| dc.description.abstract | The globally growing demand for animal products has put a strain on producers in order to keep producing profitable. However, the public’s concern about the welfare of farm animals has recently been increasing. Defining the concept ‘welfare’ has proven to be difficult, as it is subject to personal and cultural ethics and values. In this thesis, I give an overview of welfare definitions and scientific findings on negative and positive welfare indicators. Although negative welfare indicators have been studied extensively, the study of positive welfare indicators is relatively new in welfare science. Combining these findings, together with encouraging natural behaviours, can help to improve the welfare of farm animals. Furthermore, I discuss factors that influence farm animal welfare, such as conflicting interests, housing systems and farmer attitude. I conclude with a short overview of current farming practices in cattle, pigs and poultry. An interesting finding is that improved welfare is often accompanied by improved health and production, which is beneficial for multiple stakeholders. Much has been achieved in terms of improving farm animal welfare since animal welfare concerns have been arising. In order for these developments to continue, all stakeholders (the government, the consumer and producers) must respect each other’s needs and interests. It should be realized that animals are stakeholders in this industry as well, and that they depend on humans to take the matter of their welfare seriously. With combined effort, willingness and respect, it is possible to make the future of farming sustainable for all parties involved. | |
