estimated Feed Intake (kg)
Manure Consistency
Manure Color
Notes on rumination and cud presence
Signs of Bloat?
Any signs of colic or digestive discomfort?
Eyes & Nose
Inspect eyes for discharge or cloudiness, and check for nasal discharge.
Nasal Discharge?
Nasal Discharge Consistency (if present)
Ocular Discharge?
Pupil Size & Symmetry
Additional Notes on Eyes/Nose (e.g., squinting, tearing, redness)
Abnormalities/Injuries
Record any unusual findings, wounds, swellings, or changes in behavior that require further investigation.
Describe any observed wounds or injuries (location, size, severity)
Check all that apply regarding lameness:
Describe any swellings or masses (location, size, consistency)
Body Temperature (°F/°C)
Severity of Behavioral Change (if any)
Describe any unusual behaviors observed.
Upload photos of abnormality (optional)
Water Intake
Note water consumption – a vital indicator of overall health.
Total Water Consumed (Liters/Gallons)
Water Intake per Animal (Liters/Gallons)
Water Source
Notes on Water Consumption (e.g., Increased, Decreased, Normal)
Water Quality Assessment (Visual)
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