Theme: Endocrinology

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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Welfare of American mink, red and Arctic foxes, raccoon dog and chinchilla kept for fur production - EFSA

EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW)

Published in 2025

Recent scientific opinion from the EFSA, identifying the main welfare risks to animals bred for their fur (mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, chinchillas), which are mainly associated with lives spent in cages without enrichment, resulting in restricted movement, stress and behavioral disorders.

Document Types: Opinions

Animal categories: Mammals

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The evaluation of animal welfare indicators based on transport duration and lighting differences in the slaughter of broiler chickens

Siska W., Latif, H., Purnawarman T

Published in 2025

Study showing that blue lighting in the pre-slaughter room reduces stress (corticosterone) in broilers, shortens bleeding time and maintains carcass quality. The authors recommend the use of blue lighting in poultry abattoirs.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Poultry

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The Interface of Caretaker and Animal Well-being As a Critical Component of Sustainability

Edwards-Callaway, L. N. & Sullivan, P. A.

Published in 2024

Study exploring welfare, both human and animal, as one of the pillars of sustainability in the farmed animal industry. This pillar is often neglected in favor of the environmental and economic pillars.

Document Types: Scientific review

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

Keywords:Animal adaptation to the environment, Animal-based measurement, Societal issues, Environment, Welfare indicators, Living environment, One Welfare, Human-animal relationship, Stress, livestock farming systemsBehavioral disorders

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Impact of slaughter method on stress in organic common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Łosiewicz B, Szudrowicz H.

Published in 2024

Study evaluating the impact of slaughter methods on stress in carp measured using biochemical parameters in the blood. The recommended method to reduce stress is that of percussion followed by destruction of the brain.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Animal-based measurement, Consciousness, Pain, Euthanasia, Stress

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Social networks of pregnant gilts during outdoor feeding and the effects on their offspring

Leandro Sabei, Marisol Parada Sarmiento, Cihan Çakmakçı, Sharacely de Souza Farias, Thiago Bernardino, Rosangela Poletto, Erika Alejandra Becerra Mendez, Beatriz Kaori, Adroaldo José Zanella

Published in 2024

Study examining the social dynamics of gilts through pregnancy in an outdoor system, analyzing their feeding and social behaviors, and the effects of these dynamics on the group and their offspring. Results show links between social rank, salivary cortisol levels and piglet weight, highlighting the importance of integrating social behavior into management and genetic selection practices to improve pig welfare.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Aggression, Aggressivity, Welfare indicators, Lactation, Maternal, Personality, Prenatal, Socialization

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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 measurement, Enrichment, Housing, Living environment, Human-animal relationship, Socialization, Stress

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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:Animal mediation, Animal housing, Animal welfare indicator, Human-animal relationship,Working animals, Living environment, Stress, Behavioral disorders

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Organic rearing of non-castrated male pigs: welfare indicators, carcass traits, pork quality and boar taint in Duroc and Pietrain crossbreds

Lebret B, Ferchaud S, Poissonnet A, Prunier A

Published in 2024

Scientific study comparing two organically-rased genotypes of uncastrated male pigs to assess their welfare and meat quality. Large-White x Duroc pigs displayed fewer body lesions, but had an increased risk of unpleasant odors linked to boar taint.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Key words:Castration, Carcass quality, Sterilization, livestock farming system

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Review: The influence of light on pig welfare

A.J. Scaillierez, S.E. van Nieuwamerongen - de Koning, I.J.M.M. Boumans, P.P.J. van der Tol, E.A.M. Bokkers

Published in 2024

Scientific review examining the effects of light on pig welfare. The analysis examined 63 studies evaluating parameters such as daylight hours, light intensity and light spectrum. Although light influences aspects such as behavior, growth and hormone secretion, the conclusions that can be drawn are limited by contradictory results and a lack of data, particularly concerning the light spectrum.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Animal adaptation to environment, Aggression, Aggressivity, Welfare indicators, Housing

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