Welfare Status Research Articles

Sexual behaviour of young rams is improved and less stressful after intranasal administration of oxytocin

The aim of this study was to determine if intranasal administration of oxytocin modifies sexual behaviour and the stress response in young rams during sexual tests with ewes in oestrus. Ten rams were used in a cross-over design. At Day 0, the control group (CG, n = 5) received isotonic saline spray intranasally, and the treated group (OTG, n = 5) received oxytocin (24 IU) intranasally, 40 min before the sexual test. At Day 15, the groups were reversed. In each sexual test (20 min) with an oestrous-induced ewe, the sexual behaviour of the young rams was recorded. Serum cortisol concentrations were determined before and after the test. Less flehmen was observed in the OTG, but mounts with ejaculation were increased. The OTG presented lower serum cortisol concentration than the CG. In conclusion, intranasal administration of oxytocin modified the sexual behaviour of rams, evidenced by a decrease in flehmen behaviour and an increase in mounts with ejaculation, making sexual activity more efficacious. In addition, the treatment decreased the stress response of the rams in the sexual tests. Therefore, intranasal administration of oxytocin could be used to increase sexual activity in rams, and with less stress, providing better welfare conditions.

Inclusion of Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae in Free-Range Laying Hen Diets: Effects on Production Efficiency, Feed Safety, Blood Metabolites, and Hen Health

Identifying alternative feedstuffs to replace conventional nutrient sources in poultry diets is crucial to supplying the growing demand for animal feed. A 17-week-long feeding experiment with three diets, including 0% (control), 10%, and 18% full-fat dried black soldier fly larvae (DBSFL), was conducted to evaluate the production efficiency and feed safety of using the larvae for partial (50%) and full (100%) substitutions of soybean meal and 90% replacement of soybean oil in free-range laying hen diets. Thirty hens (18–36 weeks old) were housed in two mobile poultry trailers per treatment level. The weight gain of hens, their feed intake, egg production, egg weights, feed conversion ratios, bird welfare parameters, hematology and blood metabolites, fecal microbiology, and digestive tract weights were examined. Control hens had higher weight gains, laid more and bigger eggs while consuming less feed, and had lower feed conversion ratios than 18% DBSFL hens. However, the production performances of 10% DBSFL hens were not significantly different from the control in many of the parameters considered (e.g., hen-day egg production or HDEP). In conclusion, partial replacement of soybean meal and oil with DBSFL in layer diets maintains production efficiency, feed safety, and hen health and welfare status.

Teacher Well-Being: the Teachers Perspective in the Special Region of Yogyakarta

The role of a teacher is vital to creating an effective and efficient educational process. Not everyone can become a teacher or lecturer because they are considered a profession that demands professionalism. Nonetheless, the role of a teacher in the educational process is not commensurate with the welfare conditions felt by the teachers; the workload is quite heavy, with emotional demands causing negative suggestions for teachers regarding their work. It is appropriate for policymakers related to the world of education to pay more attention to the construct of well-being in teachers. The aim of this research, thus, is to discover teachers' perspectives on teacher well-being that they experience while being teachers, starting from two attitudes in implementing teacher well-being (affective and cognitive), as well as what factors make them persist as teachers. This research used qualitative methods. The informants involved in this research were five teachers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Based on the data collection method, a triangulation test of sources, techniques, and time was carried out to test the validity of the data. This research revealed six aspects of teacher well-being, encompassing positive relationships with other people, autonomy, personal growth, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, and purpose in life. Family support and a positive view of the teaching profession are essential to improving teachers' well-being.

Establishment of biochemical and hematological profiles of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) under extensive and intensive production systems.

