Animal Welfare Benefits Research Articles

Harnessing AI to benefit animal welfare.

Advocates argue that automated collection of data, and AI analysis of it, could help vets make the practical decisions that improve the health and welfare of animals.

Outcomes of a Community Cat Program Based on Sterilization of Owned, Semi-Owned and Unowned Cats in a Small Rural Town

Free-roaming cats in urban and peri-urban areas and in rural towns pose significant challenges due to their nuisance behaviors, threats to wildlife, and potential disease transmission. Traditional management methods often involve trapping and euthanizing many of these cats, which is not only costly but also distressing for the shelter staff involved, and have failed to reduce numbers of impounded cats or cat-related complaints. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Community Cat Program that provided free sterilization, microchipping, and preventative veterinary care for all owned, semi-owned, and unowned cats in a small rural town with high cat impoundments in Ipswich, Queensland. The program was instigated by the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Queensland and the Animal Welfare League, Queensland, and it was funded by various organizations including Fondation Brigitte Bardot. Data from 2017 to 2023 were analyzed to assess the impact of the program on cat intake and outcomes in local shelters. A total of 308 cats were sterilized, representing 94 cats per 1000 residents over 3.4 years, and in the third year, this was associated with a 60% decrease in cat intake, an 85% reduction in numbers euthanized and 39% fewer cat-related calls to the local council. These findings suggest that high-intensity, targeted sterilization programs significantly decrease shelter intake and euthanasia, and thus alleviate the psychological burden on staff. These programs are a humane and effective alternative to traditional cat management, and benefit animal welfare as well as community wellbeing. This is aligned with a One Welfare approach, which enhances the well-being of animals, humans, and their environments. Legislative changes are required to support these programs to effectively decrease the numbers of free-roaming cats in cities and towns and the issues they cause, while protecting human wellbeing.

Whole versus chopped food: the bintu-right way to do it?

It remains common practice for zoos to chop animal diets into small pieces, even though there is limited evidence to support this practice. It is important that the purported benefits of chopping food are investigated, to determine whether there are any benefits for animal welfare. This study investigates the impact of food presentation on the behaviour of the binturong (Arctictis binturong), a large Asian viverrid, at Beale Wildlife Park in the United Kingdom. For this study, food was provided in three sizes: very finely chopped, chopped, and in whole pieces, and the behaviour and food preference of binturongs was investigated alongside the time taken for keepers to prepare diets. There were relatively few behavioural differences when binturongs were provided with the three food sizes. Only a few behaviours, namely feeding, food manipulation and locomotion with food were significantly more frequent when food was whole, whilst vocalisations were significantly less frequent in this condition. When food items are large, the binturongs appeared to take a large item and move elsewhere to eat, thus moving away from one another, which therefore reduces opportunities for aggression or stealing. This suggests that large food items may have benefits in terms of reduced food monopolisation, especially for binturongs housed in pairs or groups. Keepers saved almost five minutes when preparing whole food diets as opposed to the very chopped size. Given the potential benefits, plus the keeper time saved, whole diets are a viable option for feeding binturongs.

A Legal Ban on Dog Meat Production: Political Decision-Making for an Ethical Community.

For over 40 years, the human consumption of dog meat has been a controversial issue in South Korea. While some defend it as cultural tradition, others criticize the act as unethical treatment of dogs. This study examined the public perceptions and opinions driving the legislative efforts to ban dog meat through an online survey of 1000 participants assessing their experiences with dog meat, awareness of related issues, and support for institutional bans. The results revealed a widespread negative view of the dog meat industry, largely due to concerns over animal cruelty, and a negligible demand for consuming dog meat, which points to the expected demise of the industry. However, there was notable resistance to the ban from the view that it restricts personal freedom, with anthropocentric attitudes hindering progress in animal welfare. Regression analysis identified gender, political affiliations, animal experiences, and perceptions of dog meat as key predictors of support for the ban. As beloved pets, dogs influence human ethics, and the growing awareness of animal ethics has led to a 'political turn' enabling policymakers to enact bans. This study highlights how animal welfare benefits from political actions backed by societal consensus.

