Understand how different livestock systems operate and their efficiency, welfare, and environmental implications.

• Extensive systems: Grazing-based, lower input, more sustainable but slower production.
• Intensive systems: High input/output, efficient production but higher cost and environmental load.
• Examples: Indoor pig units, dairy parlours, free-range poultry, upland sheep grazing.
• Key considerations: Land type, climate, labour, market demand, and animal welfare.

Animal housing affects comfort, welfare, productivity, and health.

• Provide dry, clean bedding (e.g., straw, sawdust) to prevent infections and improve comfort.
• Ventilation ensures fresh air and reduces disease spread.
• Maintain correct space allowances to prevent overcrowding.
• Check and clean water troughs regularly — access to fresh water is essential.
• Ensure housing allows for natural behaviours (e.g., perching for poultry, rooting for pigs).

Balanced nutrition ensures healthy growth, reproduction, and productivity.

• Ruminants require forage and concentrates — balance energy and protein.
• Monogastrics (pigs, poultry) need high-quality concentrates with essential amino acids.
• Water intake often exceeds feed intake — always ensure clean supply.
• Monitor Body Condition Score (BCS) to assess feeding effectiveness.
• Adjust rations for production stage (e.g., dry cow vs. lactating cow).

Feed quality directly influences animal health and performance.

• Store feed in cool, dry areas to prevent mould and pests.
• Monitor dry matter (DM) content and nutrient value.
• Use FIFO (First In, First Out) to maintain freshness.
• Check silage for smell, pH, and colour — signs of spoilage reduce feed value.
• Keep records of delivery, batch number, and feed supplier for traceability.

Health monitoring keeps livestock productive and reduces disease losses.

• Carry out daily health checks — look for changes in appetite, behaviour, or appearance.
• Follow vaccination and parasite control schedules.
• Maintain clean housing to prevent bacterial spread.
• Isolate and record sick animals promptly.
• Work with the vet to design a herd health plan.

Effective breeding improves herd performance and efficiency.

• Use Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to select high-performing animals.
• Artificial Insemination (AI) allows selective and disease-safe breeding.
• Monitor heat signs in females and ensure timing of service is correct.
• Manage genetics to avoid inbreeding and improve resilience.

Grass management underpins livestock systems.

• Rotate grazing to prevent overgrazing and maintain sward quality.
• Monitor grass growth rates and adjust stocking accordingly.
• Conserve surplus as hay or silage for winter feeding.
• Test soil pH and nutrients — lime if needed to optimise growth.
• Multi-species swards (clover, herbs, grasses) can improve resilience and biodiversity.

Essential to protect everyone on the farm.

• Always wear PPE such as boots, gloves, and high-vis clothing.
• Follow safe systems of work when handling livestock or machinery.
• Keep yards clean and well-lit to reduce slip and trip hazards.
• Know your emergency procedures — first aid, fire exits, contact numbers.
• Regularly check and maintain tools and equipment.

Helps identify and control workplace hazards.

• Identify hazards (livestock, machinery, chemicals, etc.).
• Assess risk levels — who could be harmed and how?
• Implement controls — PPE, training, signage.
• Review assessments regularly or after incidents.

Machinery must be used safely and efficiently on farm.

• Horsepower (HP): Choose machinery with suitable power for the job — too little = strain, too much = inefficiency.
• Tractor workings: Understand power take-off (PTO), hydraulics, and weight distribution.
• Attachments: Use appropriate implements for tasks — loaders, mowers, balers, trailers.
• Check tyre pressure, lighting, and brakes before use.
• Working conditions: Avoid fatigue and maintain clear visibility.
• Machinery legislation: Ensure LOLER and PUWER compliance, operator training, and safe maintenance logs.

Prevents the introduction and spread of disease.

• Clean and disinfect vehicles, clothing, and equipment between farms.
• Control farm access — use visitor logs and disinfectant mats.
• Quarantine new or returning livestock.
• Keep wildlife and pests under control.

Measures efficiency, productivity, and profitability of enterprises.

• Gross Margin: Output minus variable costs — key profitability measure.
• Physical performance indicators: Growth rates, calving intervals, mortality rates.
• Use data from farm records to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Compare against industry benchmarks to assess performance.
• Implement SMART targets for continuous improvement.