Farm Animal Welfare Research Articles

Animal welfare in terms of lung health in cattle, pigs, sheep and goats assessed at slaughter

Lung health has a significant impact on the well-being of farm animals. In this study, the incidence of lung damage in cattle, pigs, sheep and goats was monitored in animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic between 2010 and 2021. In fattened animals (bulls, finisher pigs, lambs and kids), the incidence of lung damage was statistically significantly the highest in finisher pigs (39.08%) followed by lambs (25.2%), bulls (13.1%) and kids (6.4%). In adult animals (cows, sows, ewes and does), the incidence of lung damage was significantly the highest in ewes (39.5%), followed by cows (36.4%), sows (23.7%) and does (21.5%). For chronic lung damage, the results showed significantly the highest incidence in finisher pigs (37.2%) and young culled from farms (calves 34.0%, piglets 31.3%). For acute lung damage, the results showed significantly higher incidence in piglets (27.4%) and calves (9.7%) compared to other categories of slaughtered animals. In cows and sows, the findings ranged approximately between 6–8%, and did not exceed 2% in the other categories. For parasitic lung damage, significantly the highest findings were found in ewes (25.8%) followed by lambs (17.1%), does (5.8%) and kids (1.0%). The incidence of parasitic lung damage in cattle and pigs did not exceed 0.05%. The differences between chronic, acute and parasitic findings in each category of animals were significant. The findings of lung damage illustrate the fact that the welfare of slaughter animals is inadequate and should be increased.

Exploring positive welfare measures: preliminary findings from a prototype protocol in loose housing dairy cattle farms.

Following the increasing interest about the development of indicators of positive welfare and affective state in farm animals, the aim of this research is to present some preliminary results on the application of a prototype protocol based exclusively on positive welfare measures and to suggest potential benefits that can promote positive welfare. The protocol was applied in 20 loose housing dairy cattle farms (6 on deep litter with straw, 14 in cubicles) and included only indicators of positive welfare and emotional states: feeding and resting synchronization, rumination during resting, comfortable lying postures, no visible eye white, relaxed ear postures, percentage of cow contacts with humans in the Avoidance Distance test. Potential benefits in terms of housing, feeding and management were then related to these variables (Mann-Whitney U test). Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA) was also carried out and analyzed by Principal Component Analysis to explore the effect of factors that were not evenly distributed in our sample (number of feed distributions, access to pasture, presence of paddock or environmental enrichments, automatic milking systems). When hay was included in the diet, higher feeding synchronization (93.7 ± 1.6 vs. 52.2 ± 4.7%; p < 0.01), percentage of cows with relaxed ear postures (35.8 ± 5.4 vs. 15.5 ± 2.1%; p < 0.01) and percentage of cows with no visible eye white (55.9 ± 17.0 vs. 36.6 ± 4.1%; n.s.) were recorded. A higher level of feeding synchronization was observed also when the feeding places/cow ratio was > 1 (72.1 ± 9.9 vs. 53.8 ± 5.8%), although differences were not significant (p = 0.14). Deep litter had a more positive effect than cubicles on comfort at resting, with a significantly higher percentage of ruminating cows (65.8 ± 10.2 vs. 34.2 ± 3.7%; p < 0.01), a higher percentage of cows with no visible eye white (55.6 ± 9.9 vs. 33.1 ± 3.7%; p < 0.05) and a higher percentage of cows in a more comfortable posture, with stretched legs (14.3 ± 5.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.6%; p = 0.09). QBA highlighted the most positive emotional state in the only farm that allowed access to pasture. This study represents a first attempt to apply a protocol for on-farm welfare evaluation based exclusively on the use of positive welfare indicators and provides suggestions on possible benefits (e.g., deep litter, feeding places/cow ratio > 1, hay in the diet and access to pasture) to enhance dairy cattle welfare.

Are regulations addressing farm animal welfare issues during live transportation fit for purpose? A multi-country jurisdictional check.

Growing animal welfare concerns have pushed some jurisdictions to strengthen regulations addressing live farm animal transportation, but whether they provide satisfactory levels of protection for animals remains to be shown. Using the recent peer-reviewed literature, we identified four major risk factors associated with live animal transportation (fitness for transport, journey duration, climatic conditions and space allowances) and explored how regulations were structured to prevent animal welfare issues in five English-speaking Western jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the EU and the USA). All legally binding federal regulations were systematically reviewed and compared. Whether these rules were fit for purpose was assessed using the relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature. Our findings indicate the majority of regulations in most jurisdictions are often insufficient or too vague to be deemed fit for purpose. All five jurisdictions fall short in guaranteeing adequate protection to livestock during transport. Using recent changes as well as future policy proposals under discussion, we identify future directions that could form the basis for regulatory changes that may significantly improve the welfare of farm animals during transportation.