Upright versus inverted catching and crating end-of-lay hens: a trade-off between animal welfare, ergonomic and financial concerns

This study explores upright versus inverted catching and crating of spent laying hens. Both catching methods were compared using a cost-benefit analysis that focused on animal welfare, ergonomic, and financial considerations. Data were collected on seven commercial farms (one floor system and six aviary systems) during depopulation of approximately 3,000 hens per method per flock. Parameters such as wing flapping frequency, catcher bird interaction, incidence of catching damage and hens dead on arrival (DOA) were measured and compared between catching methods. Ergonomic evaluations were performed via catcher surveys and expert assessment of video recordings. The wing flapping frequency was lower (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 4.0 ± 0.5, P < 0.001) and handling was gentler (1.9 ± 0.5 vs. 4.4 ± 0.5, P < 0.001), both on a 7-point Likert scale, for upright versus inverted catching. However, more person-hours per 1000 hens were required for upright than inverted catching (8.2 ± 3.2 h vs. 4.8 ± 2.0 h, P = 0.011), with only wing bruises being significantly less common for upright than inverted catching (1.1 ± 0.6 % vs. 1.7 ± 0.7%, P = 0.04). Upright catching was 1.8 times more expensive than inverted catching; compensation for this cost would require a premium price of approximately €0.0005 extra per egg. Ergonomically, both catching methods were considered demanding, although catchers (n = 29) preferred inverted catching. In conclusion, this study showed animal welfare benefits of upright vs. inverted catching. Industry adoption of upright catching will depend on compensation of the additional labor costs, adjustments to labor conditions and shorter loading times.

Bringing identities to the table: Exploring conversational practices of vegetarians and vegans at flashpoints in interaction with meat-eaters

ABSTRACT Although vegetarian and vegan (veg*an) diets can have various health, environmental and animal welfare benefits, they remain socially contentious. Despite the fundamentally social nature of eating, in situ investigations of the social-interactional elements of dietary identities have so far been lacking. Using a recently developed remotely moderated focus group design, we explore (across 25 discussions involving 122 participants) the discursive management of veg*an ‘identity flashpoints’ during discussion with meat-eaters. Our discursive analyses explore how these moments in conversation arise and are handled in real-time within the unfolding interaction. We demonstrate how two particularly interactionally consequential features of veg*an accounts of their practice become constructed within these encounters. Firstly, personal accounts of veg*anism are interactionally preferred to moral accounts. Secondly, demonstrating continued liking of meat was necessary to be met with group acceptance among majority meat-eating groups. These features shed light on the social interactional perils of veg*an attempts to engage in persuasion with meat-eaters, particularly those based on moral grounds. Our novel methodology affords detailed analyses of how veg*ans navigate the performance of their identities in their daily interactions with dietary outgroups, providing insight into micro-level processes that might underpin, or hamper, processes of societal change in the dietary domain.

Technological Aspects of Bridging the Gap Between Cell-Based Food and Conventional Meat

Cell-based food, including cultured meat, introduces an innovative complement to our dietary options, introducing cellular agriculture and tissue engineering on the meat market together with traditional livestock farming. Originating from medical tissue cultivation techniques, this approach is now tailored for food production, prioritizing cost-effectiveness, palatability, and resource efficiency. As technology strives to efficiently upscale production, consumer acceptance stands as a key factor in adopting this new protein source. This review explores advances in cultivating muscle and fat tissues in vitro, emphasizing the importance of achieving muscle maturity, innovating scaffolds, and optimizing media composition to closely replicate the qualities of meat. It also addresses quality assessments of cultured meat based on its texture, nutritional content, and flavor. A concise examination of consumer perceptions reveals that acceptance is influenced by a blend of cultural, psychological, and social factors, balancing the positive potential outlook on cultured meat’s benefits for society, the environment, and animal welfare against concerns about its unnaturalness, uncertainty, and safety. Demographic trends suggest higher acceptance among younger, well-educated and urban individuals, contrasting with reservations from those more familiar with the traditional meat sector. Addressing these varied viewpoints is essential for a better understanding of public acceptance if cultured meat is effectively introduced into our future food systems. As media interest in this alternative is still high, aligning technological developments with consumer expectations is crucial for the potential market introduction of cultured meat.

