Monitoring the on-farm welfare of sheep and goats

Schemes for on-farm welfare assessment in sheep and goats are not yet available. Factors responsible
for this lack of availability are discussed in the first part of this review. Requisites for reliable methods of
welfare assessment to be used in sheep and goat farms are discussed, taking into account the peculiarities
of the small ruminant production systems in terms of flock management and farm location. Some housing
parameters related to structures, design and micro-environment are reviewed and could be included in
schemes of welfare assessment on farm. Human-animal interaction, health status of the animals in terms
of body condition scoring, skin and hair conditions, lameness and injuries, and management practices in
relation to cleanliness, animal handling and moving, milking procedures and abnormal behaviours, are
proposed as potential animal-based indicators. When available, validity, reliability and feasibility of the proposed
parameters are discussed. The voluntary adhesion to welfare standards in Sardinia and the application
of a scientifically validated protocol in Basilicata are reported as examples of practical experiences.