Does tail docking prevent Cochliomyia hominivorax myiasis in sheep? A six-year retrospective cohort study

Abstract Tail docking is a husbandry practice widely incorporated in sheep farms around the world. It is an irreversible mutilation that impairs animal welfare, both immediately and in the longer term. The defence of tail docking as a practice is centred around the perception that doing so contributes to the promotion of local hygiene, allowing the use of the wool, facilitating reproductive management and reducing the chances of myiasis, a disease caused by the invasion of blowfly larvae in the tissues of warm-blooded animals. However, current understanding of farm animal welfare questions the need to maintain practices such as tail docking. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tail docking on the incidence of Cochliomyia hominivorax myiasis in sheep in an experimental flock in Brazil during a six-year retrospective cohort study. Relative risk, odds ratio and incidence rate ratio were the association measures adopted. A total of 4,318 data-points were collected and supplied the analytical model. Tail docking did not decrease the risk and, on the contrary, was found to increase the chances of sheep being affected by myiasis. The results support the hypothesis that tail docking is not a protective factor against the occurrence of myiasis and further fuel calls for a rethink of tail docking being deployed as a blanket measure in the prevention of myiasis in sheep.

Evaluating Longevity as a Farm Animal Welfare Indicator

In assessing the welfare of dairy cows and laying hens, longevity has recently been introduced as an indicator. This paper presents recent attempts to transfer the normative power of longevity to non-human animals and evaluates this choice systematically. It first shows that the normative power of longevity can be justified by utilitarianism but not by rights-based approaches. The case of the ban to kill day-old chicks in Germany is then used to show that public opinion leans neither to the utilitarian approach nor to the rights-based one but draws a firm line between killing animals before and after reaching an adult age. This may be not so much a desire for longevity among farmed animals but a first sign of empathy that may transform our relationship with farmed animals.

Preweaning piglet survival on commercial farms.

Preweaning piglet mortality (PWM), a trait highly related to litter size, is one of the main concerns associated with productive efficiency and animal welfare in commercial pig farms. The objectives of this work were to study piglet survival at the farm level, to establish a survival rate (SR) as a target indicator to be improved, and to model it based on other reproductive parameters. Analyzed data corresponded to 580 Spanish commercial farms with a total inventory of 809,768 sows. These farms showed a mean SR of 85.70% piglets born alive (BA), which decreased to 81.81% when total piglets born (TB) were considered. The SR was strongly associated with prolificacy (P < 0.01), the parities with the highest prolificacy being those that had the lowest SR. Thus, the highest correlations were for the SR of piglets BA in the third and fourth parities (r = -0.460 and r = -0.452, respectively, P < 0.01), and for the SR of piglets TB in the fourth parity (r = -0.546, P < 0.01), which was the one with the highest prolificacy. The values corresponding to the quartile of farms with the highest SR within the most productive farms were established as targets to be improved, which were ≥88.5% of piglets BA and 83.2% of piglets TB. Nevertheless, the direct associations shown between the piglet's survival and prolificacy and other productive factors, such as the age of piglets at weaning, the farrowings per sow and year and the farrowing interval, suggest the convenience of modeling the risk of PWM on farms to have its own target of survival index to be improved.

Altruism and anti-anthropocentrism shape individual choice intentions for pro-environmental and ethical meat credence attributes.

Food consumption patterns are changing as consumers are becoming more aware and interested in sustainable and ethical food production practices. The growing disconnect between primary (livestock) agriculture and society reinforces the importance of research examining the motivations behind consumer purchase behaviors. However, evidence that links latent consumer psychometric factors and observed heterogeneity in concerns for agriculture to individual food purchase intentions remains scarce. We employ large-scale survey data and an advanced Structural Equation Modelling approach to identify and estimate the direct and indirect effects of latent fundamental values and observed consumer characteristics on individuals' attitudes and purchase intentions for certified humane (CH), organic, and non-hormone added labeled meat products. Our findings suggest that human values, including self-transcendence and openness to change, drive farm animal welfare concerns and individuals' choices of certified meat products. Information and engagement in social media positively affect individuals' perceptions and concerns for farm animal welfare. Individuals guided by altruistic and anti-anthropocentric norms are more oriented towards sustainable and ethical food shopping behaviors.

