In 1999, the ‘International Workshop on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level’ (WAFL) was founded. At the time, the workshop consisted of a small group of scientists, which studied animal welfare. In Gent, a group of 260 people from 24 countries gathered. This clearly illustrates the increased international interest in animal welfare.
When assessing animal welfare, many factors should be taken into account. An Australian group is looking into the influence of the behaviour of the animal keeper on animal welfare. The INRA (France), on the other hand, is trying to objectively measure certain emotions in animals, such as fear, stress, frustration and even shame and pride. Wageningen University studies if and how selection can create animals that are better adapted to their environment. It should be noted, though, that there are several base values for the surrounding of animals. Animals ought not to be adapted to worse conditions than these. This research has resulted in chickens that show less behaviour of cannibalism.
Scientific view on animal welfare
08oktober2008
In September, scientists looked at animal welfare from an objective perspective. During the WAFL congress in Gent, they talked about improving indicators for animal welfare. The goal: creating a good assessment protocol and one global value for animal welfare in any situation.
