Methods of Welfare Assessment

a. The Five Freedoms (FAWC)

• Freedom from hunger and thirst.
• Freedom from discomfort.
• Freedom from pain, injury, and disease.
• Freedom to express normal behavior.
• Freedom from fear and distress.

Note: Provides a basic framework but is broad and general.

b. The Five Domains Model

• Nutrition (adequacy of feed and water).
• Environment (comfort, shelter, climate).
• Health (disease, injury, functional status).
• Behavior (expression of natural behavior).
• Mental state (positive and negative experiences).

Note: Focuses more on mental well-being in addition to physical health.

c. Animal-based Indicators

• Physical: body condition score, lameness, lesions, growth rate.
• Physiological: heart rate, cortisol levels, immune response.
• Behavioral: stereotypies, aggression, play, lying/standing patterns, vocalization

d. Resource-based Indicators

• Housing space, ventilation, bedding quality.
• Access to feed and clean water.
• Stocking density and handling facilities.

e. Iceberg Indicators

• Single measures that reflect overall welfare.
• Example: body condition score, lameness, mortality rate.