Research into animal welfare : aims, methods and purpose

Abstract

Animal protection is now included in French and European legislation. It meets a major concern of western societies that stems from the acknowledgement that animals used by humans are sentient beings that should be guaranteed a minimum protection. The way animals perceive their environment determines their well-being: it will be good if the animal perceives that the environment meets its needs, while it will be low for an animal that perceives its environment as threatening or unpleasant. To assess the welfare state of an animal, many behavioural, physiological and biological indices need to be taken into account. The living conditions of farm animals are often chosen according to production objectives and may not always ensure a high level of animal welfare. At the same time, a low welfare state can have adverse effects on animal productivity. Hence remedial solutions that meet both production and welfare requirements should be developed. This special issue aims to refine the concept of animal well-being and will present a review of results of the research underta-ken by the members of the AGRIBEA network. The findings can be used for drawing up regulations and advising farmers.