Experienced livestock keepers know full well that they will have to cope, throughout the year, with a whole series of minor and, at times, major emergencies involving their animals. One of the talents of the good stockperson is his/her ability to anticipate trouble and to take early remedial action. In extensive husbandry systems the problems largely revolve around the weather, the provision of shelter and supplementary food. In intensive husbandry enterprises where large numbers of animals are often kept within buildings and are looked after by a relatively small staff, the crises result more from building failures and the breakdown of mechanical and electrical equipment.