Document type : Scientific article

Computational investigation of the social function of domestic cat facial signals

George Martvel, Lauren Scott, Brittany Florkiewicz, Anna Zamansky, Ilan Shimshoni & Teddy Lazebnik

Published in 2024

Study using CatFACS manual coding and facial cues automatically detected by AI to categorize affiliative and non-affiliative  interactions between cats. It shows that rapid facial mimicry is more frequent in affiliative contexts, particularly in ear movements. These results open up new perspectives on the analysis of facial signals and cat emotions using AI.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Felines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Socialization

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Effects of space allowance on behaviour during lairage, stress physiology, skin lesion scores, and meat quality of market pigs transported in an actively ventilated vehicle in the winter

Vanessa Pasquale, Luigi Faucitano, Nicolas Devillers, Sabine Conte, Renée Bergeron

Published in 2024

Study evaluating the impact of winter transport on pig pwelfare and meat quality. The results show that the location of pigs in the vehicle (upper vs. lower deck) has a greater effect than the space available, influencing their behavior, meat quality and certain blood parameters. Pigs transported in the upper deck are exposed to colder temperatures, affecting muscle brightness and behavior.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Carcass quality, Stress, Transport, Behavioural disorders

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The carbon cost of impaired welfare on sheep farms

L. Lanzoni, M.C. Reeves, K. Waxenberg, R. Ramsey, A.S. Atzori, J. Bell, R.M. Rees, G. Vignola, C.M. Dwyer

Published in 2025

Study analyzing the impact of animal welfare on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on sheep farms in the UK. Degraded welfare scenarios (lameness, parasites, inadequate feed, insufficient shelter) are shown to increase emissions intensity (kg CO2eq/kg liveweight) by reducing production efficiency. The results show that targeted interventions to improve animal welfare can reduce GHGs while optimizing farm performance.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Ovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Societal issues, Environment, Living environment, livestock farming system

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Impact of musical rhythm on blood, physiological and welfare parameters in stabled horses

Fernanda Yumi Ueno de Oliveira, Agnês Markiy Odakura, Maria Fernanda de Castro Burbarelli, Caio César dos Ouros, Ibiara Correia de Lima Almeida Paz, Jaqueline Murbach Braz, Rodrigo Garófallo Garcia & Fabiana Ribeiro Caldara

Published in 2024

Study evaluating the effect of two styles of classical music (slow and moderate tempo) on the welfare of horses during social isolation. Both music styles increased serotonin levels, but the moderate tempo music also influenced certain blood indicators, such as calcium and hemoglobin levels. These results show that music can contribute to the welfare of horses in the stable.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords: Animal Adaptation of the environment to the animal , Animal-based measurements, Enrichment, Housing, Animal mediation, Working animals, Stress, Welfare indicators,  Working animals

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Évaluation du bien-être des chevaux sur le terrain : protocoles disponibles, conditions et limites d’utilisation

BRIANT, C., RIOU, M., & RUET, A.

Published in 2024

Article on the three main equine welfare assessment protocols - SEBWAT, AWIN Horse and Cheval Bien-être (most recent and in French). The last includes equine welfare indicators of negative mental states, but could be further improved by including indicators of positive mental states.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Working animals, Welfare indicators, Animal mediation

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Comparison between AI and human expert performance in acute pain assessment in sheep

Marcelo Feighelstein, Stelio P. Luna, Nuno O. Silva, Pedro E. Trindade, Ilan Shimshoni, Dirk van der Linden & Anna Zamansky

Published in 2025

Study exploring the potential of AI to detect pain in clinical practice using sheep as a case study. CLIP encoder-based AI outperformed sheep facial expression assessment by human experts in pain recognition and equalled standard composite behavioral assessment.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Ovines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Pain, Precision farming

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Neutralisation techniques used by defendants charged with animal welfare offences in Finland

Valtonen E, Hänninen L, Valros A, Koskela T.

Published in 2024

Study showing that defendants accused of criminal behavior against animals often invoke personal or financial difficulties to justify theire acts, while breeders frequently question standards and authorities when accused of offences against their animals. These differences underline the need to adapt strategies for monitoring, support and prevention to suit each type of crime.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: All animals

Keywords:Abuse

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Putative Nociceptive Responses in a Decapod Crustacean: The Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas)

Kasiouras, E.; Hubbard, P.C.; Gräns, A.; Sneddon, L.U.

Published in 2024

Study of nociceptors in Shore Crabs using electrophysiological recordings. The results provide evidence of distinct responses to mechanical and chemical stimuli, confirming the presence of nociceptors in the areas tested.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Crustaceans

Keywords:Pain, Brain integration

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Impact of slaughter method on stress in organic common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Łosiewicz B, Szudrowicz H.

Published in 2024

Study evaluating the impact of slaughter methods on stress in carp measured using biochemical parameters in the blood. The recommended method to reduce stress is that of percussion followed by destruction of the brain.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Consciousness, Pain, Euthanasia, Stress

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Welfare and performance benefits of shade provision during summer for feedlot cattle in a temperate climatic zone

David W Miller, Anne L Barnes, Teresa Collins, Liselotte Pannier, Joshua Aleri, Shane K Maloney, Fiona Anderson

Published in 2024

Study evaluating the benefits of access to shade for cattle in a temperate zone. Results showed a slight improvement in weight gain and calmer, more sociable behavior in cattle with access to shade under conditions of moderate heat stress.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Environment, Welfare indicators, Living environment, Robustness, Behavioural disorders

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