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Animals
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Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More...
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Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More Sustainable Animal Agriculture

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Welfare".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 14477

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Luiene M. Rocha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Independent Researcher and Consultant, Project Manager – Animal Welfare at Centre de développement du porc du Québec inc. (CDPQ), Québec, QC G1V 4M6, Canada
Interests: animal welfare; stress physiology; welfare assessment; animal based-measures; pork quality; pig production; One Welfare

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last decade, the concept of One health and One Welfare has gained increasing attention within the scientific community around the world due to its importance in dealing with the indissociable link between health and welfare of human, animal, and the environment. This approach is necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, food safety, sustainability and animal welfare are the main concerns consumers have about modern food production. Addressing these issues in animal production systems is challenging: how to sustain an eight billion and more World population through the Sustainable Development Goals improving food safety, animal welfare, sustainability and promoting food security around the globe? That a lot of strategies that could be combined and created to help on this challenge. Assessing animal welfare can be the starting point for improving the chain, reducing loss, with direct environmental impacts and positive effect on animal and human health.

We are pleased to invite recent research or reviews developing new and robust methods and/or technologies to assess and connect sustainability, animal welfare, and sustainable development goals.

The aim of this Special issue is to bring new perspectives to the “from farm to table” approach by addressing the different components of animal welfare and sustainability, including the economic, environmental and societal aspects. These topics may include welfare-relevant aspects as welfare assessment, strategies to reduce the use of antibiotics, improving production efficiency, genetic selection, animal health, husbandry management and enhancement of lifetime performance of farm animals. Additional topics may include (but are not limited to) the impact of animal welfare on food safety, social responsibility, environment and sustainable development goals.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Luiene M. Rocha
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • animal-based measures
  • welfare assessment
  • physiology
  • behavior
  • stress indicators
  • best practices
  • sustainable development goals
  • sustainability
  • One Health
  • One Welfare