Lateralised Behavioural Responses in Livestock to Environmental Stressors: Implications for Using Infrared Thermography to Assess Welfare Conditions

Lateralised behavioural responses to environmental stressors have become more frequently used as indicators of social welfare in animals. These lateralised behavioural responses are under the control of asymmetrical brain functions as part of the primary functions of most vertebrates and assist in primary social and survival functions. Lateralised behavioural responses originating from the left hemisphere are responsible for processing familiar conditions, while the right hemisphere is responsible for responding to novel stimuli in the environment. The forced lateralisation and side preference tests have been used to determine the visual lateralised behavioural responses in livestock to environmental stressors. Limb preference during movement has also been used to determine motor lateralisation. Although behavioural investigations in livestock have recorded lateralised behavioural responses to environmental stressors, there are still limitations in the implication of lateralisation to other conditions, such as restraint and invasive procedures. Thus, it is important to have a non-invasive measure for these lateralised behavioural responses. Recently, lateralised behavioural responses have been correlated with the use of infrared temperature of external body surfaces, such as the eyes and coronary bands of limbs. This review summarised the different forms of the lateralised behavioural responses in livestock, especially cattle and horses, to environmental stressors, and the association between these responses and the relevant external body surfaces’ infrared temperature, with the purpose of improving the use of non-invasive measures in assessing welfare conditions in animals. The combination of the lateralised behavioural responses and infrared temperature of external body surfaces to environmental stressors could improve the assessment strategies of welfare conditions and the related additional husbandry interventions that could be applied to improve the welfare of farm animals.

Bearing Witness: Ruth Harrison and British Farm Animal Welfare (1920–2000). Claas Kirchhelle

Bearing Witness: Ruth Harrison and British Farm Animal Welfare (1920–2000). Claas Kirchhelle

Willingness to Pay a Higher Price for Pork Obtained Using Animal-Friendly Raising Techniques: A Consumers' Opinion Survey.

In Italy, the consumption of pork meat is increasing, despite consumers' attitudes being addressed toward a greater sensitivity about animal welfare and its link with safe food. Considering the relatively high animal welfare standards and the divergence in public interest in farm animal welfare and ethical issues, the objective of this study-in continuation of our previous paper relating to consumer behavior and preferences in welfare-friendly pork breeding-was to investigate habits of pork consumers regarding pig welfare, principally evaluating their willingness to pay (WTP) a higher price for pork obtained using raising techniques with an approach based on animal welfare. An ad hoc questionnaire-based survey was submitted to consumers (n = 404) in Messina province, Italy. Results suggest that 47% of consumers were willing to pay an additional price for pork from farms that apply specific animal welfare standards. Positive correlations were between WTP and farming techniques (p = 0.001), organic farming methods (p = 0.001), and farms in which animal welfare is taken care of and guaranteed (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that consumers intend to pay a higher price for pork, like other animal products obtained using animal-friendly raising techniques. The sensitivity to the animal welfare of a single human being may influence consumers' attitudes toward pork consumption.

Technical efficiency of biosecurity and animal welfare in the Taiwan egg industry

ABSTRACT Despite the pivotal role of the egg industry in the food supply chain, the absence of regular surveys over the past decades in Taiwan has resulted in a dearth of national-level data. This study endeavours to address the research void surrounding biosecurity while scrutinizing the technical efficiency of egg producers in an environment where there is no mandate to phase out battery cage systems and farmers have the autonomy to adjust their feeding strategies. We employ the stochastic frontier analysis framework to analyse farm-level data derived from a 2020 national survey of the egg industry in Taiwan, which includes 547 commercial egg farms, with 519 still utilizing battery cages and 28 farms having transitioned into alternative systems to meet higher Farm Animal Welfare standards. Our findings reveal that egg farmers who prioritize the improvement of biosecurity demonstrate greater technical efficiency. When considering the rearing systems, there is no significant difference in egg production rates between conventional and alternative systems. However, conventional systems exhibit higher efficiency in terms of total output. In essence, elevating FAW standards does not exert a discernible impact on the productivity of laying hens. Instead, farms employing conventional systems attain greater output due to their higher stocking density.