In Algeria, camel husbandry is undergoing a shift from a traditional extensive system to onemore intensive. Such a move in the production system of the dromedary camel should be well investigated in terms of animal welfare, health, and production status. The main objective of this study was to define and evaluate the effects of production systems on physiological responses (hematological and biochemical parameters) in Sahraoui dromedary camels to understand possible changes caused by intensive livestock farming. We analyzed the biochemical and hematological blood profiles in Sahraoui dromedary camel to evaluate and establish the differential responses to intensive conditions. Blood samples were taken from 41 healthy Sahraoui dromedary camels as part of routine veterinary analysis in southern Algeria. In total, 28 camels were from an intensive production system (IS) fed with formulated concentrate and a supply of minerals, and 13 camels were reared in a traditional extensive system (ES) maintained exclusively on grazing. Animals were of a different sex: 16 males and 25 females, and they were divided into three age categories: less than 4 years, 4 to 8, and above 8 years. All animals were healthy. This enabled us to simultaneously check the effect of age and sex on the blood profiles. Results showed that the production system affected the blood parameters of Sahraoui dromedary camel; as total protein, total cholesterol, and urea concentration were significantly higher in the plasma of animals in the intensive production system (P < 0.05). Glucose, triglycerides, and urea values differed significantly (P < 0.05) in camel plasma between age categories. Sex in our study had no effect on enzyme activities (P > 0.05). However, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in camels reared in the extensive production system (1454.13 ± 290 IU/l) than those reared in intensive production system (1313.17 ± 32 IU/l). Age and sex had a marginal effect on mineral status in dromedary camel plasma as only iron concentrations were significantly higher in male camels (P < 0.05), while Ca, P, and K concentrations were increased in the intensive system. On the other hand, our findings showed that sex, age, and production system did not affect the hematological parameters of Sahraoui dromedary (P > 0.05), except for hematocrit (PCV %) that was significantly higher in the extensive system. This work contributes to a better understanding of Sahraoui dromedary camel biology regarding the effect of different production systems on hemato-biochemical parameters.

VETERINARY, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF CATTLE WELFARE: A REVIEW

The paper presents a review of the literature on cattle welfare. The objective of this review is to outline the veterinary, economic, and social aspects of cattle welfare and highlight the current problems, global trends, and solutions. The global major scientific reference databases (Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus) were reviewed. The review brought the following findings: a change in scientific and practical approaches to the understanding and assessment of the welfare of productive animals that requires not only health maintenance, stress prevention, or the ability of animals to express natural behavior. Animal welfare gains more anthropometric traits, including such concepts as 'pleasure' or 'happiness'. The concept of 'positive welfare' has become a more popular trend in scientific research on animal welfare. The review identified positive trends of possible modification of production systems, to make them more diverse and animal welfare friendly. The research found livestock products consumers growing concerned about animal welfare and housing conditions. The concept of welfare is more commercialized, which encourages livestock producers to adhere to ethical production standards. However, the demand of consumers to meet high standards of animal welfare does not have sufficient economic leverage. Only a few are willing to pay more for the better welfare of the animals or to refuse to consume animal products from production systems with poor welfare conditions. This review was intended to draw the attention of scientists, farmers, and consumers to the problems of the humane treatment of productive animals. And to assist stakeholders in finding their place in the process of creating better conditions for animals that are used for food, helping people with their existence or with their lives.

The Role of the UMY Campus in Improving the Economic Welfare of Yogyakarta Suburban Residents

This research aims to determine the role of the UMY campus in improving the welfare of residents around the campus. The method used was descriptive quantitative and uses a scoring analysis model. This research used several parameters collected through structured interviews and observations. These parameters were analyzed using a scoring/weighting method to determine the socio-economic conditions and level of welfare of residents around the UMY campus. The results show that 64% of the socio-economic conditions in Tamantirto Village are classified as moderate. Likewise, the welfare condition of the population is known to be 56%, including the middle class too. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the UMY campus has a real role in improving the socio-economic welfare of the peripheral communities around the campus.

