How to improve animal health and welfare?
Animal production has risen continuously over the centuries, with the highest increase during the last 40 years, and continues to grow rapidly. This development is characterized by intensification, specialization and often regional concentration. In many countries, the gap between modern livestock production and society is widening and there is a general lack of understanding of the animal production process. Consumers ask for sufficient, healthy, high quality and safe meat, milk and eggs for a reasonable price. More and more attention is paid to animal welfare and health in many countries in Europe and increasingly worldwide, but only a minority of consumers is prepared to pay more.
There is a need for more and more precise monitoring of health, welfare and behaviour of our livestock.
Fundamental : Relationship between human and animal
How relationships between farmer and animals influence animal welfare ?
With the rise in farm size and number of animals per farm, contacts between humans and animals are reduced. This impacts animal behaviour on farm and could result in animals being more afraid of humans and farmers. Fear generates stress for the animal which impacts :
Animal Welfare
Farmer's work conditions and perception
That is why PLF tools should be developed by taking into account animal and farmer welfare with solutions good for work comfort, pleasure at work, security
Definition : Animal Welfare and Health
There are multiple views on Animal Welfare and it can be defined on the basis of ethic, legislation, emotion or science. Several definitions are co-existing.
The 5 "Freedoms" for adequate Farm Animal Welfare :
Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition – unlimited access to drinkable water and provision of an adequate diet for full health and vigour
Freedom from discomfort - an appropriate environment with shelter and a comfortable rest area
Freedom from pain, disease and injury - prevention or rapid treatment
Freedom from fear and avoidable distress - conditions and treatment which avoid mental sufferings
Freedom to express normal behaviour - adequate space and facilities, company of the animal's own kind
Example : Drinking water quality
 | The five freedoms of drinking water:
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Complement :
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