Production Indicators of Welfare

Production traits are direct reflections of the animal’s overall health and comfort. Poor welfare reduces efficiency, while good welfare enhances sustainable production.

a. Growth Rate and Body Weight Gain

• Reduced daily gain in growing animals indicates stress, poor housing, or inadequate nutrition.
• Example: Piglets in barren pens show slower growth compared to enriched pens.

b. Feed Intake and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)

• Stress and discomfort lower feed intake.
• Poor welfare increases FCR, meaning more feed is needed for the same weight gain.

c. Milk Yield and Composition

• Stress and mastitis reduce milk production and alter milk quality (fat, protein, somatic cell count).
• Example: Heat-stressed dairy cows show lower milk yield.

d. Reproductive Performance

• Delayed puberty, silent heat, early embryonic death, and poor conception rates reflect compromised welfare.
• Example: Heat stress in buffalo reduces estrus expression and conception success.

e. Egg Production and Quality in Poultry

• Poor welfare conditions reduce egg-laying rate.
• Eggshell defects or poor egg quality may occur under stress.

f. Wool, Hair, or Fiber Production

• Stress and malnutrition reduce fiber growth and quality in sheep, goats, and alpacas.

g. Mortality and Culling Rate

• High mortality or frequent culling indicates severe welfare issues.
• Example: Increased mortality in broilers due to leg deformities in overcrowded pens.