The Five Freedoms and Welfare Inputs & Outputs

The Five Freedoms (Brambell Committee, 1965 → FAWC, 1979)

• A landmark framework describing the basic needs of animals.
• Aim: To ensure minimum welfare standards in farming, research, and companion animal care.

The Five Freedoms:

• Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: access to fresh water and a balanced diet.
• Freedom from Discomfort: suitable environment, shelter, and resting area.
• Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Freedom to Express Normal Behavior: sufficient space, facilities, and social interaction
• Freedom from Fear and Distress: conditions that avoid mental suffering.

Welfare Inputs and Outputs

a. Inputs (Resource-based measures)

• Inputs = what the farmer/stockperson provides to the animal.
• They are indirect indicators of welfare.

Examples:

1. Housing: space, ventilation, lighting, flooring, bedding.
2. Feeding: diet quality, feeding frequency, water supply.
3. Management: handling practices, stockperson skills, veterinary care.

• Strength: Easy to measure and control.
• Weakness: May not reflect the animal’s actual welfare state.

b. Outputs (Animal-based measures)

• Outputs = how the animal itself responds to the inputs and environment.
• They are direct indicators of welfare.

Examples:

1. Physical: body condition score, lameness, injuries, disease incidence.
2. Physiological: heart rate, cortisol level, immune response.
3. Behavioral: aggression, play, stereotypies, lying/standing times, and vocalization.

• Strength: Reflect real welfare state of the animal.
• Weakness: Requires more time, training, and sometimes invasive tests.