Researchers investigate link between emotions and welfare
Litters of pigs that play the most also grow the fastest.
New research investigating the link between emotions and welfare has been highlighted by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
According to professor Alistair Lawrence from SRUC’s Rural Policy Centre, positive animal welfare could eventually bring a multitude of benefits to farmers, animals and consumers.
Together with the University of Edinburgh, SRUC scientists are exploring the connections between animals ‘feeling well’ and ‘being healthy.’
Professor Lawrence said that demonstrating such a relationship would help show that positive animals welfare is of benefit to both animals and humans.
The team has already found one example of this - litters of pigs that play the most also grow the fastest. This suggests that what benefits the animal can also benefit farms and, ultimately, consumers.
Professor Lawrence says there is now a broad consensus that animals can have positive as well as negative experiences.
He added: “Promoting positive welfare in animals is perhaps rather similar to promoting mental wellbeing in ourselves. It is a slightly different way of thinking about things but the benefits could be significant.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