Factors influencing Italian consumers’ willingness to buy and pay for insect-fed poultry products

Abstract The use of insects as a protein source in feed production can significantly improve the sustainability of livestock production. Despite several environmental and animal welfare benefits, the economic sustainability of such an approach depends on the level of consumer acceptance and willingness to pay for insect-fed poultry diets. Using the results of an online survey of more than 850 Italian consumers, we first examine the main differences between two groups of consumers: those who are willing to buy insect-fed poultry meat and eggs and those who are not. The t-test is used to search for statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of their stated preferences for key food attributes that influence purchase decisions, as well as their view on food safety, quality and environmental issues. We then use ordered logit regression to estimate the determinants of consumers’ willingness to pay a price premium for insect-fed poultry compared to conventional poultry products. Particular attention is paid to the possible role of trust in the ability of the food system to provide safe food in influencing consumers’ preferences. The results show that consumers who are willing to buy insect-fed meat and eggs are more environmentally aware, have a stronger belief in the crucial role that changes in current food consumption patterns can play for the environment and social well-being, and have a higher level of trust in the system that guarantees food safety. The willingness to pay a price premium for insect-fed poultry food is mainly influenced by respondents’ beliefs about insect-fed poultry food, especially in terms of its expected quality characteristics and animal welfare. Findings from this analysis could provide insights into investments to ensure the economic sustainability of a more circular supply chain.

A randomized control trial investigating the effectiveness of a commercial pneumonia vaccine (part I): Pre-weaned lambs

The objective of this controlled vaccine field trial was to determine the effectiveness of a commercial bacterin in increasing colostral immunity to reduce the risk of bacterial pneumonia in pre-weaned lambs in a commercial sheep operation. Pregnant ewes were randomly allocated to vaccination group (Ovipast™ Plus bacterin, n = 1807; unvaccinated, n = 1812). Ewe vaccination did not significantly (P > 0.05) improve lamb pneumonia treatment rates, crude or pneumonia specific mortality rates, or body weight gain. Interestingly, as birth weight increased in lambs from vaccinated ewes, they gained significantly more than lambs from unvaccinated ewes (P = 0.01). There was no difference in culture results from pneumonic lung samples for either Mannheimia haemolytica (P = 0.89) or Bibersteinia trehalosi (P = 1.00) between lambs from vaccinated and unvaccinated ewes. The results of this study suggest that there was no animal health and welfare benefit from vaccinating ewes with the Ovipast™ Plus bacterin prior to parturition to boost colostral immunity and improve health and growth in their lambs.

Sustainability of insect-based feed and consumer willingness to pay for novel food: A stated preference study

In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted insects as a promising protein source for poultry feed, offering environmental benefits and improved animal welfare. However, insects are still considered unconventional in Western diets, limiting their acceptance among consumers. This study examines to what extent information on animal welfare and environmental benefits of insect-based feed can counteract factors like neophobia and established food habits, hence enhancing consumer acceptability of novel poultry products from animals fed with insect-based feed. A contingent valuation survey involving 512 Italian consumers divided into four groups was conducted: a control group with no information, an animal welfare information group, an environmental information group, and a group receiving both sets of information. Results indicate that providing information about the advantages of insect-based feed can reduce consumer reluctance towards the innovative product. Moreover, information on environmental benefits affects consumer preferences more than information on animal welfare.

International Law and the Agony of Animals in Industrial Meat Production

Abstract International law leaves states and meat-producing corporations full freedom to annually subject billions of animals to extreme suffering during intensive meat production. In the last two decades, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has taken the lead in developing international standards for animal welfare. WOAH alone will not be able to restrict the liberty of international law, given the fact that demanding legal standards may hinder the push to provide nutrients to a growing world population and given global diversity in socio-economic situations, consumer preferences for meat products and cultural values. However, the push to regulate meat production has received new impulses from international institutions that seek to address adverse impacts of industrial animal farming on human interests – in particular, global health, climate change and biodiversity. As yet, this has done little to restrain the freedom under international law to subject farm animals to suffering, but it has expanded the grounds for future global agreements to regulate industrial farming as well as the range of principles and institutions that together constitute the framework within which decisions on industrial meat production that may benefit animal welfare have to be taken.