Objective and subjective difficulties in returning to the country of origin in case of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, under the prism of different periods of time

Integration and social inclusion policy appear to face various difficulties, in case of migrants, refugees, other forcibly displaced persons. It usually depends on various social, national, cultural and religious biases, prejudices, personal or interpersonal limitations that are shared either in the frame of receiving society or in one of the refuge seekers. Moreover, because of aforementioned features the integration policy works either properly and successfully or fails. Therefore, we can see brilliantly integrated individuals, who restore their level of personal, financial and social independence even while being a refugee and ones, who suffer from not being able to do this even after a long period of time. Anyway, the refuge seekers are legally treated as individuals, who will potentially stay on the territory of the receiving country during a limited period of time (thus, the necessary time, until the optimal conditions of well-being and welfare in their country of origin will not be properly restored). However, as the time passes by, the primary desire to be back home and reintegrate to the primary society decreases until the full elimination. And this tendency appear not be anyhow dependent both on difficulties that the refuge seekers face during integration and social inclusion periods and other factors as well. In our current research we have postulated objective and subjective difficulties of the fact, why the tendency of returning to the home land decreases with the time, and how the integration policy shall be changed to allow the most optimal level of social inclusion of new comers who potentially will become permanent foreign nationals staying abroad.

The effects of stocking density on growth, morphological development, behavior, and welfare parameters in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus).

In pheasants, which are generally raised in large flocks, stocking density is important for their growth and development, normal behavior and welfare. But there is still a lack of information on the optimum stocking density for game birds. This research was conducted on a total of 200 pheasants to examine the effects of low (5 pheasant/m2) and high (10 pheasant/m2) stocking density rearing practices on body weight, morphological development, behavioral characteristics and welfare parameters such as foot-pad dermatitis and plumage quality. When we look at the study results, it was determined that the density of stocking did not make a difference in the first 13 weeks of age, but pheasants reared at low density at the ages of 14-16 weeks reached higher body weight. In terms of body weight at 14, 15, and 16 weeks, the low stocking density group had an average of approximately 41, 71, and 94 g higher than the high stocking density group, respectively (p<0.05). It had been found that low density provides better morphological development. The low group was found to be significantly higher than the high group in terms of ornithological size, wingspan, back length, tail length, head length and head width, 5.9 cm, 2 cm, 1.3 cm, 7.6 cm, 1.7 mm and 1 mm, respectively (p<0.05). Since the animals in the low group had more individual space, they had the opportunity to perch and therefore exhibit more passive behavior. On the other hand, pheasants in the low group exhibited higher levels of aggressive behavior (p<0.05). More foraging behavior was observed in the higher group and the low-density group consumed more feed in the 14th week (p<0.05). But no significant differences were detected between groups in terms of feed consumption in other weeks (p>0.05). A 1.12 point higher score was calculated in the low group compared to the high group, especially in terms of tail feather quality, and as a result, pheasants reared in low stocking density had better plumage quality (p<0.05). It had been determined that as the stocking density decreases in the rearing of pheasants, they exhibit easier flight and roosting behaviors and therefore they were less affected by feather pecking behavior and had better feather quality. In addition, it had been determined that pheasants grow and develop better in this group, which had more rest opportunities. In conclusion, rearing at low stocking density is recommended for better fattening performance and better welfare conditions.

On the use of 3D camera to accurately measure volume and weight of dairy cow feed

The paper discusses the challenges facing the dairy industry due to increased farm sizes and reduced staff-to-animal ratios, which are impacting animal welfare. The development of precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies has gained momentum to address these challenges. PLF technologies can assess animal welfare and health status by monitoring animal behavior and biological changes, and alerting farmers of any issues. However, the applicability of PLF tools in other productive phases of the dairy cattle is still limited. The article focuses on the challenges of managing unweaned dairy calves, particularly the variability in relation to when calves start consuming solid feed, and how PLF technologies can be used to monitor individual calf intake and manage weaning at the individual level. The attention is mainly focused on the advantages of using automated feeders for unweaned dairy calves, including labor savings, greater precision in measurement and control of individual intake of liquid and solid feed, and higher preweaning growth rates. In particular, a method is proposed, involving a 3D depth camera and a proper algorithm to measure the volume and weight of eaten feed. The method is preliminarily assessed in tests conducted in laboratory, which highlight a remarkable concurrence (differences as low as 2 %) with respect to nominal values.