PSIX-30 Results from a Statewide Needs Assessment of Iowa Beef Producers

Abstract Extension personnel routinely conduct needs assessments to develop programs addressing challenges faced by cattle producers. The objective of this project was to identify and evaluate the needs of cattle producers in Iowa. Needs assessment listening sessions were conducted by the Iowa Beef Center across six regions of the state of Iowa. A total of 54 stakeholders across the six regions participated, representing cow-calf, feedlot, veterinary, and allied industries. During each session, participants were asked to write down a list of challenges or opportunities they observed in the beef industry. Each producer was asked to share an item on their list that they perceived or experienced as the most challenging and briefly expand on the topic. Once every attendee had an opportunity to engage, the process was repeated until topics had been exhausted. Each listening session lasted approximately 2 to 3 hours. Notes from all six meetings were compiled, and major themes were aggregated. Common themes were found across all six regions, while others were only addressed within specific regions. Producers statewide addressed challenges in cattle marketing (n = 31), land use and availability (n = 22), herd health (n = 20), and feed costs (n = 19). Farm transition (n = 14), consumer education (n = 14), and animal handling and welfare (n = 8) were discussed in five of the six regions. Production profitability (n = 8) and labor (n = 5) were only addressed in four regions. Topics discussed in fewer than four regions tended to be specific to either cow-calf or feedlot enterprises. For example, traceability (n = 4) was only discussed in the northwestern and northcentral regions with a large feedlot presence. In contrast, heifer development (n = 4) was discussed in three regions with more cow-calf operations. In conclusion, this project illustrates the diversity and commonality of challenges facing cattle producers in the state of Iowa and is indicative of issues facing cattle producers nationally. Although these listening sessions were specific to Iowa cattle producers, the methods used to gain insight into challenges facing cattle producers have applications beyond Iowa. The diversity of responses reinforces the need for routine needs assessments for extension program development to address the needs of the beef industry nationally and globally.

47 Navigating the Biotechnology Landscape in Animal Agriculture: Consumer and Producer Acceptance of Gene Editing to Improve Farm Animal Welfare

Abstract Consumer demand for production process traits in food and agricultural products is rapidly increasing. Recent legal measures reflect the demand for high animal welfare standards. At the same time, consumers are wary of biotechnology applications in food and agriculture, with calls for natural or organic production across the industry. However, when biotechnologies are applied for the benefit of the consumer or address a consumer concern, they become more acceptable. Producers, however, may be hesitant to adopt biotechnologies, given concerns about market acceptance. This presentation will explore the economic foundations, challenges, and opportunities for consumer and producer acceptance of biotechnology applications in animal welfare, especially gene editing techniques. Using the pork and diary industries as case studies, this talk will discuss the emerging opportunities for future improvements through gene editing. Understanding the economic foundations of biotechnology used to improve animal welfare aids agricultural producers, scientists, and policymakers to make optimal decisions regarding how these important aspects of animal agriculture progress.

65 Associations Between Resilience to Weaning Stress and Startle Response in Nursery-Age Gilts

Abstract Resilience is the capacity of animals to return quickly to their pre-stress status following a disturbance, including social, physical, and/or disease challenges. Understanding impact of individual resilience on behavior is key to improving the performance and welfare of farm animals. The goal of the study was to assess whether behavioral response to an auditory stimulus during a startle test (acute stress) differed between pigs designated as stress-resilient (SR) or stress-vulnerable (SV). Blood samples were collected from female piglets (n = 170) from 26 litters on the day before weaning, the day of weaning, and four days after weaning. Using serum cortisol concentrations from these samples, female pigs (n = 52) were classified as either SR (n = 26) or SV (n = 26) and used for the startle test. The startle test was conducted when pigs were 6 weeks-of age while they were housed in the nursery room. Video recordings were made with ceiling-mounted cameras from 1.5h before the test to 1.5h after the test. Videos were decoded to determine the relaxed-tense score of the pigs (RT; 1: relaxed, 3: tense; scored 10 min before testing began to describe the underlying mood of the pig), orientation to stimulus (OS; direction pigs were facing when air horn sounded), and startle magnitude score (SM; 0: no response, 4: remained frozen &amp;gt;1min). A mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression model was fit for SM including fixed effects of stress group (resilience designation (SR/SV), OS, RT, and pen position (distance from the air horn) and random effect of pen composition (social group). SM was affected by RT (P = 0.02), with pigs that had the greatest levels of underlying tension expressing less response to the stimulus. Pen position also impacted the SM (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with pigs in pens closer to the air horn displaying a stronger startle response than those housed further away. However, SR/SV designation and OS had no influence on SM. Pigs that are already tense may not be responsive to changes in their surroundings, in this case showing little response to a startling noise. Pigs closer to a startling stimulus are likely to perceive it as more threatening than pigs further away from the potential danger. Our data suggest no relationship between intensity of behavioral response to an auditory startle test and resilience or vulnerability to weaning stress. Behavioral and physiological responses to acute stress are influenced by a number of confounding factors inherent in individual animal variability, including the personalities and experiences of the pigs. However, the startle test could be a relatively easy way to assess fearfulness of pigs on farm, as it requires no training of pigs and can be conducted in the home pen, but further methodological improvement is required to enable instantaneous data collection.

