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

1 of 10

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

2 of 10

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

3 of 10

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

4 of 10

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)

5 of 10

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

6 of 10

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

7 of 10

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

8 of 10

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

9 of 10

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

10 of 10

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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