Rohingya and Aceh: When Religion and Culture Play its Role

Objective: This research will explore the actor's perspective on the presence of Rohingya refugees in Aceh after the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that the people of Aceh and Indonesia have generally accepted the Rohingya for reasons related to religion and local wisdom, where these two things are interrelated and cannot be separated in the life of the people of Aceh. This condition could be different if, one day, refugees come from different religious and cultural backgrounds from the people of Aceh. Method: To prove this argument, the authors used mixed-method research by combining survey and interview data, analysing using a deductive approach and describing qualitatively. The survey was conducted on 267 respondents between June 2021 and August 2022. Results: The results showed that although the majority of people accept Rohingya refugees in Aceh, temporarily or permanently, there are still a small number who reject them. The most dominant reasons for acceptance are humanity and morality based on religion and local wisdom. The reasons for refusal were generally due to the unsettled condition of the Indonesian people's economic welfare and the potential for conflict between refugees and the community around the shelter. Conclusion: This condition proves that in Acehnese society, religious values and local wisdom are still very influential, especially in responding to the presence of the Rohingya in Aceh. Recommendation: Based on the findings, it is recommended that policymakers, central government and regional governments should prepare proper regulations, treatment models and integration processes by taking into account religious values and local wisdom and involving local communities and religious leaders in the handling process. Originality/Value: Findings contribute to a scholarly understanding of religious elements and local wisdom in the people of Aceh, especially towards the presence of the Rohingya.

Integrating Climate Education for Social Welfare Enhancement in Indonesia

Indonesia still faces two significant challenges: a climate education system and relatively low social welfare rates. To address these pressing concerns, this study examines the feasibility of utilizing climate education to enhance social welfare. The study proposes a comprehensive framework for climate education in Indonesia using quantitative and qualitative research methods designed to adapt to various contexts, including formal educational settings such as schools and universities, while still accessible to underprivileged communities. The findings highlight the significance of integrating climate and environmental education into the educational system to prepare future generations to address ecological challenges. The paper also discusses the impact of the climate crisis on social welfare conditions in Indonesia, particularly for vulnerable communities. It proposes strategies for implementing climate education to enhance social welfare. It emphasizes the need for interactive and action-oriented approaches to climate education, as well as the role of universities in promoting practical solutions and student leadership. The framework presented in the paper aims to equip future professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive innovation in sustainable technologies, shape responsible policy decisions, and foster community resilience

Estimation of gestating sows’ welfare status based on machine learning methods and behavioral data

Estimating the welfare status at an individual level on the farm is a current issue to improve livestock animal monitoring. New technologies showed opportunities to analyze livestock behavior with machine learning and sensors. The aim of the study was to estimate some components of the welfare status of gestating sows based on machine learning methods and behavioral data. The dataset used was a combination of individual and group measures of behavior (activity, social and feeding behaviors). A clustering method was used to estimate the welfare status of 69 sows (housed in four groups) during different periods (sum of 2 days per week) of gestation (between 6 and 10 periods, depending on the group). Three clusters were identified and labelled (scapegoat, gentle and aggressive). Environmental conditions and the sows’ health influenced the proportion of sows in each cluster, contrary to the characteristics of the sow (age, body weight or body condition). The results also confirmed the importance of group behavior on the welfare of each individual. A decision tree was learned and used to classify the sows into the three categories of welfare issued from the clustering step. This classification relied on data obtained from an automatic feeder and automated video analysis, achieving an accuracy rate exceeding 72%. This study showed the potential of an automatic decision support system to categorize welfare based on the behavior of each gestating sow and the group of sows.

New Labor Codes and its Impact on Employees

This research paper examines the implementation and consequences of the introduced labor codes, in India. These codes aim to modernize and streamline the framework governing employment relations in the country. The study takes an approach combining a review of existing literature, analysis of policies and empirical investigations to assess how these changes impact employee rights, welfare and working conditions. The paper closely analyzes provisions within the labor codes that cover wages, social security, industrial relations and occupational safety. Special attention is given to how these provisions affect groups in the workforce such as gig economy workers. To gather insights for this study both quantitative data from surveys and qualitative information from interviews and focus group discussions are utilized. The findings reveal a range of outcomes with both effects and potential drawbacks for employees. While there are benefits in terms of formalizing the sector and making it easier to conduct business concerns remain regarding job security erosion reduced bargaining power and increased potential, for exploitation—especially among marginalized individuals

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.

