One of the keys to managing any livestock operation is the ability to identify sick animals very early. However, in order to find illnesses, you should first understand what is a normal animal. Many livestock producers spend much of their time observing their animals during feeding time. This is a great time to take at least 10 minutes to do nothing more than observe the animals.

Watch for any changes in behavior. Are any animals standing off by themselves? Are any animals less aggressive than normal? Do any animals have lower hanging ears than normal? On closer inspection, watch the animal's breathing for any puffing or respiratory distress. Rapid and difficult breathing may indicate pneumonia. Check the eyes and gums for color. A light or gray color may indicate anemia, often caused by internal parasites.

When in doubt, you can always take a rectal temperature to support your first determination. Your veterinarian will often ask for a temperature when you first contact them about a sick animal.

Before inserting a thermometer, it is a good practice to tie a string through the loop at the end of the thermometer and attach a clip. You can use the clip to attach the thermometer to the hair or wool on the animal. This will prevent you from loosing the thermometer in the pen.

When taking a rectal temperature, be sure to lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly or even saliva before inserting in the anus.