Keywords: Enrichment

Report from Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW), on the ways that major global food companies take animal welfare into account. While 95% of them recognize the importance of animal welfare (versus 79% in 2012), 93% received the lowest scores. Three companies stood out positively.

Scientific article showing that the effects of social enrichment on fish stress responses vary according to the species studied.

Summary document for official welfare inspectors describing cooling technologies for pigs and their surroundings in farm buildings.

Conference proceedings from the BOW symposium co-organized by the BATICE and One Welfare RMTs on February 14 and 15, 2024 in Rennes.

Scientific study showing the potential of pumice as a bedding material to improve the zootechnical performance, behavior and welfare of broiler chickens. The article concludes that acid pumice, either on its own or mixed with wood shavings, would provide a reliable litter material, replacing wood shavings.

Summary of the different types of enrichment (materials, objects, substrates) that can be  given to sows during gestation, and the recommended methods for their provision. 

Results of a survey to gain an understanding of dairy calf farmers' perceptions of the management, behavior and welfare of their animals. Farmers seemed to attach great importance to the welfare of their calves. Those who installed group housing were more interested in the subjective welfare of their calves. Individual perceptions of animal welfare would appear to depend on the respondents' practical experience.

ChickenTrack 2023 has assessed the commitment of 85 companies to animal welfare on chicken farms, showing an encouraging increase from 39% to 65% of European companies who publicly reported on their work for transition under the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) in 2023. In France, of the 34 companies assessed, 68% published information on their progress.

Scientific article showing that the repeated diffusion of bubbles in a tank improved the welfare of rainbow trout. The short-term (~7 weeks) and long-term (~21 weeks) enrichment effects were similar to those observed with more conventional environmental enrichment (provision of plants and shelter). The fish were less aggressive, less fearful and showed enhanced learning abilities.

Scientific article demonstrating that classical music in broiler rearing can reduce the adverse effects of high density stocking on some parameters for stress, health and meat quality.