Keywords: Stress

Thoughtful or distant farmer: Exploring the influence of human-animal relationships on rabbit stress, behavior, and emotional responses in two distinct living environments

Manon Fetiveau, Davi Savietto, Andrew M Janczak, Laurence Fortun-Lamothe and Valérie Fillon

Published in 2024

Study showing that rabbits living in simple environments or benefiting from positive human interaction displayed more exploratory and interested behaviors towards humans. The quality of the human-animal relationship and the environment influenced their welfare, with no significant difference in physiological stress.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Monogastric

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Enrichment, Housing, Living environment, Human-animal relationships, Socialization, Stress

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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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Welfare and stress of horses used for Equine-assisted services: A systematic review

Bethany H. Baxley, Howard Rodriguez-Mori, Nichole C. Anderson

Published in 2024

Systematic review summarizing the existing literature on the stress and welfare of horses involved in equine assistance services (EAS). According to the 28 articles identified, behavioral and health problems are those most frequently encountered in EAS centers, leading to a high turn-over of horses. The study reveals gaps in existing research and urges that more high-quality research should be carried out.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Working animals, Animal mediation, Livestock buildings, Human-animal relationships, Welfare indicators, Working animals, Living environment, Stress, Behavioural disorders

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Development of the calf grimace scale for pain and stress assessment in castrated Angus beef calves

Farghal, M., Pajor, E., Luna, S.P.L., Pang D., Windeyer M.C. & Ceballos M.C.

Published in 2024

Scientific study measuring the effectiveness of a Calf Grimace Scale (CGS) for assessing pain and stress. VGS scores increase after castration, but also under the effect of external factors such as separation from the mother. The VGS can therefore identify acute pain and also detect stress in calves.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Castration, Pain, Weaning, Sterilization, Stress

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Closing the Gaps in Fish Welfare: The Case for More Fundamental Work Into Physical Enrichment

Helen C. Spence-Jones - Joachim G. Frommen - Nick A. R. Jones

Published in 2024

Summary of the various research studies carried out on use of physical enrichment in fish farming to improve fish welfare. Although research on fish welfare remains limited, the authors note an increase in publications on the subject. Efforts are still needed to diversify the range of welfare indicators used (beyond the common metrics of growth and behavior).

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Housing, Stress, Behavioural disorders

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Poultry Preslaughter Operations in Hot Environments: The Present Knowledge and the Next Steps Forward

Vieira FMC, Portugal MAG, de Borba LP, Angrecka S, Herbut P, Jongbo AO, De-Sousa KT, Deniz M.

Published in 2024

Overview of the challenges faced by the poultry industry. According to the authors, improving thermal management and logistics, particularly during pre-slaughter operations, is crucial to minimizing stress, injury and economic losses.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Consciousness, Carcass quality, Education, Pain, Stress, Transport

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Development of Welfare Protocols at Slaughter in Farmed Fish

Mercogliano, R., Avolio, A., Castiello, F., Ferrante, M.C.

Published in 2024

Study exploring gaps in fish protection during slaughter. Improved welfare protocols could not only reduce fish suffering, but also improve meat quality and positively influence consumer perception and the economics of aquaculture.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Consciousness, Carcass quality, Education, Pain, Stress, Transport

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Regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related Regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related operations - Summary of public feedback received after adoption of the proposal

Council of the European Union

Published in 2024

Results of public consultation with over 5,000 responses following the proposal to update the European regulation on the transport of live animals in 2023. The majority of citizens support stricter measures, such as a ban on shipping and long-distance transport, and a shift towards transporting meat rather than live animals. Opinions differ between NGOs, which call for shorter journeys, and the farming industry, which is concerned about the proposed limitations.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

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

Keywords:Animal trade, Societal issues, Abuse, Stress, Transportation

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Public attitudes towards aquatic animal welfare

Eurogroup for Animals and CIWF

Published in 2024

Enquête citoyenne de CIWF et Eurogroup for Animals sur l’attitude des citoyens européens à l’égard du poisson et de sa consommation, ainsi que ses connaissances concernant les pratiques d’élevage.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Pain, Societal issues, Welfare indicators, Housing, Stress

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Environmental Enrichment in Rabbit Husbandry: Comparative Impacts on Performance and Welfare

El-Sabrout K., Sherasiya A.; Ahmad S., Aggag S., Nannoni E., Cavallini D., Buonaiuto G.

Published in 2024

Summary article describing environmental stress and its negative impacts on rabbit welfare and productivity, causing disease and problem behavior. Environmental enrichment helps reduce this stress by meeting the natural behavioral needs of rabbits, thereby improving their welfare and performance.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Monogastric

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Aggression, Aggressiveness, Animal-based measurements, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Housing, Stress, Behavioural disorders

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