Discipline: Veterinary

Is organic livestock farming more welfare-friendly than conventional livestock farming? – A systematic literature review in terms of animal health, welfare, and management

Wagner, K., March, S., Haager, D., Brinkmann, J.

Published in 2026

Meta-analysis showing that organic farming does not consistently have a more positive effect on animal welfare than conventional farming. The results would appear to indicate that  factors relating to management have a greater influence on animal welfare than the farming system itself.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal Categories: Cattle, Goats, Horses, Sheep, Pigs, All Animals, Poultry

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Bridging the Gap: A Comparative Analysis of Industry Approaches and Scientific Perspectives on Broiler Health and Welfare in Europe

Vonholdt-Wenker ML, Nofrarías M, Cerdà-Cuéllar M, Majó N, de Jong IC, and Malchow J

Published in 2026

Comparative analysis showing a strong alignment between the challenges identified by the BroilerNet project and the EFSA’s recommendations on broiler welfare. However, certain key measures — including reducing stocking densities, providing outdoor access, and the use of slower-growing genetics — were not identified as best practices in BroilerNet. 

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Poultry

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A One Welfare perspective on calf health: a qualitative study of knowledge, attitudes, working conditions, working atmosphere, and communication among farmers and calf-care teams on large Saxon dairy farms

Douay--Ryckelynck M, Retzler P, Meier KK, Merle R, Müller K-E, Stock A, Jensen KC

Published in 2026

Study showing that working conditions, communication, and staff training can influence calf health. A positive work environment and effective communication within teams are associated with better health outcomes.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

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Music and animal welfare: from behavioral and physiological effects to potential applications in animal husbandry

Zhu G, Wang L, Wu Z, Feng L, Shao F

Published in 2026

Review examining the mechanisms of musical perception in animals and its effects on their behavior, physiology, and welfare. It highlights potential benefits, including stress reduction, and emphasizes the value of fish as models for studying the evolutionary basis of musical perception and improving animal welfare.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

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Conséquences des procédures douloureuses et stressantes chez les bovins

EURCAW Ruminants & Equines

Published in 2026

Fact sheet providing a detailed examination of painful and stressful procedures commonly performed on cattle (identification marking, dehorning or disbudding, tail docking, castration, and teat removal). It describes the biological context, legal requirements, and key points to check during inspections.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Bovines

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Comparing the performance of deep learning video-based models and trained veterinarians in cattle pain assessment

Feighelstein M, Tomacheuski RM, Elias G, Shashoua N, van der Linden D, Luna SPL, Zamansky A

Published in 2026

Study showing that artificial intelligence models can recognize pain in cattle with an accuracy comparable to that of experienced veterinarians analysing video footage.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

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Comparative Effectiveness of Culling and Birth Control in Free-Roaming Animal Management: A Systematic Review

Anastassiya Perfilyeva, Olzhas Zhorayev, Kira Bespalova, Yuliya Perfilyeva

Published in 2026

A systematic review of the scientific literature on the management of stray animals, showing that euthanasia has limited and context-dependent effectiveness, whereas birth control, as part of integrated strategies, yields more consistent and sustainable results across all areas.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Canines, Felines

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Farming in a World Hit by the Pandemic! Rabbits Face the Challenge of Reopening

Antoine Doré, Floriane Derbez

Published in 2024

Sociological analysis of the barriers —particularly those related to health — to the transitioning of rabbit farming systems away from caged production

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal Categories: Rabbit

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Grooming using brushes in cattle: A review of benefits, influencing factors, and monitoring opportunities

Habeeb Muraina, Borbala Foris

Published in 2026

A review of the literature shows that scratching posts are widely used by cattle and contribute to hygiene and possibly to welfare. Their use could serve as an indicator of welfare, but results vary depending on the animals’ health status, environment, and individual characteristics.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories: Bovines

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Brushing as Environmental Enrichment in Dairy Cattle: Effects of Different Brushing Modalities on Behavior, Health, and Production

Maciel-Torres, S.P.; Ruiz-González, A.; Orzuna-Orzuna, J.F.; Arenas-Báez, P.; Garay-Martínez, J.R.; Granados-Rivera, L.D.

Published in 2026

Study showing that the use of brushes for dairy cows improves their welfare and can assist in health monitoring. The effects on milk production vary.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

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