Farm Animal Welfare Is a Field of Interest in China: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on CiteSpace.

Farm animal welfare research conducted in China is not commonly accessed or known outside of China, which may lead to the assumption that farm animal welfare receives relatively little attention in China. Therefore, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the existing Chinese farm animal welfare literature to provide robust evidence to refute this assumption. A total of 1312 peer-reviewed Chinese studies on farm animal welfare published between March 1992 and June 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. CiteSpace software was used to analyze and visualize the number, species, authors, institutions, journals, and keywords of the papers. In China, farm animal welfare research has gone through the processes of an early stage (1992-2001), rapid-growth stage (2002-2007), and mature stage (2008-present), and the scale of research continues to grow. Notably, swine and chickens have received priority attention in this area. A Matthew effect was observed for authors and institutions, with relatively little collaboration among authors and institutions. Most of the papers were published in a small number of journals, with an apparent agglomeration characteristic. The research hotspots, summarized as "feed and diet", "environmental impacts and control", "integrated rearing management", "injury and disease", "behavior and technologies for behavior monitoring", "genetic analysis", "welfare during transport and slaughter", "welfare-friendly animal product consumption", "attitudes toward farm animal welfare", and "healthy breeding". The keywords "computer vision", "recognition", "temperature", "precision livestock farming", "laying hen", and "behavior", represent the major research frontiers in the field, which could indicate potential areas of significant future research. The findings of the present bibliometric analysis confirm the fact that farm animal welfare is a field of interest in China. Farm animal welfare research in China tends to be pragmatic, with a strong emphasis on enhancing growth and production performance, as well as product quality, rather than solely concentrating on improving farm animal welfare. This paper provides insightful references that researchers can use to identify and understand the current status and future direction of the farm animal welfare field in China.

Residues of veterinary antibiotics in manures from pig and chicken farms in a context of antimicrobial use reduction by implementation of health and welfare plans

The use of antibiotics in food-producing animals can induce the presence of residual substances in manure, which are then released into the environment and may contribute to soil and groundwater contamination. During the on-farm implementation of strategies to improve animal health and welfare in chicken and pig farms, the consequences of antibiotic use were evaluated in terms of the occurrence and levels of antibiotic residues in manure.A set of 35 broiler farms from Cyprus, Greece, the Netherlands and 40 pig farms from France and Italy provided a total of 350 manure samples. The primary objective was to develop a specific LC/MS/MS method capable of quantifying antibiotic residues in both types of manure. The method was able to detect fifteen antibiotics belonging to nine classes, with validated limits of quantification of 10–20 μg/kg, and accuracies ranging from 81% to 138%.With the exception of amoxicillin, which was never detected in any manure, all antibiotics used were detected in manure from treated animals with typical concentrations ranging from 10 to 99198 μg/kg for both chickens and pigs. The occurrence of residual antibiotics was higher in chicken than in pig manure, especially for fluoroquinolones and doxycycline which were detected in 89% and 100% of the chicken manure, respectively, and in 28% of the pig manure. The impact of the health plans on the antibiotic load manure was assessed by measuring for each farm the ratio of the sum of all antibiotic concentrations measured after and before the implementation of the plan. The results showed that, in addition to the frequency of treatments, the class of antibiotic used is an important factor to consider as it strongly influences the stability/instability of the compounds, i.e. their ability to persist in the manure of food-producing animals.

US Swine Industry Stakeholder Perceptions of Precision Livestock Farming Technology: A Q-Methodology Study.

