Document type : Scientific review

Blueprint for research to detect loss of consciousness and/or sensibility of fish at slaughter

Saraiva, J., Brijs, J., Cabrera-Álvarez, M. J., Arechavala-Lopez, P., & Gräns, A.

Published in 2024

Article highlighting the urgent need to develop more humane slaughter methods in aquaculture, as current practices (asphyxiation, refrigeration, gas) result in prolonged suffering for fish.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Fish

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Assessing the Welfare of Spiny Lobsters and True Lobsters in Aquaria: Biology-Informed Best-Practice Guidelines for Captive Conditions

Fruscella L., Elwood R.W., Passantino A.

Published in 2025

Study assessing the welfare of spiny lobster and true lobster in captivity, highlighting the gaps between their biological and behavioral needs and current commercial practices. It recommends appropriate housing conditions (separation and appropriate stocking density, provision of shelter, claws should not be tied, no direct light, monitoring for water quality) to improve their health and welfare..

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Crustaceans

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Invited review: Development of a dairy barn concept to improve animal welfare

R. Wulf, S. Demba, V. Röttgen, J. Langbein, S. Düpjan, B. Weise, S. Rose, A. Sixt, J. Harms, I. Steinhöfel, H.-S. Bruckert, P.A. Guhl, M. Heppelmann, S. Jahn, M.J. Oettler, T. Homeier-Bachmann, L. Bachmann

Published in 2025

Study presenting the "future dairy barn" (FEL) concept, designed to better integrate the behavioral and social needs of dairy cattle. This alternative breeding model aims to sustainably improve their well-being while meeting societal expectations.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

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Efficacy of pain management for cattle castration: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Emeline Nogues, Jane Stojkov, Biljana Jonoska Stojkova, Marina A.G. von Keyserlingk, Daniel M. Weary

Published in 2025

Systematic review and meta-analysis showing that multimodal analgesia temporarily reduces pain from bovine castration, notably via a reduction in blood cortisol levels. However, lack of data, the varied nature of the studies and the risk of methodological biais make it impossiible to establish clear science-based recommendations for good practice.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Bovines

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Domestic cat management in the UK: learnings from a global perspective

Jenni L. McDonald, Dave J. Hodgson, Claire Roberts, Lauren Finka, Vicky Halls,Rae Foreman-Worsley

Published in 2025

Review examining the management of feline overpopulation, which requires a holistic and locally specific approach covering domestic cats, cats in shelters and those living in the wild, while taking environmental factors, feline demographic processes and human community dynamics into account.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Felines

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Social behaviour of the domestic pig and its importance for animal welfare on farms

C. Clouard-Mésange

Published in 2025

Review summarizing current knowledge on pig social behaviors, the impacts of farming practices on these behaviors, and avenues for research to improve  conditions on farms.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Porcines

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Balancing culinary excellence with ethical responsibility: A scientific perspective on animal welfare in gastronomy

Anastasio Argüello, Marta González-Cabrera, Antonio Morales-de la Nuez, Lorenzo E. Hernández-Castellano, Manuel Betancor-Sánchez, Noemí Castro

Published in 2025

Study analyzing animal welfare issues along the full length of the food chain, from breeding and rearing to culinary preparation. It highlights ethical tensions, innovations (lab-grown meat, plant-based alternatives, insects) and regulatory gaps. It proposes a roadmap to integrate animal welfare science into culinary training and promote the sustainable and responsible enjoyment of food.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Cattle, Goats, Crustaceans, Sheep, Fish, Pigs, Poultry

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Exploring human-animal interactions beyond academic research: A rapid review of grey literature

Siyu Ru, Daniel Villarreal Hernandez, Szymon Parzniewski, Haorui Wu

Published in 2025

Scientific overview showing that human-animal interactions are beneficial to the welfare of both humans and animals, in various contexts and for vulnerable populations.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Canine, Equine, Feline, Birds (excluding poultry)

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Aggressive Mating Behavior in Roosters (Gallus gallus domesticus): A Narrative Review of Behavioral Patterns

Mihnea Lupu, Dana Tăpăloagă, Elena Mitrănescu, Raluca Ioana Rizac, George Laurențiu Nicolae, Manuella Militaru

Published in 2025

Review showing that intensive genetic selection of broilers has led to male sexual behavior dysfunctions (absence of courtship, forced mating, injury to hens), linked to genetic, neuroendocrine and environmental factors.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Poultry

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Modern Pig Production: Aspects of Animal Welfare, Sustainability and Circular Bioeconomy

Sossidou EN, Banias GF, Batsioula M, Termatzidou S-A, Simitzis P, Patsios SI, Broom DM.

Published in 2025

Study analyzing the sustainability challenges for modern pork production seeking to combine animal welfare, minimal environmental impacts and circular bioeconomic principles. It highlights the role of innovative farming systems, sustainable management practices and life cycle assessment (LCA)  in reconciling productivity and respect for the environment.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Porcines

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