Document type: 4-H Animal Science Program Paper Series at Michigan State University Extension
Author: Melissa Elischer
Preview: Animal welfare is hot topic locally, nationally and internationally. Consumers are asking for more information regarding how food animals are raised and cared for. New local and national laws are being passed with guidelines for housing, transportation, care and euthanasia. All of these factors may effect youth enrolled in 4-H animal science projects.
Youth exhibiting animal projects at fairs or shows have direct contact with the public, the consumers of animal products, who often have limited knowledge of raising livestock. The public may be seeking answers to understand why certain practices are carried out. Questions related to welfare are commonly asked of youth during fairs, shows and other animal events, but youth may not always have the answers. This series of articles from Michigan State University Extension will help provide 4-H club leaders and parents with information to introduce animal welfare to 4-H members. […]
In Part 1, animal welfare [is] defined and Part 2 [provides] an outline of how to start a conversation about animal welfare using the Five Freedoms. Part 3 will introduce the Three Circles Model of understanding and evaluating animal welfare, define the concepts and relate them back to the Five Freedoms. Part 4 [breaks] down the first circle of the model: basic health and functioning.
Other articles in the series :
Animal welfare for youth: Part 3 - Introducing the Three Circles Model to youth
Animal welfare for youth: Part 2 - Introducing the Five Freedoms to youth
Animal welfare for youth: Part 1 - What is animal welfare?
