Sommet de l'Elevage 2025

Animal welfare in livestock farming

Animal Welfare in Livestock Farming

In recent years, animal welfare has become a top priority in the livestock farming industry. Far from being just a trend, it represents a significant shift in mindsets and practices. Closely tied to the development of more sustainable agriculture, animal welfare must be approached with wisdom and knowledge.

In the face of growing societal expectations, what are the key aspects of understanding animal welfare in livestock farming?

Why is Animal Welfare So Important?

Once simply defined by the absence of discomfort and stress, animal welfare today is a much more developed concept, reflecting the real needs of farm animals. It guarantees that animals are raised in conditions that respect their physiological, behavioral, and emotional needs. When these needs are met, animals are healthier, more resistant to disease, and more productive.

In livestock farming, this translates to higher-quality meat, richer dairy products, and better profitability for farmers.

Animal Welfare Through the Five Freedoms of the OIE

The principle of the Five Freedoms is a cornerstone of animal welfare. These freedoms were first formulated in the 1960s by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in the United Kingdom and have since been widely recognized internationally, including by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Here are the five fundamental freedoms:

Freedom from Hunger and Thirst

Animals must have access to fresh and clean water as well as sufficient quality food to maintain health and meet the needs of their breed and condition.

Freedom from Discomfort

Animals must have an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area, which also protects them from weather conditions. Animals should not be subjected to any thermal or physical stress.

Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease

Preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases or injuries promptly is essential to ensure good animal health. Animals must not be mistreated and should receive professional care.

Freedom to Express Normal Behavior

Animals must have sufficient space, appropriate facilities, and the company of other animals of their species to exhibit natural behaviors.

Freedom from Fear and Distress

Conditions and treatment that prevent mental suffering contribute to ensuring animals' mental well-being.

Adopting these five fundamental freedoms is essential to ensuring that animals, whether domestic, farmed, or wild, are treated with respect and care.

Assessing Animal Welfare: The Welfare Quality® Tool

The "Welfare Quality®" project is a European initiative dedicated to assessing animal welfare in livestock farming and slaughterhouses. Launched in the early 2000s, it aims to develop standardized methods for evaluating the welfare of farm animals. The Welfare Quality® project has resulted in the establishment of a set of protocols and criteria to objectively and scientifically assess animal welfare in various livestock systems. The system is designed for a variety of species, including cattle, pigs, and poultry.

The system is based on four key principles, which are primarily aligned with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare. These principles are:

  • â—Ź Physiological well-being
  • â—Ź Mental well-being
  • â—Ź Living conditions
  • â—Ź Behavior

The Welfare Quality® protocols combine direct observations of animals (such as their behavior and physical health) with evaluations of resources and management practices (such as bedding quality, food availability, etc.).

One of the goals of Welfare Quality® is to encourage continuous improvement in animal welfare. Its assessments not only identify issues but also provide guidance on improving conditions for animals. The tool has been widely adopted by farmers, researchers, and organizations to evaluate and enhance the living conditions of livestock.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Animal Welfare

  • Reduced Diseases: A stressed or mistreated animal is more likely to develop illnesses. Prioritizing animal welfare helps reduce health risks.
  • Higher-Quality Products: Happy animals produce better. Whether it’s milk, meat, or eggs, the taste and texture are significantly improved when animals are well cared for.
  • Positive Image for Livestock Farming: By adopting animal welfare-friendly practices, farmers strengthen their reputation and gain consumer trust.
  • Preservation of Biodiversity: Livestock farming methods that prioritize animal welfare are often more environmentally friendly, contributing to biodiversity preservation.

Considering animal welfare in livestock farming benefits not only the animals but also the farmers, consumers, and the environment. It reflects modern agriculture that is conscious of its responsibilities and committed to ethical and sustainable production.

While animal welfare is a topic of regular debate, it remains a fundamental pillar of good livestock farming, regardless of the animal breed. At the Sommet de l'Élevage, you can attend presentations on animal welfare in farming, including insights and actionable steps to continuously improve animal care.