This study used the Q-methodology approach to analyze perceptions of precision livestock farming (PLF) technology held by stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in the US swine industry. To see if stakeholders' perceptions of PLF changed over time as PLF is a rapidly evolving field, we deliberately followed up with stakeholders we had interviewed 6 months earlier. We identified three distinct points of view: PLF improves farm management, animal welfare, and laborer work conditions; PLF does not solve swine industry problems; PLF has limitations and could lead to data ownership conflict. Stakeholders with in-depth knowledge of PLF technology demonstrated elevated levels of optimism about it, whereas those with a basic understanding were skeptical of PLF claims. Despite holding different PLF views, all stakeholders agreed on the significance of training to enhance PLF usefulness and its eventual adoption. In conclusion, we believe this study's results hold promise for helping US swine industry stakeholders make better-informed decisions about PLF technology implementation.

Introduction to the concept of “welfare potential” of production systems and its practical relevance to welfare labelling

Farm animal welfare is inextricably linked to, and limited by, the welfare potential of the production system. Welfare potential is determined by the method of production, with key housing features and the genetics of the animal being the primary defining factors. Housing systems with close confinement, or using animals selected for productivity to the detriment of welfare, such as fast-growing broilers, cannot deliver good welfare as the causes of poor welfare are an inherent part of the system. Good management, while not a determinant of the welfare potential, is essential for a system to achieve its potential. Viewing systems in terms of their welfare potential reduces the risk of making ongoing incremental changes to systems where welfare can never be high. It sets a framework for evaluating the inputs into a system which are key to ensure an acceptable level of welfare. This approach has practical relevance for certification schemes, as it allows for a tiered (“bad, better, best”) approach to food labelling based on method of production (e.g. intensive indoors, higher welfare indoors, free-range). Paired with robust welfare outcomes assessment and auditing, this can provide clear and simple information on the farming system to the consumers, while ensuring that the system delivers good welfare. There is an urgent need to move away from systems with a low welfare potential, as they can never deliver acceptable levels of welfare, and to support farmers in their transition towards systems with a higher welfare potential.

Vegan versus meat-based cat food: Guardian-reported health outcomes in 1,369 cats, after controlling for feline demographic factors.

Increasing concerns about environmental sustainability, farmed animal welfare and competition for traditional protein sources, are driving considerable development of alternative pet foods. These include raw meat diets, in vitro meat products, and diets based on novel protein sources including terrestrial plants, insects, yeast, fungi and potentially seaweed. To study health outcomes in cats fed vegan diets compared to those fed meat, we surveyed 1,418 cat guardians, asking about one cat living with them, for at least one year. Among 1,380 respondents involved in cat diet decision-making, health and nutrition was the factor considered most important. 1,369 respondents provided information relating to a single cat fed a meat-based (1,242-91%) or vegan (127-9%) diet for at least a year. We examined seven general indicators of illness. After controlling for age, sex, neutering status and primary location via regression models, the following risk reductions were associated with a vegan diet for average cats: increased veterinary visits- 7.3% reduction, medication use- 14.9% reduction, progression onto therapeutic diet- 54.7% reduction, reported veterinary assessment of being unwell- 3.6% reduction, reported veterinary assessment of more severe illness- 7.6% reduction, guardian opinion of more severe illness- 22.8% reduction. Additionally, the number of health disorders per unwell cat decreased by 15.5%. No reductions were statistically significant. We also examined the prevalence of 22 specific health disorders, using reported veterinary assessments. Forty two percent of cats fed meat, and 37% of those fed vegan diets suffered from at least one disorder. Of these 22 disorders, 15 were most common in cats fed meat, and seven in cats fed vegan diets. Only one difference was statistically significant. Considering these results overall, cats fed vegan diets tended to be healthier than cats fed meat-based diets. This trend was clear and consistent. These results largely concur with previous, similar studies.

Farm animal welfare as a key element of sustainable food production

This comprehensive review article explores the critical relationship between farm animal welfare and sustainable food production, addressing the growing awareness of the ethical, environmental, and economic implications of animal treatment in agriculture. Prioritizing farm animal welfare is not only a moral imperative but also a key element in achieving a truly sustainable and resilient food system. The study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with enhancing animal welfare practices and their profound impact on sustainability. It analyzes potential benefits and barriers for farmers, consumers, and society at large in adopting more ethical and humane food production practices. By addressing these issues, the article aims to foster a more sustainable food production system that promotes animal welfare, environmental conservation, and social responsibility. Emphasizing the importance of ethical treatment, the review discusses improved animal health and productivity, the environmental impact, consumer perspectives, and successful case studies that highlight the transformative potential of embracing farm animal welfare in shaping a compassionate, resilient, and sustainable food industry.