Document type : Scientific review / Synthesis

Face readers

Christa Lesté-Lasserre

Published in 2025

Article reviewing the multiple potential benefits of AI for the analysis of animals' facial expressions and detection of signs of pain or complex emotions, in which it sometimes performs better than human experts. Researchers are developing algorithms capable of interpreting the emotional states of dogs, cats, horses and primates using deep learning and annotated image databases. However, scientists remain wary of the lack of transparency in the decisions made by AI, and are seeking to combine facial analysis with other indicators to refine the assessment of animal welfare.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Canine, Equine, Feline

Keywords:Animal-based measurement, Pain, Identification, Wellfare indicators

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Evaluating animal consciousness: An emerging field shows how animal feelings can be studied scientifically

Kristin Andrews, Jonathan Birch, Jeff Sebo

Published in 2025

Article summarizing recent scientific findings on animal consciousness. Although studies on bees, cuttlefish and fish point to signs of consciousness, the latter's acceptance as evidence would have major implications for neuroscience and animal welfare. Meanwhile, the lack of a unified theory or precise definition of animal consciousness complicates its  assessment.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

Key words:Awareness, Pain, Cognitive process

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A History of Pain Studies and Changing Attitudes to the Welfare of Crustaceans

R. W. Elwood

Published in 2025

Review article tracing the evolution of opinion on pain in crustaceans over time. There are numerous scientific studies that discuss indications,  but not incontrovertible proof, that Crustaceans are sensitive to pain. The difficulty in proving beyond doubt that Crustaceans experience pain leads some experts continue to question this, while others invoke the precautionary principle. This principle was applied in 2022, leading to the inclusion of decapod crustaceans in the UK's Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act of that year.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Arthropods

Key words:Consciousness, Pain, Euthanasia

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An updated review on the effect of lighting on broilers and the environment of commercial houses

J. E. Linhoss, O. B. Falana, J. D. Davis, J. L. Purswell, C. M. Edge, H. A. Olanrewaju, B. I. Baker-Cook, C. Hanlon

Published in 2025

Article reviewing the effects of lighting (color, intensity, duration, source) on broiler performance and welfare between 2018 and 2024.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Livestock buildings, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Housing

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Smart farming and Artificial Intelligence (AI): How can we ensure that animal welfare is a priority?

Marian Stamp Dawkins

Published in 2025

Summary exploring the potential benefits and risks of using livestock technology to improve animal welfare. Its success will depends on public and industry confidence, scientific proof of its effectiveness, and on demonstrable economic and environmental benefits.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

Keywords:Animal-based measurement, precision farmingIdentification, Welfare indicators

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Machine Vision Applications for Welfare Monitoring in Aquaculture: Challenges and Opportunities

Fitzgerald, A., Ioannou, C.C., Consuegra, S., Dowsey, A. and Garcia de Leaniz, C.

Published in 2025

Review article examining the practical applications of AI for monitoring animal welfare in aquaculture. Detection of diseases, parasites and stress-related behaviors remains limited, not least because of the practical difficulties of observations on commercial farms. Algorithmic advances such as YOLO could improve the accuracy and adaptability of these systems.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, precision farmingIdentification, Well-being indicator, Living environment, Stress, Behavioral disorders

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A consensus on the definition of positive animal welfare

Rault Jean-Loup, Bateson Melissa, Boissy Alain, Forkman Björn, Grinde Bjørn, Gygax Lorenz, Harfeld Jes Lynning, Hintze Sara, Keeling Linda J., Kostal Lubor, Lawrence Alistair B., Mendl Michael T., Miele Mara, Newberry Ruth C., Sandøe Peter, Špinka Marek, Taylor Alex H., Webb Laura E., Whalin Laura and Jensen Margit Bak

Published in 2025

Consensus sur la définition du bien-être animal positif

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Consciousness, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Memory, Prenatal, Cognitive processes, Evolutionary processes

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Farmed yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor; Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) welfare: species-specific recommendations for a global industry

Barrett, M., Godfrey, R.K., Schnell, A., & Fischer, B.

Published in 2024

Review examining the factors influencing the welfare of yellow mealworms in farming, such as abiotic conditions, nutrition, intra/interspecific interactions and slaughter methods. Practical recommendations and research orientations are proposed to improve and anticipate welfare issues in this rapidly expanding sector.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:invertebrates, Insects

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Euthanasia, Well-being indicator, Living environment, Stress

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The Interface of Caretaker and Animal Well-being As a Critical Component of Sustainability

Edwards-Callaway, L. N. & Sullivan, P. A.

Published in 2024

Study exploring welfare, both human and animal, as one of the pillars of sustainability in the farmed animal industry. This pillar is often neglected in favor of the environmental and economic pillars.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines, Caprines, Equines, Ovines, Porcines, Poultry

Keywords:Animal adaptation to environment, Animal-based measurement, Societal issues, Environment, Welfare indicator, Living environment, One Welfare, Human-animal relationship, Stress, livestock farming systemBehavioral disorders

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Measuring on-farm welfare in rabbits: a review with emphasis on animal-based indicators

Trocino A, Tolini C.

Published in 2024

Study proposing a roadmap for assessing rabbit welfare by integrating multi-dimensional indicators, particularly for positive and negative affective states.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Monogastric

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Animal-based measurement, Welfare indicator, Housing, Living environment, Behavioral disorders

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