Consumer Preferences and Attitudes towards Antibiotic Use in Food Animals.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major challenges faced by society, with the real threat of the failure of many medical procedures. Antibiotics are also used in livestock production and provide a potential pathway to increasing AMR. The central challenge involves ensuring animal health and welfare while securing the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics. This paper reports the results of a survey of 5693 respondents from the customer panels of four major UK supermarkets regarding preferences and attitudes towards antibiotic use in food animals, and their perspectives on how the balance between animal welfare and human benefit can be achieved. The results of these surveys are consistent with those from other countries that found that consumers generally have limited knowledge about antibiotic use in agriculture and AMR, with around 50% responding "don't know" to many questions. There was agreement about the benefits of antibiotics outweighing harm, with 40% agreeing that, overall, the use of antibiotics to treat disease in farm animals delivers more benefit than harm. However, 44% neither agreed nor disagreed, indicating a high level of uncertainty and a situation that is potentially unstable. The seriousness of the AMR challenge is such that continued action for the more discriminating use of antibiotics must continue.

Consumer acceptance of and willingness to pay for animal food products from livestock fed insects in the United States

Abstract Insects have potential to be integrated into livestock feeding systems to enhance sustainability of food production. However, Western consumers generally oppose insects as food and it is unknown if U.S. consumers will accept animal food products from livestock fed insects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate U.S. consumers’ acceptance of and willingness to pay (WTP) for animal products from livestock fed insects with an emphasis on identifying underlying drivers that shape acceptance. We developed a questionnaire-based survey that was distributed via convenience sampling to adult U.S. consumers (n = 361). A multinomial logit model was used to identify drivers affecting consumer acceptance of insects as livestock feed; the dependent variable had three categories representing consumer attitude: supportive, neutral, or opposing. Of respondents, 34% accepted insects as livestock feed, 15% were opposed, and 52% were neutral. Respondents more likely to accept insects as livestock feed were younger (18-24 vs 35-44 years; ), had higher average household income ($50,000-$100,000 vs &lt;$25,000; ), and higher educational attainment (master’s degree vs high school diploma; ). The factors that, if true, would most strongly influence consumer acceptance of insects as livestock feed were: ‘If I knew the insects were healthy for the livestock’ (74% of respondents); ‘If I knew it would not affect the balance of our eco-system’ (66%); and ‘If I knew it would lessen the environmental impact of livestock production’ (61%). For WTP, 21% of respondents were willing to pay less for animal products from livestock fed insects, 72% of were willing to pay the same, and 7% were willing to pay more. Our findings outline demographics of most likely U.S. consumers for animal products from livestock fed insects and indicate that outreach should highlight environmental, animal welfare, and economic benefits of insects as livestock feed to increase U.S. consumer adoption.

Euthanasia and the rehabilitation of wildlife casualties in Finland: decision-making varies depending on the background education of the caregivers.

Caring for wildlife casualties is a common aspect of animal-protection work. The range of care options of wildlife in Finland vary from professional zoos to voluntary members of the public. There are complex ethical concerns to be considered in deciding whether an injured animal should be treated or euthanized. Differing opinions and poor communication may lead to unnecessary conflicts among caregivers. We investigated opinions behind the decision-making of caregivers related to wildlife casualties using a web-based questionnaire. We asked the respondents to rate their level of agreement with 27 statements on a seven-point Likert scale. Seventy-eight respondents were included in our analysis. Animal-related education was classified as veterinarian (n = 14), other (n = 18), and none (n = 49). The median (IQR) levels of age and work experience were 43 (17) and 5 (9) years, respectively, regardless of educational level. The groups were tested for differences level of agreement with the statements in Kruskall-Wallis tests (with Bonferroni-corrected pair-wise tests). Overall, the strongest disagreement was with statements proposing euthanasia on the grounds that the species was common [1 (2)], the treatment would be costly [1 (4)] or long-term [1 (4)], or there was no end-of-life-solution immediately available [1 (2)]. The highest agreement was with the statement advocating not euthanizing the animal if it could easily be returned to its natural habitat [7 (0)]. The respondents differed in their perceptions depending on their animal-related education. The cost and length of treatment, the prevalence of the species, and a known end-of-life solution influenced the euthanasia-related decisions of veterinarians more than of respondents in the other educational groups. Those with no animal-related education expressed the least willingness to euthanize an injured wild animal, even if it would be partly dependent on humans for the rest of its life or even if the treatment would be very stressful. We concluded that attitudes and practices related to euthanasia differ depending on the respondents' education, and that more discussion is needed on the ethical aspects behind the decision-making. This would help to increase mutual understanding among caregivers and facilitate the development of uniform standards that would potentially benefit animal welfare.