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 245 KiB  
Communication
Stakeholder Perceptions of Animal Welfare as a Component of Sustainable Beef Programs in the United States—A Pilot Study
by Lily Edwards-Callaway, Melissa Davis, Lauren Dean and Brianna McBride
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091348 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1773
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, 96%) had sustainability programs that incorporated animal welfare. Most respondents believed that welfare positively impacted environmental (n = 25/26, 96%), economic (n = 25/26, 96%), and social (n = 26/26, 100%) sustainability. The thematic analysis of five free response questions identified ten themes: Animal Care, Regulations and Guidelines, Responsibility, Consumers and Stakeholders, Performance and Efficiency, Financial Impact, Connectedness, Critical Component, Animal-based Outcomes, and Employees. When asked to define welfare, the most common themes were Animal Care and Regulations and Guidelines. When asked why welfare was a component of their sustainability program, the top factors from a provided list were: cattle health (n = 20, 74%), cattle performance (n = 12, 44%), and consumer perceptions (n = 12, 44%). Findings suggest a widespread recognition of animal welfare’s importance within sustainable beef production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More Sustainable Animal Agriculture)
12 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Effects of Multistrain Probiotic Supplementation on Sows’ Emotional and Cognitive States and Progeny Welfare
by Melody Martins Cavalcante Pereira, Ines Andretta, Carolina Haubert Franceschi, Marcos Kipper, Alexandre Mariani, Thais Stefanello, Camila Carvalho, Júlio Vieira, Luiene Moura Rocha and Andrea Machado Leal Ribeiro
Animals 2024, 14(6), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060847 - 9 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1879
Abstract
The intensification of production systems has resulted in detrimental effects on sow welfare, which can have an adverse influence on their offspring. Considering the relevance of the microbiota–gut–brain axis, probiotics can mitigate such impacts. To investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of [...] Read more.
The intensification of production systems has resulted in detrimental effects on sow welfare, which can have an adverse influence on their offspring. Considering the relevance of the microbiota–gut–brain axis, probiotics can mitigate such impacts. To investigate the effects of the dietary inclusion of probiotics on the welfare of sows and piglets, 147 multiparous sows were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group or a group supplemented with a multistrain probiotic from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of lactation. The human–animal relationship (HAR), stereotypic behavior, position changes, salivary cortisol, and plasma serotonin levels were assessed in the sows. The piglets’ back test behavior and organ weight were analyzed. The probiotic-supplemented sows exhibited a better HAR index (p = 0.017), which indicated reduced aversion towards humans. The frequency of stereotypies was not influenced by the treatments. However, the supplemented sows spent more time standing (p = 0.054) and less time lying down (p = 0.008). The cortisol level of the supplemented sows was 50% lower (p = 0.047) and the serotonin levels were 11% higher (p = 0.034) than control animals. The multistrain piglets were more passive and less resistant (p = 0.076) in the back test. The organ weights were not influenced by treatments. In conclusion, the sows supplemented with probiotics showed less fear and more motivation indicators, while their piglets showed less aggression behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More Sustainable Animal Agriculture)
16 pages, 1068 KiB  
Article
Animal Welfare Assessment and Meat Quality through Assessment of Stress Biomarkers in Fattening Pigs with and without Visible Damage during Slaughter
by Natália Nami Ogawa, Giovanna Lima Silva, Ana Paula Ayub da Costa Barbon, Karina Keller Marques da Costa Flaiban, Caio Abercio da Silva, Luiene Moura Rocha and Ana Maria Bridi
Animals 2024, 14(5), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050700 - 23 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2075
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the physiological and meat quality differences between Non-Ambulatory, Non-Injured (NANI), and without apparent abnormalities (non-NANI) pigs in a commercial slaughterhouse setting, focusing on the impact of stress and health conditions on the overall well-being and meat quality of [...] Read more.
The study aimed to investigate the physiological and meat quality differences between Non-Ambulatory, Non-Injured (NANI), and without apparent abnormalities (non-NANI) pigs in a commercial slaughterhouse setting, focusing on the impact of stress and health conditions on the overall well-being and meat quality of the animals. A total of 241 surgically castrated crossbred male pigs from Southern Brazil were analyzed, with 131 non-NANI pigs and 110 NANI pigs. Infrared orbital temperature, rectal temperature, hematological parameters, and meat quality measurements were collected. Statistical analysis included ANOVA tests and principal component analysis (PCA). NANI pigs exhibited significantly higher infrared orbital temperatures and rectal temperature (p < 0.01). Hematological analysis revealed higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells in NANI pigs (p < 0.05). White blood cell count and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated in NANI pigs (p < 0.01), indicating potential infections or inflammatory responses. Meat quality parameters showed that NANI pigs had lower pH values, higher luminosity, and increased drip loss (p < 0.01), reflecting poorer water retention and potential muscle glycogen depletion. The study highlights the physiological and meat quality differences between NANI and non-NANI pigs, emphasizing the impact of stress, health conditions, and handling procedures on the animals. Blood biomarkers proved valuable in assessing physiological stress, immune response, and potential health issues in pigs, correlating with meat quality abnormalities. Utilizing these biomarkers as predictive tools can enhance animal welfare practices and contribute to improving meat quality in the swine industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More Sustainable Animal Agriculture)
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10 pages, 994 KiB  
Communication
Effects of Rumen Fermentation Characteristics on Stress-Related Hormones and Behavior in Sheep
by Qianrige, Sanggun Roh, Da-Hye Kim, Tetsuro Shishido and Shin-Ichiro Ogura
Animals 2023, 13(23), 3701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233701 - 29 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1233
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between rumen fermentation, stress-related hormones, and behavior in sheep with the aim of providing insights for improving animal welfare and feed management practices. Eight lambs were assigned to either a high concentration or control group. Blood samples were [...] Read more.
