ANIMAL WELFARE (Assessment of Animal Welfare) Flashcards
animal welfare can be measured but
-must be based on QUANTIFABLE indicators and that provide info about animal well-being
Ex. body weight, ambient temperature, leg kicks vs. comfort, pain, happiness
*more than one indicator must be used (ANIMAL WELFARE IS MULTIFACTORIAL)
2 types of indicators
- Animal based
- Resource based
*try use a combination of both
>especially if looking at individualization of animal welfare vs. whole herd
characteristics of good indicators of animal welfare
- Reliable
- Practical
- Scientifically sound
*often be species to species and to the problem in question
reliable
-inter- and intra- observer variability should be low and constant throughout different populations
practical
-function of time and money
scientifically sound
-be aware of limitations that an indicator could have
Ex. stress in males: sexual and social behaviours show high stress
resource based indicators of animal welfare
-traditionally has been the focus
-valid when animal-based ones are unknown or hard to obtain
>some cases where a direct relationship with animal welfare is demonstrated
positives (resource based)
-quick
-objective
-no specific formation required
negatives (resourced based)
-not always directly correlated with animal welfare
-individual variability: temperature, dominance, status, size
-interaction between multiple indicators: optimal temperature depends on space allows
examples of animal-based measuremetns
-performance
-morbidity and mortality rates
-thermal comfort
-behaviour
-hormonal activity
-brain function
-handling response
-blood titers
distance exam
-assessment of patient’s environment and the possible relationship of that environment to the patients problems
what to look for (distance exam)
- Evaluate when cow is undisturbed (is it active, performing normal activities?)
- Response to approach
- Head bearing
- Ear position
- Facial expressin
- Other
Response to approach
-response elicited when approaching the cow
-flight distance
-withdrawal movements
head bearing
-below or above withers when standing or walking
ear position
-relaxed=forward or frequently moving
-something is going on=low ears, or both ears consistently backwards