Behavioral research to answer questions about animal welfare
A research strategy designed to develop systematically the behavioral catalogues (ethograms) of domestic production animals is presented. Measurement scales, observational techniques and recording methods are discussed. Suggestions about how these behavioral measures may be used to resolve animal welfare problems are presented. The need for trained applied ethologists and for the allocation of research funds […]
Applying scientific advances to the welfare of farm animals: why is it getting more difficult?
Despite interest and willingness to apply advances in animal welfare science, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so. This paper addresses three main areas. The first deals with economic consequences and, while recognising the cost of implementing change, highlights the importance of hidden costs in animal disease. It argues that when these costs are […]
A scenario analysis on the implementation of a farm animal welfare assessment system
There have been important developments in the measurement of farm animal welfare in recent years. Measuring animal welfare is one thing, implementing a farm animal welfare assessment system another. The implementation of such a system occurs in an environment that is influenced by economic, political, technological and socio-cultural factors which interact with each other. This […]
Challenges to implementing animal welfare standards in New Zealand
The New Zealand Animal Welfare Act 1999 imposes a duty of care on all owners and persons in charge, to provide for the physical, health and behavioural needs of the animals in their care. The Act provides for the development of codes of welfare by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) and gives legal […]
Assessment of behavior and physical condition of shelter cats as animal-based indicators of welfare
Surveillance of cat shelters by official veterinarians in Austria is based on legal requirements and does not directly assess cat welfare. The aim of this study was to develop animal-based parameters that are feasible to measure in a surveillance setting, stable over time, and reproducible by different raters. We assessed physical condition (body condition, eye […]