Three Approaches for Considering Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is a multidimensional concept. It cannot be defined from a single perspective but must be understood by looking at the animal’s physical condition, mental well-being, and ability to live naturally. The three major approaches are:

a. Physical State (Biological Functioning Approach)

• Focuses on the health, nutrition, physiology, and productivity of animals.

Welfare is good if the animal is:

• Healthy and free from diseases and injuries.
• Well-nourished with adequate food and water.
• Productive in terms of growth, reproduction, milk, meat, or eggs.
• Physiologically balanced, able to cope with environmental stressors.

Indicators:

• Growth rate, feed intake, reproductive performance.
• Low morbidity and mortality.
• Stress hormones (cortisol), heart rate, respiration rate.

Example:

• A dairy cow with high milk yield, sound health, and no lameness reflects good welfare in physical state.

b. Mental State (Affective State Approach)

• Based on the emotional experiences and feelings of animals.
• Recognizes that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing both negative and positive states.
• Welfare is better when negative emotions are minimized and positive experiences are promoted.
• Negative states to avoid: pain, hunger, thirst, fear, boredom, frustration.
• Positive states to encourage: comfort, play, pleasure, social interaction.

Indicators:

• Behavioral responses such as vocalization, aggression, or avoidance.
• Preference and motivation tests (choosing comfortable bedding, preferring shade).
• Play behavior and affiliative interactions as signs of positive welfare.

Example:

• Providing enrichment (e.g., scratching brushes for cows, toys for calves) improves mental state by increasing comfort and reducing boredom.

c. State of Naturalness (Natural Living Approach)

• Focuses on allowing animals to express natural, species-specific behaviors and live in environments close to their evolutionary needs.
• Welfare is compromised if animals are restricted from natural activities.

Welfare is better when animals can:

• Graze, forage, root, dust-bathe, perch, or nest.
• Move freely and interact socially in stable groups.
• Experience outdoor environments with natural light and fresh air.

Indicators:

• Presence of natural behaviors in daily routine.
• Absence or reduction of abnormal behaviors (stereotypies such as pacing, bar-biting, tongue-rolling).

Example:

• Free-range systems for poultry allow perching and dust-bathing, aligning with natural living.

d. Integration of the Three Approaches

• Physical state ensures survival and productivity.
• Mental state ensures animals experience positive emotions and minimal suffering.
• Naturalness ensures animals live in harmony with their behavioral needs.
• A full welfare assessment must combine all three approaches.