What is Animal Welfare and How Do We Measure It?

This talk illustrates three intersecting views about what constitutes satisfactory animal welfare. The traditional perspective of veterinarians and livestock producers emphasized biological functioning (e.g. health, growth, and productivity). In this light, production methods are acceptable if they keep animals healthy and producing well, even if living conditions are barren or restricted. Another perspective, common among critics of intensive agriculture, is that animals should be provided more natural living conditions and be able to express their normal behavior. The third view focuses on the animal’s experience of pain and other emotions. All three perspectives must be considered in developing solutions to welfare problems. (1 CE credit)

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