Anti-oxidant effects of herbal residue from Shengxuebao mixture on heat-stressed New Zealand rabbits

Heat stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, weakened immune system, increased metabolic pressure on the liver, and ultimately higher animal mortality rates. This not only seriously impairs the welfare status of animals, but also causes significant economic losses to the livestock industry. Due to its rich residual bioactive components and good safety characteristics, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) residue is expected to become a high-quality feed additive with anti-oxidative stress alleviating function. This study focuses on the potential of Shengxuebao mixture herbal residue (SXBR) as an anti-heat stress feed additive. Through the UPLC (ultra performance liquid chromatography) technology, the average residue rate of main active ingredients from SXBR were found to be 25.39%. SXBR were then added into the basal diet of heat stressed New Zealand rabbits at the rates of 5% (SXBRl), 10% (SXBRm) and 20% (SXBRh). Heat stress significantly decreased the weight gain, as well as increased neck and ear temperature, drip loss in meat, inflammation and oxidative stress. Also, the hormone levels were disrupted, with a significant increase in serum levels of CA, COR and INS. After the consumption of SXBR in the basal diet for 3 weeks, the weight of New Zealand rabbits increased significantly, and the SXBRh group restored the redness value of the meat to a similar level as the control group. Furthermore, the serum levels T3 thyroid hormone in the SXBRh group and T4 thyroid hormone in the SXBRm group increased significantly, the SXBRh group showed a significant restoration in inflammation markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity, HSP-70, MDA, and ROS) levels. Moreover, the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis found that, the expression levels of antioxidant genes such as Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GPX1 were significantly upregulated in the SXBRh group, and the expression level of the Keap1 gene was significantly downregulated. Additionally, the SXBRm group showed significant upregulation in the expression levels of HO-1 and NQO1 genes. Western blot experiments further confirmed the up-regulation of Nrf2, Ho-1 and NQO1 proteins. This study provides a strategy for the utilization of SXBR and is of great significance for the green recycling of the TCM residues, improving the development of animal husbandry and animal welfare.

Daylong acoustic recordings of grazing and rumination activities in dairy cows

Monitoring livestock feeding behavior may help assess animal welfare and nutritional status, and to optimize pasture management. The need for continuous and sustained monitoring requires the use of automatic techniques based on the acquisition and analysis of sensor data. This work describes an open dataset of acoustic recordings of the foraging behavior of dairy cows. The dataset includes 708 h of daily records obtained using unobtrusive and non-invasive instrumentation mounted on five lactating multiparous Holstein cows continuously monitored for six non-consecutive days in pasture and barn. Labeled recordings precisely delimiting grazing and rumination bouts are provided for a total of 392 h and for over 6,200 ingestive and rumination jaw movements. Companion information on the audio recording quality and expert-generated labels is also provided to facilitate data interpretation and analysis. This comprehensive dataset is a useful resource for studies aimed at exploring new tools and solutions for precision livestock farming.

Patterns of Pregnancy Care Based on Indonesian Culture

Background: The health of pregnant women is one of the nation’s health indicators. Maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR) are important indicators to assess a country's welfare and public health conditions. The majority of infant mortality occurs during the neonatal period, which is related to the mother’s health during pregnancy, the awareness of the mother and family about the importance of antenatal care, the participation of health workers, and the availability of medical facilities. In addition, communities in some regions still believe in myths and have a culture that is contrary to the health sciences, which has an impact on the health of pregnant women. This study aims to describe the pattern of pregnancy care in Indonesia.Method: This study is a literature review study. In the data identification process, a total of 263 articles were identified and filtered based on inclusion criteria, language, and research location. Then, the relevant research articles were extracted, sequenced, and examined to identify the subtopics and topics. After the screening and eligibility process, 14 relevant final articles were selected.Results: This study is a literature review study. In the data identification process, a total of 263 articles were identified and filtered based on inclusion criteria, language, and research location. Then, the relevant research articles were extracted, sequenced, and examined to identify the subtopics and topics. After the screening and eligibility process, 14 relevant final articles were selected.

