The document outlines essential animal care practices for both livestock and companion animals, emphasizing their importance for health, productivity, and welfare. It covers basic needs such as nutrition, water, shelter, and social interaction, as well as proper handling techniques and health management strategies. Additionally, it addresses ethical treatment and welfare standards, including practical demonstrations for handling and health assessments.

1. Animal Care
Essential Practices for Livestock and
Companion Animals

2. Why is Animal Care Important?
• - Ensures animal health and productivity
• - Reduces stress and improves welfare
• - Prevents disease outbreaks
• - Supports ethical treatment and sustainability

3. Basic Needs of Animals
• - Nutrition: Balanced diet for growth and
productivity
• - Water: Clean and adequate supply
• - Shelter: Protection from weather and
predators
• - Social Interaction: Proper grouping for well-
being

4. Proper Handling and Management
• - Understand flight zones and animal behavior
• - Use low-stress handling techniques
• - Provide appropriate facilities (chutes, pens,
shelters)
• - Train animals for ease of management

5. Health and Disease Prevention
• - Vaccination and deworming schedules
• - Regular veterinary checkups
• - Biosecurity measures to prevent disease
spread
• - Observation for early signs of illness

6. Animal Welfare and Ethical
Treatment
• - Follow the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
• - Avoid unnecessary stress and pain
• - Ensure humane slaughter practices
• - Promote ethical breeding and care standards

7. Practical Demonstrations
• - Proper handling of cattle, sheep, and poultry
• - Body condition scoring (BCS) assessment
• - Feeding and watering best practices
• - Basic health checks and disease detection