The role of goats in the world: Society, science, and sustainability

The role of goats in nutrition, health, and food security is underscored by the continuous increase in global production and consumption of goat milk and meat. The goat sector is diversified as people from a wider geographical distribution area are consuming milk and meat from goats. The goat industry will continue to experience structural changes that will impact society, the economy, and the environment. Production efficiency and global per capita consumption of goat milk and meat, however, lag behind some major livestock species. Scientific and technological developments in nutrition, genetics, reproduction, health and management remain critical for a viable goat sector in the future. The global dichotomy of goat production systems, from subsistence to industrialized, present a challenge of a uniformed strategy and direction for sustainable production. Animal welfare, environmental preservation, product safety, and health benefits are important considerations in consuming and producing organic goat products. Goat production can be part of the solution for the assuagement of food insecurity and malnutrition. Leverage biological, metabolic, behavioral, social and economic advantages of goats can alleviate poverty in the most vulnerable regions in the world.

European Union Legislation for the Welfare of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes: Areas Identified for Further Discussion.

The Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council has been in force for more than a decade and has brought about significant improvements and novel requirements for the welfare of animals used for scientific purposes, while safeguarding research integrity. The Directive sets clear provisions for its scope, the authorization procedures, animal welfare bodies, national committees, cost/benefit analysis, severity classification, retrospective assessment, and statistical reporting, among many others. From this perspective, indicative areas in the existing legislative texts and guidance documents, which may influence animal welfare and scientific integrity, have been identified by the authors after years of working in this field. Suggested solutions to address these areas by potential future revisions in the legislation or other actions to benefit animal welfare are discussed, with the aim to clarify and simplify them for all stakeholders involved.

Cinnamon as a Potential Feed Additive: Beneficial Effects on Poultry Health and Production Performances – An Update

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, global poultry output increased from approximately 115 million tons in 2016 to around 136 million tons in 2023. Poultry production has increased significantly with the dramatic uptick in meat and egg demand. Feed accounts for between 65 and 70 percent of total production costs, making it the largest chicken industry expense. This is why it's important to maximize the transformation of poultry feed into feed with a high biological value while taking as many steps as possible to protect feed quality and reduce feed costs. The use of feed additives in poultry feed has recently gained popularity and has been essential to increase feed efficiency and growth rate, which typically leads to reduced costs. The meat's texture, consistency, and nutritional content are all improved, and its shelf life is lengthened as a bonus. Feed additives are a fantastic tool for boosting a poultry farm's bottom line. For example, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is often used as a traditional feed supplement. Rather than antibiotics, the poultry industry could benefit from using cinnamon as a natural antibiotic replacement, which would benefit animal welfare, consumer health, and the bottom line. The performance index, feed intake, FCE performance, and weight growth of poultry can all be improved by including cinnamon in the feed at varied concentrations. The digestive health and intestinal microbial population of hens are enhanced by a diet containing bioactive components of cinnamon. Cinnamon essential oils' popularity stems from their many valuable features, such as their ability to increase gastric enzyme synthesis and other biofunctional benefits. This review focuses on the possible advantages of cinnamon as a natural feed supplement for chickens, particularly about their intestinal microbiota, blood chemistry, nutrient absorption, gene expression, and immunology.

