Welfare Science

Question 1

What is welfare science?

Answer 1

Using scientific methods to investigate animal welfare states + find solutions to animal welfare problems

Question 2

Describe the difference between animal based and resource based welfare indicators

Answer 2

Animal based = physiological (scientific), behavioural (+ve/ -ve), disease (high disease = poor welfare), production (poor performance = poor welfare?)
Resource based = feed provided, housing, environment enrichment, records

Question 3

Describe how the physiological response of welfare state of an animals may be assesses

Answer 3

• flight or fight response = ANS (HR, RR, blood pressure, adrenaline, noradrenaline)
• stress = hypothalmic pituitary axis (glucocorticoids/ cortisol)

Question 4

Describe what measures of production could be used as a welfare indicator

Answer 4

egg production, milk yields, finishing weights, lambing percentages - affected by nutrition, disease, stress

Question 5

What other animals based measures could be used to assess welfare?

Answer 5

Body condition scoring, hygiene scoring

Question 6

What actions can a vet take to ensure good animals welfare?

Answer 6

• welfare enforcement
• advising clients
• monitoring patients
• assessing animals for certification scheme

Question 7

What are the 5 freedoms?

Answer 7

1. freedom from hunger and thirst
2. freedom from pain, injury, disease
3. freedom from discomfort
4. freedom from fear
5. freedom to express normal behaviour