With some practice, it is easy to identify a healthy dairy cow. Here are some signs to look for in a healthy cow:

1) General appearance

• The cow is alert and aware of its surroundings.

• It stands squarely on all four feet and holds its head high.

2) Movement

• The animal walks easily and steadily.

• Steps are regular and she will be able to get up easily.

3) Eyes & Ears

• The eyes should be bright and alert.

• Ears should be upright and move to pick up any sound.

4) Breathing and pulse

• The animal should have smooth and regular breathing at rest.

• Activity or hot weather will increase the breathing rate.

• The cow's pulse can be felt on the tail and short distance below the base.

• Measure the pulse by holding the tail lightly with thumb and forefinger.

• Normal rate of pulse should be 40 - 80 beats/min in adult animal and slightly higher in young animals.

5) Dung/urine

• The dung of an healthy animal is soft.

• If the dung is watery, means the cow is experiencing diarrhoea.

• If the cow is having difficulty defecating, means there are signs of illness.

• Urine should be clear and the cow should be able to urine with no sign of pain.

6) Appetite and rumination

• Cow should be able to eat and drink normally.

• If feed is available, it will have a full belly.

• When healthy cows are at rest, they will be ruminating.

• If the animal is showing signs of no appetite, it means that there could be signs of ill health.

7) Milk

• There should be no swelling of the udder and no pain when it is touched.

• Sudden decrease in milk production is a sign of unwell cow.

• Blood in milk signals udder infection.

8) Body temperature

• High temperature shows that there is sign of infection.

• Consult your vet and treat the cow immediately.