Paths that lead astray: Examining the situational predictors of intention-behaviour gaps in meat consumption

In many countries around the world, significant proportions of consumers report intentions to reduce their meat consumption. If followed through on, the intentions of these meat reducers could yield substantial environmental, health and animal welfare benefits. Existing research warns, however, that good intentions often go astray. In the current study, we examine the prevalence of intentions to reduce meat consumption in a representative sample of 1492 UK residents. We then investigate the situational correlates of intention-behaviour gaps in meat consumption among a group of 633 people with intentions to reduce their intake in a longitudinal survey involving event reconstruction exercises. Through these exercises, we collect data on the objective situational cues and psychological situational characteristics that predict when this group desired, ate and regretted eating meat during 2777 meal episodes. The results indicate that situational factors are predictive of the range of outcomes of interest. Situations that lend themselves to hedonic, rather than instrumental style, consumption, (e.g., non-routine meals, when the situation is perceived as being pleasant and when taste and craving are important decision factors), eating outside the home in cafés and restaurants and over at family or friend's homes and eating in the presence of others who are eating meat when are particularly predictive of intention-behaviour gaps. The findings highlight the need for intervention work which targets these situations to help meat reducers act as they intend.

Is China ready for change? Consumer behaviour towards buying plant-based meat alternatives: applying the COM-B model

PurposeMany consumers express interest in plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA); however, they are reluctant to change their meat consumption behaviour. To support the transition to a “meat-free” diet, it is necessary to understand the influencing factors to purchase PBMA. This study responds to a gap in the literature and aims to explore the factors influencing Chinese consumers' willingness to purchase PBMA in terms of “Capability, Motivation and Opportunity”.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional data were collected through an online survey in China (n = 591). Correlation testing and multiple linear regression were used to identify factors that may influence consumers' willingness to purchase PBMA by applying the COM-B model; which refers to Capability (C), opportunity (O), and motivation (M) as three key factors capable of changing behaviour (B).FindingsThe results show that consumers with better income and education are more likely to consume PBMA. Familiarity with purchasing channels and cooking knowledge were “capability” catalyst for purchase intentions; support from people around and who also consume PBMA provided opportunities; animal welfare, food safety, sustainability and emotional benefits were motivating factors for facilitation. With capabilities and opportunities, consumers are more likely to be motivated to purchase PBMA. It was also clear, environmental support and appropriate purchasing conditions overweigh knowledge and previous experience in motivating PBMA purchase. Additionally, the study found that familiarity, past experience, high status symbols of meat and health concerns were positively associated with but did not affect purchase intentions (p > 0.05).Social implicationsThe current study did not find a substitution effect for PBMA, as participants tended to consider PBMA as a type of meat and did not substitute it for their daily meat consumption unless motivated.Originality/valueThis study provides a theoretical framework and insights for future research, and production companies can develop marketing initiatives based on the contributing factors using the COM-B model.

Crescimento e ambiente luminoso de espécies frutíferas em sistemas silvipastoris para criação de novilhas leiteiras

ABSTRACT: Silvopastoral systems can have animal welfare and sustainability benefits because trees continually remove carbon from atmosphere, reducing greenhouse effects. Thisstudy identified the most promising fruit trees for inclusion in silvopastoral systems to dairy cattle calves. This experiment was conducted at EmbrapaAgrossilvipastoril, Brazil, between 2014 and 2018. Five silvopastoral systems with fruit trees and ‘Tifton-85’ grass were designed to evaluate tree growth and light environment under the canopies. Data were analyzed using SAS® and PDIFF (P &lt; 0.10). Caja fruit trees had the greatest tree height (5.4 m) and trunk diameter (23.4 cm), while acerola fruit tree had the smallest (1.8 m and 8.3 cm, respectively). At 42 months (drought 2017), caja, cashew, and guava trees had similar heights. Guava trees had the highest light interception (89.3%), both cashew cultivars provided medium levels of shade (50 to 60% LI) and with greater constancy between the rainy and dry seasons. The systems that showed increased light interception during the drought period were those with CCP76 in 2017 and EMB51 in 2018. Higher incidences of wavelengths of the spectral composition of light occurred between the rainfall (2015) and drought (2017) periods, and greater differences in the ratio of red:far red in 2015. By 2018, there were no more differences between the rainy and dry seasons for the spectral composition of light under the tree canopies. Cashews and guava trees have adequate growth and light environment to support silvopastoral systems but Caja and acerola fruit trees showed limitations.