Animal welfare and sustainability of production under extensive conditions: a non-EU perspective

Abstract

Public attitudes to extensive livestock husbandry systems are favourable and welfare is perceived to be good primarily because animals are free to express their normal behaviour patterns. In many cases, such as agroforestry, this conclusion is fully justified. Nevertheless, there are a number of welfare issues confronting extensive farming. Identification procedures must be non-injurious and those causing suffering (such as fire-branding) should not be used. Steps should be taken to reduce the incidence of parturition problems and, when this is not feasible, the animals should be appropriately supervised. In the case of procedures where public opinion is unfavourable, but scientific assessments suggests that suffering is minimal or readily avoided improved dissemination of information is required. Examples of such problems include velvet removal from male deer, transport of deer and tail-docking in lambs. There is a need to develop integrated measures of welfare that take account of longevity, disease, reproductive success, nutritional and thermal challenges, pain and behavioural freedom. Only with the help of such measures can acceptable practices be defended, unacceptable systems be phased out and the consumer be assured that extensive farming is animal friendly. Extensive farming systems are sustainable only where public attitudes are positive and appropriate premiums can be justified so that the systems remain viable.