Animal welfare in livestock production: biological and social dimensions and modern approaches to assessment
O. V. Kovtun1*, N. G. Admina2
1Institute of Animal Biology of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, S. Gzhytsky Laboratory of Metabolism, 38 V. Stusa St., Lviv 79034, Ukraine
2Institute of Animal Husbandry of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Laboratory of Livestock Technologies, 1-A Tvarynnykyv St., Kharkiv, 61026, Ukraine
This article presents a review and analysis of the main biological and social aspects of animal welfare and substantiates the methods used for its assessment and monitoring. The paper consists of an introduction, two main sections, and a list of references. The first section highlights the biological and social dimensions of animal welfare. The interdisciplinary nature of the animal welfare concept lies in its comprehensive consideration of various animal states—physical, biological, and affective—rather than focusing solely on productive characteristics, as was traditionally emphasized in agricultural practice. In modern livestock production, increasing importance is given to welfare-oriented management systems, as growing evidence indicates a close relationship between animal welfare, health status, productive performance, and reproductive functions. International organizations play a crucial role in preventing biased and inhumane treatment of animals. Institutions such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and the European Food Safety Authority are responsible for promoting animal welfare strategies worldwide. These organizations contribute to the development and implementation of global standards based on harmonized welfare principles for different animal species, including requirements for housing, transportation, and slaughter practices. The second section outlines and justifies the application of various methods for assessing and monitoring animal welfare in livestock production. A comprehensive welfare assessment based on multidisciplinary approaches enables an objective evaluation of an animal’s condition and facilitates the identification of deviations associated with stress, discomfort, or health disorders. Understanding animal welfare as a multidimensional phenomenon is critically important for improving the efficiency of livestock systems, ensuring the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, and fostering ethical approaches to animal management.
Key words: animal welfare, assessment and monitoring, physiological and behavioral indicators, Welfare Quality®, Five Domains model, ethical and social aspects, animal husbandry
