Animal Welfare or Living Conditions
2007 Animal Health Report
Submitted on Nov 18, 2008 (Original item from 2007) Farmed Animals
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture report highlights significant epidemiological events of 2007 and provides insight into the nation's animal health surveillance activities. The report also presents an update on programs, both new and existing, that strive to maintain healthy livestock, poultry, and aquaculture populations.
Towards Sustainable Aquaculture in Europe
Submitted on Nov 12, 2008 (Original item from 2008) Farmed Animals
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This report offers from Concensus, a pro-aquaculture group, provides information on efforts to improve the sustainability of European aquaculture. Specifically, it addresses the welfare of farmed fish as producers seek out stocking densities and handling practices that optimize growth and health status while minimizing suffering. Scientific studies have identified indicators of fish welfare which can enable producers to measure the welfare of their farms.
Estimation of the Value the Public Places on Regulations to Improve Broiler Welfare
Submitted on Nov 01, 2008 (Original item from 2007) Farmed Animals
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Higher standards of animal welfare can provide positive benefits to producers and consumers, but producers by themselves are unlikely to maximize either animal or social welfare. Consequently, government involvement is warranted to ensure that the interests of consumers who care about animal welfare are considered. This paper analyzes the economic benefits of improving the welfare of "broiler" chickens.
Attitudes of Turkish Veterinarians Towards Animal Welfare
Submitted on Oct 28, 2008 (Original item from 2008) Farmed Animals | General Animal Protection
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Research conducted among Turkish veterinarians showed that, in general, this group supports animal welfare concerns with the exception of statements regarding the "stunning of ruminants pre-slaughter," the "phasing out of battery cages for poultry," and the "not operating on animals for aesthetic purposes."
2008 Canadian Animal Protection Laws Rankings
Submitted on Oct 27, 2008 (Original item from 2008) Companion Animals | Farmed Animals | General Animal Protection
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The U.S.-based Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) highlights the considerable differences that exist among animal protection laws in Canada by ranking every province and territory on the relative strength and general comprehensiveness of its animal protection laws.
Lameness Tops Welfare Concerns
Submitted on Oct 26, 2008 (Original item from 2008) Farmed Animals
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In pig farming, welfare concerns should be ranked on the basis of effect and "manipulability" (likeliness of being able to be implemented by farmers). Lameness may be one of the most important concerns, having a profound impact on reproductive performance and consequently economics.
IEC Participants Look at Industry Developments in North America
Submitted on Oct 20, 2008 (Original item from 2008) Farmed Animals
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This brief overview of the International Egg Commission's (IEC) meeting in Shanghai, China summarizes recent developments in the North American egg industry. Animal welfare concerns continue to effect the egg industry in both Canada and the United States, but they do not currently have a major impact on consumers or the market in Mexico.
Implications of a Future Ban on Gestation Crates in Michigan
Submitted on Oct 17, 2008 (Original item from 2007) Farmed Animals
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Growing interest among consumers regarding how their food is produced is becoming increasingly evident; the majority of consumers would favor a ban on sow crates during pregnancy, according to a survey by Michigan State University. Among pork producers, nearly half of those with sows indicated that there would be no adjustment costs if a ban were implemented.
How to Quantify Animal Suffering
Submitted by admin on Sep 26, 2008 Advocacy Strategies | General Animal Protection | Research Tools and MethodsIn my last post, I asked whether or not it's presumptuous for animal advocates (who are most often human) to attempt to quantify suffering for different species and animals in diverse situations. It may seem reasonable to generalize that mammals are more capable of suffering than insects, for instance, although some people would argue the point. Getting more specific than that, like by suggesting that "battery hens" suffer more than shelter animals, would certainly generate more controversy. So, can we quantify animal suffering?
National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, 2007 (New Zealand)
Submitted on Sep 15, 2008 (Original item from 2007) Farmed Animals | Wildlife and Exotics
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This report provides a discussion of the key indicators for assessing animal welfare in New Zealand and the development of Codes of Welfare during 2007, with emphasis on issues relating to farmed animals and wildlife.