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General Principles for the welfare of animals in production systems: The underlying science and its application

Lookup NU author(s): Emerita Professor Sandra Edwards

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Abstract

In 2012, the World Organisation for Animal Health adopted 10 'General Principles for the Welfare of Animals in Livestock Production Systems' to guide the development of animal welfare standards. The General Principles draw on half a century of scientific research relevant to animal welfare: (1) how genetic selection affects animal health, behaviour and temperament; (2) how the environment influences injuries and the transmission of diseases and parasites; (3) how the environment affects resting, movement and the performance of natural behaviour; (4) the management of groups to minimize conflict and allow positive social contact; (5) the effects of air quality, temperature and humidity on animal health and comfort; (6) ensuring access to feed and water suited to the animals' needs and adaptations; (7) prevention and control of diseases and parasites, with humane euthanasia if treatment is not feasible or recovery is unlikely; (8) prevention and management of pain; (9) creation of positive human-animal relationships; and (10) ensuring adequate skill and knowledge among animal handlers. Research directed at animal welfare, drawing on animal behaviour, stress physiology, veterinary epidemiology and other fields, complements more established fields of animal and veterinary science and helps to create a more comprehensive scientific basis for animal care and management. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Fraser D, Duncan IJH, Edwards SA, Grandin T, Gregory NG, Guyonnet V, Hemsworth PH, Huertas SM, Huzzey JM, Mellor DJ, Mench JA, Spinka M, Whay HR

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Veterinary Journal

Year: 2013

Volume: 198

Issue: 1

Pages: 19-27

Print publication date: 27/07/2013

ISSN (print): 1090-0233

ISSN (electronic): 1532-2971

Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.06.028

DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.06.028

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