Document type : Scientific review

Animal affect, welfare and the Bayesian brain

Lecorps B, Weary D.

Published in 2024

Synthesis exploring the Bayesian hypothesis that the brain is a predictive machine that interprets sensory data through expectations based on past experiences that influence affective responses. Applied to animals, this theory could improve our understanding of their affective states and reveal the impact of deficits in an animal's predictive processing on its welfare.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: All animals

Keywords: Cognitive processes, Welfare indicators,Learning, training

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Review: Confinement, restriction of social contacts and movement in domestic horses

Léa Lansade, Elke Hartmann, Michela Minero, Alice Ruet

Published in 2024

Summary of the social and locomotive needs of horses. Their welfare is affected by inadequate housing conditions, such as isolation in individual stalls. It is recommended that horses be housed in stable groups in enriched environments and that they should have regular social contact, even when housed singly.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal , Anxiety, Enrichment, Animal mediation, Housing, Socialization, Stress, Behavioural disorders, Working animals, Welfare indicators

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Apis mellifera welfare: definition and future directions

Formato Giovanni, Giannottu Elena, Roncoroni Cristina, Lorenzi Valentina, Brajon Giovanni

Published in 2024

Synthesis describing the essential role played the Apis mellifera bee in pollination and Adaptation of the animal to the environment and as a biomarker for environmental quality. Although they are often overlooked in terms of welfare, honey bees could be included in the five-domain model, which would recognize their capacity for emotional and the importance of defining and promoting practices to improve their welfare.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Insects

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Biodiversity, Consciousness, Pain, Education, Environment, Welfare indicators, Memory

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The human-animal relationship in zoo-housed mammals: Behavioral and physiological responses to visitor and keeper interactions

Domínguez-Oliva, A., Marcet-Rius, M., Gómez-Medina, C., Olmos-Hernández, A., Gutiérrez, Q., & Mota-Rojas, D.

Published in 2024

Study exploring the importance of positive human-animal interactions for various animal species housed in zoos, as well as welfare-enhancing strategies such as enrichment and positive reinforcement. Integrated into the Five Domains of Animal Welfare model, the human-animal relationship must be optimized to improve the emotional state of animals.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Wildlife

Keywords: Enrichment, Human-animal relationships

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The beauty of the beast: Suggestions to curb the excesses of dog breeding and restore animal welfare - Invited review

C Diederich

Published in 2024

Review exploring the history of dogs and the challenges faced by modern domestic dogs, whose basic needs are often not fulfilled. It analyzes the impacts of breed standards, extreme breeding and dysfunctional human processes, while proposing solutions to improve the welfare of dogs.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Canine

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Education, Evolutionary processes, Human-animal relationships

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A Review of Animal-Based Welfare Indicators for Calves and Cattle

Harris, S.; Shallcrass, M.; Cohen, S.

Published in 2024

Study of calf and cattle welfare indicators, which are classified as behavioral, physiological or physical, and rated for effectiveness, cost and ease of use. These indicators can be used to assess the health and emotional state of a herd. They are also a useful framework for research and welfare improvement in cattle production to meet societal expectations. 

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Welfare indicators, One Welfare

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Human-computer interactions with farm animals-enhancing welfare through precision livestock farming and artificial intelligence

Neethirajan S, Scott S, Mancini C, Boivin X, Strand E.

Published in 2024

Scientific synthesis exploring the potential of animal-computer interactions (ACI) to improve the individual welfare of farm animals, particularly in the context of precision farming and artificial intelligence.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Cattle, Pigs, Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animalAnimal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Precision farming, Identification, Welfare indicators, Housing, Modelling, One Welfare, livestock farming systemBehavioural disorders

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Managing large litters - Short review (version 1.0)

Pedersen, L.J., Hoofs, A., Kongsted, H.

Published in 2024

Review of the development and management of large litters in pig farming.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Lactation, Maternity, Evolutionary processes

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Positive welfare in dairy cows: role of the vet

Russell, A; Randall, L; Green, M; Thompson, J

Published in 2024

Article summarizing the tools available to veterinarians to assess and promote the positive welfare of dairy cows on farms.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Animal-based measurements, Societal issues, Welfare indicators

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Animal welfare during transport, evolution, and perspectives of European Union Legislation and Policy

Massimo Giangaspero and Pasquale Turno

Published in 2024

Article retailing the history of the transport of live animals in the EU and setting out current issues surrounding it. Despite gradual improvements, recent opinions issued by EFSA and a report by the European Court of Auditors highlight the need to revise the legislation to resolve continued problems.

Document Types: Scientific review

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

Keywords:Animal trade, Fear, Stress, Transport

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