Document type : Scientific review

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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Decapod Crustaceans in Animal Welfare Law: Fragmentation, Gaps, and Emerging Models in Europe and Oceania

Fruscella L, Sicuso DA, Vitale D, Passantino A.

Published in 2026

Scientific review, highlighting the misalignment between current scientific evidence on the vulnerability of decapod crustaceans and the limited legal protection they receive, advocating for a harmonized regulatory framework based on the science.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Invertebrates

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Systematic mapping review of cattle welfare research during road transportation (2015–2025)

Lily Edwards-Callaway, Davida Rimm-Kaufman, Huey Yi Loh

Published in 2026

A systematic review showing that research on cattle welfare during road transport focuses primarily on transport duration or distance, while other factors, such as environmental conditions and stocking density, remain understudied.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

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Decapod Crustaceans in Animal Welfare Law: Fragmentation, Gaps, and Emerging Models in Europe and Oceania

Lorenzo Fruscella, Diego Antonio Sicuso, Daria Vitale, Annamaria Passantino

Published in 2026

Article highlighting the gap between scientific evidence on the sentience of decapod crustaceans and the limited legal protections they enjoy. The authors advocate for harmonized regulations based on scientific knowledge.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Invertebrates

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Risk assessment: Difficult to ensure good animal welfare for exotic birds

VKM (The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and the Environment)

Published in 2026

VKM expert report concluding that the welfare needs of many species of parrots and toucans are hard for private aviary owners to meet, notably because of their significant need for flight, social and cognitive stiumlation, enrichment and adapted feed. Seven species are at particularly high risk of poor welfare in captivity. 

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal Categories:Birds (excluding 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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The Sensory World of Cattle: Abilities, Limitations, and Perceptual Challenges in Human-Designed Environments

Maria Vilain Rørvang, Rebecca K. Meagher, Johanna Stenfelt, Emily K. Miller-Cushon, Sheikh Rishad Ahmmad, Maria Camila Ceballos

Published in 2026

Review summarizing current knowledge on the sensory abilities of cattle (vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch). It highlights gaps in knowledge, particularly with regard to smell, taste, and touch. It stresses the importance of taking better account of cattle’s sensory perceptions to adapt their housing environments and improve their welfare.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

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Review: The Roles of Individuality and Social Life in Shaping Positive Animal Welfare in Livestock Species

Charlotte Goursot, Sara Hintze, Maria Vilain Rørvang, Océane Schmitt, David Arney, Xavier Boivin, Anita Koni, Camille Montalcini, Ruth C. Newberry, Céline Tallet, Manja Zupan Šemrov, Sébastien Goumon

Published in 2026

Review highlighting that animal welfare depends on the interaction between individual characteristics and social life. It emphasizes the role of affiliative interactions, sociability, and social skills as levers for improving the welfare and management of farm animals.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

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A critical review on gender differences in attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours about farmed animals

Elisa Cesário Pereira Stadnick, Maria José Hötzel

Published in 2026

Review showing that gender influences attitudes toward animals: women generally express more empathy and concern for animal welfare men. The authors emphasize the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into research and policies related to animal welfare.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

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