Subject: Health /Diseases

Evaluate the effectiveness of official controls to protect the welfare of cattle kept for beef production

DG Health, European Commission

Published in 2024

Results of an audit carried out in Belgium in 2023 seeking to assess the effectiveness of official controls relating to the protection of livestock. Although the safeguards provided by animal welfare controls on cattle are satisfactory overall, their effectiveness and consistency are limited as the consequence of weaknesses in the instructions issued and their application, verification and coordination between the competent authorities. The report makes recommendations on areas where improvements are still needed.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Livestock buildings, Pain, Education, Housing, Abuse, Mutilation

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Sheep fatigue during transport: Lost in translation?

Published in 0

Results of a qualitative study on sheep fatigue during transport from the perspective of stakeholders. Four Subjects emerged when the interview data was analysed, suggesting several avenues of research to improve sheep welfare during transport, including fatigue assessment based on QBA (qualitative behavioral analysis).

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Ovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Animal trade, Welfare indicators, Transport, Behavioural disorders

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Lameness in beef cattle: Effect, causes and treatment

Hannah Fitzsimmonds

Published in 2024

Veterinary study reporting the prevalence of lameness in British cattle. The article describes the financial impact of lameness on farms, the main causes of lameness and the actions that can be taken to limit it.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Pain, Housing, Mutilation, Behavioural disorders

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Review on cooling technologies for pigs

Vermeer Herman, Hoofs Anita

Published in 2024

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

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Porcines

Key word:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Livestock buildings, Education, Enrichment, Housing, Living environment

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The potential of pumice as a litter material and its influence on growth performance, carcass parameters, litter quality traits, behavior, and welfare in broiler chickens

Duman, M., Şekeroğlu, A. & Tainika, B

Published in 2024

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.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords: Carcass quality, Animal-based measurements, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Enrichment, Housing, Behavioural disorders, Welfare indicators

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Enrichment materials for sows during pregnancy - Short review

Schubbert Antje, Spoolder Hans, Pedersen Lene

Published in 2024

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. 

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Porcines

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

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Assessing Giraffe Welfare During Seasonal Habitat Changes in Northern US Zoos

Razal, C., Bryant, J., & Miller, L.

Published in 2024

Multi-criteria study of behavioral observations, hormonal monitoring and decubitus rates as a means to assess giraffe welfare, comparing summer outdoor habitats and winter indoor quarters at several zoological institutions. The results suggest that housing giraffes indoors does not compromise their welfare, since positive effects were observed in both indoor and outdoor surroundings.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Wildlife, Ruminants

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Welfare indicators, Housing, Living environment

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Producer perceptions of dairy calf management, behavior, and welfare

S.B. Doyle, C.L. Wickens, J.M.C. Van Os, E.K. Miller-Cushon

Published in 2024

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.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Livestock buildings, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Lactation, Housing, Living environment, One Welfare, Human-animal relationships, livestock farming system

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Indicator factsheets (EURCAW-Poultry-SFA)

EURCAW-Poultry-SFA

Published in 2024

Technical data sheets published by EURCAW-Poultry-SFA containing the main indicators for the assessment of the state of consciousness of broilers and turkeys, the "iceberg" indicators to assess severe pecking, feather cleanliness, foot pad dermatitis in broilers and leg lesions at slaughter in laying hens.

Document Types: Good practice guide

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Aggression, Animal-based measurements, Pain, Education, Euthanasia, Welfare indicators, Mutilation, Vocalisation

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Faciliter l’engagement serein des éleveurs dans une démarche de bien-être animal

LIT Ouesterel

Published in 2024

To promote dialogue between livestock farming and society, LIT Ouesterel has been running one project since 2021 and another starting in 2024, intended to  encourage livestock farmers to commit themselves to a progress approach. The second seeks to do so via actions at producer organization level.

Document types: Technical Paper

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

Keywords:Societal issues, One Welfare, Livestock farming system

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