38 Application of Real-Time Location Systems for Automated Behavioral Monitoring in Sheep

Abstract Evaluating how, when, and where an animal moves in their environment can provide insights into their health and welfare states. Spatial tracking systems for monitoring sheep are less well developed than accelerometer-based systems, but have the potential to add important behavioral information to Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) applications. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) can be used to track pasture-based animals, but are not suitable to establish indoor locations. Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are a recent development that use radio-frequency signals emitted by tags to track the indoor location of an animal online and continuously. Raw RTLS data in the form of x, y coordinates can be used to calculate multiple spatial metrics, including velocity, acceleration, distance moved, the proportion of time an animal spends in different functional areas, social network attributes, and range size. RTLS can also be integrated with accelerometers to potentially improve predictive accuracy of behavioral algorithms. RTLS have been primarily tested and validated for indoor tracking of dairy cattle and have been used to assess behavioral time budgets and to detect space-use changes related to estrus or health status. For on-farm applications, these data must be transformed into threshold-based algorithms to generate notifications on changes in the health or welfare status of an animal. Algorithm development needs to account for confounding factors such as breed, sex, age, parity, and stage of lactation, as well as environmental variability that can influence the performance of decision-making tools under real-life conditions. In addition, independent validation studies of commercial systems are lacking, and many calculate positioning error with stationary objects rather than moving animals, potentially inflating accuracy estimates. In conclusion, there is growing empirical support for the use of RTLS as a PLF technology for on-farm animal health and welfare assessment. However, research is needed to validate these systems in sheep and identify spatial metrics that are accurate and robust predictors of health and welfare states for commercial applications.

Challenges in Sheltering Seized Animals from Hoarders from a One Welfare Perspective.

Animal hoarding is a complex issue that, when discovered, frequently necessitates opening shelter doors to many animals. This is due to hoarders' inability to provide even the most basic welfare standards for their animals, resulting in poor welfare conditions that frequently border on mistreatment. These people are frequently unaware of their failure to care for their animals, as well as of the harm that they cause to people around them and the environment. They usually do not care for themselves either. The majority of hoarders have difficult histories, and they all need help getting back on track. When the agencies discover the status quo, the animals are usually seized and taken to shelters, where they face a variety of welfare consequences, beginning with confinement in an unknown environment that is associated with additional risks (e.g., infectious diseases, behavioral deterioration, and distress). Furthermore, the targeted shelters are frequently overcrowded and cannot adequately accommodate the large numbers of animals found in hoarders' environments. The One Welfare approach, which is increasingly being used alongside One Health to work at the intersection of human and animal health and welfare, could be adopted to benefit animals while also addressing the poor states of humans. This concept's depiction of the interconnections between animal welfare, human well-being, and the environment can fit with all the components of the animal-hoarding phenomenon, including the peculiarities of the hoarding environment, as well as those of shelters where animals are often moved. The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into how the One Welfare concept may be critical in tackling all of the interests concerned in these cases and offering solutions.

A Case Study of Farmers’ Behavioral Motivation Mechanisms to Crack the Fractal Multidimensional Relative Poverty Trap in Shaanxi, China

China’s approach to addressing rural poverty has evolved from a thorough resolution of absolute poverty to a focus on providing essential support for vulnerable individuals and improving the income and welfare conditions of those who are relatively poor, taking into account multiple dimensions. This study utilizes a dataset consisting of 526 research sets collected from the central region of Shaanxi Province. The research employs structural equation modeling to examine the fractal multidimensional relative poverty trap experienced by farm households. Additionally, the study investigates the behavior motivation mechanism that can potentially alleviate the multidimensional relative poverty trap at the farm household level. The study found that (1) farm households in the central Shaanxi region are caught in a multidimensional relative poverty trap, with education poverty and health poverty having a conduction and amplification effect; health poverty and education poverty amplify employment poverty; and consumption poverty amplifies education poverty and health poverty, and education poverty further amplifies information poverty. (2) Multidimensional relative poverty in farming households creates a self-reinforcing poverty trap, and community relative poverty amplifies the multidimensional poverty trap in farming households. (3) Farmers can overcome the multidimensional relative poverty trap through the behavior motivation mechanism.