Document type: Scientific documents

The Influence of Environmental and Genetic Factors and Training Background on the Welfare of Herding Dogs

B. Pilarczyk; R. Pilarczyk; M. Bąkowska; A. Tomza-Marciniak; E. Kwita; J. Udała

Published in 2026

Bibliographic review concluding that the effectiveness and well-being of sheepdogs depend on genetic factors, living conditions, and, above all, training methods based on positive reinforcement and a relationship of trust.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories:Canine

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Space density affects resting location and proximity of fattening pigs at night

Mathilde Coutant, Juliette Michel, Lene J. Pedersen, Mona L.V. Larsen

Published in 2026

Study showing that high stocking densities restrict pigs' choice of location and conditions for nighttime rest, reducing their opportunity to rest on solid flooring or away from other pigs, with potential negative implications for their welfare.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories: Porcines

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Review: Understanding cattle social behavior in modern penned production systems with AI technology: Are we tracking welfare indicators?

A. Fuentes, S. Han, J. Liu, J. Park, S. Yoon, D.S. Park

Published in 2026

Review showing that, while AI systems make it possible to monitor certain cattle behaviors automatically, there are major limitations on their contextual and social interpretation of welfare signals. The authors propose a welfare-centered AI framework, integrating multimodal data and contextual modelling to facilitate early detection of welfare risks and informed decision-making.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories: Bovines

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Real-Time Behavior Recognition Using a Legged Robot for Animal–Robot Interaction

Edoardo Fazzari, Donato Romano, Fabrizio Falchi, Cesare Stefanini

Published in 2025

Study presenting an AI-integrated framework that enables a robotic dog to autonomously analyze the behavior of cows and chickens in real time using detection (YOLO) and action recognition (DARTEMIS) models.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories:Cattle, Poultry

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Aggressive behaviors in rabbits. A review

Zsolt Szendrő

Published in 2026

Scientific literature review on aggressive behavior in farmed rabbits at different stages of the production cycle and measures to reduce it. The author highlights the particular problem posed by the group housing of females in commercial farming, a practice that leads to aggression and chronic stress.

Document types: Scientific documents

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Welfare indicators in cattle farming in the face of heat stress: a review in climate change scenarios

IMF de Souza, CEL Sousa, VS Pinto, LGP Vilela, AdS Souza, JPS Cunha, CV Araújo, MdNB Gomes, LKX Silva, LG Martorano, KAL Neves, RNC Camargo-Júnior, ÉBR Silva, WC da Silva

Published in 2026

Comparative review showing that Zebu cattle are more resilient to high temperatures and disease than European cattle, although the latter are more productive. The authors stress the importance of taking account of climate constraints in genetic selection.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories: Bovines

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Welfare assessment of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) on farm

EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (AHAW), Søren Saxmose Nielsen, Julio Alvarez, Anette Boklund, Sabine Dippel, Fernanda Dorea, Jordi Figuerola, Mette S. Herskin, Virginie Michel, Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca, Eleonora Nannoni, Romolo Nonno, Karl Stahl, Jutta Berk, Joanna Marchewka, Nienke van Staaveren, Oana Maria Balmos, Chiara Fabris, Olaf Mosbach-Schulz, Yves Van der Stede, Marika Vitali, Cristina Rojo Gimeno, Antonio Velarde, Anja Brinch Riber

Published in 2026

New EFSA scientific opinion identifyinh key welfare concerns for turkeys. To improve turkey welfare, the EFSA experts recommend increasing space allowances, implementing appropriate enrichment techniques, phasing out mutilations, and avoiding the practice of culling flocks.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories: Poultry

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Flexible use of a multi-purpose tool by a cow

Antonio J. Osuna-Mascaró, Alice M.I. Auersperg

Published in 2026

Scientific article reporting on the different and adaptive ways that an individual cow was observed to use a deck brush. This individual case study invites a reexamination of the flexible use of tools and, more broadly, the cognitive abilities of farm animals.

Document types: Scientific documents

Animal categories: Bovines

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