This study investigated the relationship between rumen fermentation, stress-related hormones, and behavior in sheep with the aim of providing insights for improving animal welfare and feed management practices. Eight lambs were assigned to either a high concentration or control group. Blood samples were collected for hormone analysis, and an open field test was conducted to observe behavioral stress responses. The results showed that diet composition may affect the behavior of ruminants in response to stressors and novel situations, as evidenced by the higher number of escape attempts in the high-concentration group. In addition, analyses of individual volatile fatty acids (VFAs) showed a significant positive correlation between the acetic acid/propionic acid ratio and sniffing behavior of the novel object (p < 0.05, ρ = −0.414). These findings have important implications for animal welfare and feed management practices. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential impact of diet composition on the behavior of ruminants in response to stressors and novel situations, highlighting the importance of improving animal welfare through feed management practices. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the complex relationship between rumen fermentation, stress-related hormones, and behavior in ruminant animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More Sustainable Animal Agriculture)
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13 pages, 666 KiB  
Article
One Welfare: Assessing the Effects of Drought and the COVID-19 Pandemic on Farmers’ Well-Being and Their Perception of Goats’ Welfare
by Cristian Larrondo, Raúl David Guevara, Javiera Calderón-Amor, Carolina Munoz, Carolina Cáceres, Mabeley Alvarado, Marcela Fresno and Francisca Di Pillo
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203297 - 23 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1749
Abstract
Considering the interconnections between human well-being, animal welfare, and the environment, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of drought and the COVID-19 pandemic on small-scale goat farmers’ well-being and their perception of goats’ welfare following the One Welfare framework. Using a telephone [...] Read more.
Considering the interconnections between human well-being, animal welfare, and the environment, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of drought and the COVID-19 pandemic on small-scale goat farmers’ well-being and their perception of goats’ welfare following the One Welfare framework. Using a telephone survey, close-ended questions, and Likert scales, we assessed the impacts of drought and the COVID-19 pandemic on human well-being and animal welfare in the Coquimbo region of Chile. The DASS-21 questionnaire was used to evaluate farmers’ mental health. Goat farmers perceived the scarcity of water and food for animals as factors that negatively affected animal productivity and welfare and caused an increase in farmers’ stress levels. Farmers who had not been visited by a veterinarian showed higher levels of stress than those who received one visit during the year (M = 10 vs. 2, p = 0.025). Additionally, farmers who perceived better welfare of their animals showed lower levels of depression (rs = −0.17, p = 0.048), anxiety (rs = −0.21, p = 0.016), and stress (rs = −0.33, p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the importance of addressing farmers’ mental health and veterinary support as crucial aspects to ensure both goat welfare and farm productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More Sustainable Animal Agriculture)
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16 pages, 1422 KiB  
Article
Measures and Penalties for Animal Welfare Violations at German Abattoirs: A Compilation of Current Recommendations and Practices
by Stephanie Janet Schneidewind, Diana Meemken and Susann Langforth
Animals 2023, 13(18), 2916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182916 - 14 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1736
Abstract
Protecting animal welfare during preslaughter handling and slaughter is an important ethical concern with growing importance to consumers. However, animal welfare violations in abattoirs remain a serious problem, and the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations is often inadequate. This study investigated and [...] Read more.
Protecting animal welfare during preslaughter handling and slaughter is an important ethical concern with growing importance to consumers. However, animal welfare violations in abattoirs remain a serious problem, and the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations is often inadequate. This study investigated and compiled the measures and penalties which official veterinarians (OVs) consider appropriate for different animal welfare violations at German abattoirs, including ranges for fines. Additionally, information regarding which measures were taken in past cases, including past procedural outcomes (e.g., judicial decisions and regulatory animal welfare orders in Germany), were gathered and summarised. The aim is to provide insights into the status quo, so that flaws in law enforcement (e.g., imposing low penalties or not filing a criminal complaint when necessary) can be identified in a future study. To achieve this, the following five steps were utilised: acquiring relevant judicial decisions; conducting an anonymous online survey among German OVs; conducting semi-structured interviews with OVs; conducting a virtual colloquium with OVs; and consulting lawyers. Measures and penalties for violations of 40 relevant and frequent different provisions of the German Ordinance on the Protection of Animals in connection with Slaughter or Killing (TierSchlV), in conjunction with the Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 and the German Animal Welfare Act, were gathered. The findings were compiled into a list of measures and penalties, which contains a separate table for all 40 violations, entailing an overview of the following information: citation(s) of legal/regulatory requirements to protect animals at the time of killing/slaughter; citation(s) of relevant regulatory and criminal penalties; special measures/penalties considered appropriate for the first and repeated offence by OVs; and information on penalties listed in judicial decisions of past similar cases. This initiative is a step towards achieving a reduction of animal welfare violations at German abattoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More Sustainable Animal Agriculture)
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Review

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13 pages, 565 KiB  
Review
Means of Livelihood, Clean Environment to Women Empowerment: The Multi-Faceted Role of Donkeys
by Thanammal Ravichandran, Ramesh Kumar Perumal, Kennady Vijayalakshmy, Zoe Raw, Fiona Cooke, Isabelle Baltenweck and Habibar Rahman
Animals 2023, 13(12), 1927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13121927 - 9 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2828
Abstract
Despite the substantial contribution donkeys make to the livelihood of the world’s poorest populations, the existence of donkeys has received little notice worldwide. This article reviews the value of donkeys in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, construction industry, and mining, as well [...] Read more.
Despite the substantial contribution donkeys make to the livelihood of the world’s poorest populations, the existence of donkeys has received little notice worldwide. This article reviews the value of donkeys in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, construction industry, and mining, as well as their role in empowering women and achieving sustainable development goals. However, donkeys and mules are not given enough credit or attention in terms of developing strategies regarding their role in reducing poverty. There is a dearth of information and statistics on their impact across industries, the factors contributing to the donkey population dropping, the socioeconomic status of the dependent communities, and related animal and human welfare issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Animal Welfare: A Key Factor for a Shift towards More Sustainable Animal Agriculture)
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