scholarly journals Animal welfare in the U.S. slaughter industry—a focus on fed cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lily N Edwards-Callaway ◽  
Michelle S Calvo-Lorenzo
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Multiple Stressors ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Weather Extremes ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Future Work ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Animal welfare within the U.S. slaughter industry continues to prevail as one of the top priorities for livestock producers, businesses, and consumers alike. There are federal regulations that enforce the humane transport, handling, and slaughter of cattle. The journey that cattle must make to the slaughter facility is comprised of many environmental and human factors that can positively or negatively affect animal welfare. Cattle may be exposed to multiple stressors, such as noise, unfamiliar animals and humans, temperature extremes, temporary food/water deprivation, variable transport distances and experiences, and new pen conditions. The animal caretakers involved in these processes attempt to minimize stress and discomfort for the animals, but research is needed to focus on the gaps in knowledge and to support the implementation of strategies known to enhance the human–animal interactions that occur from farm to slaughter. This literature review will provide a summary of fed cattle welfare topics, research, and industry tools that span across the beef animal’s journey from the farm/feedlot through the slaughter process. In addition, areas that have had little research focus are identified to highlight the need for future work and development of industry tools. Some of these topics include examining trailer design, the use of trailer slats during weather extremes, the welfare aspects of cattle destined for salvage slaughter, multiple preslaughter factors and interactions, abnormal mobility and nonambulatory cattle, lairage environmental conditions, new stunning methods, and the impact of a well-trained, motivated, and stable workforce on cattle and people welfare. The authors conducted a survey at the 2019 North American Meat Institute Animal Care and Handling Conference, which comprised of stakeholders within the meat packing industry, packing plant employees, and food company employees, educators, and auditors. The survey responses identified training/education and communication as areas of need in animal welfare, whereas the majority of survey responses focused on the aspects of the human–animal interaction as the top challenges for the industry. By continuously identifying, measuring, monitoring, and managing animal welfare challenges within the beef cattle slaughter industry, prioritization and execution of programs and training that improve the welfare of cattle can be achieved as animals move through this final stage of the meat production system.

scholarly journals The Influence of Human–Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
Daniel S. Mills ◽  
Catherine Reeve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during a period when most of the population is experiencing social and environmental challenges. We investigated how companion animal owners perceived the influence of human–animal interaction on their physical and mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the U.K., and what concerns they had regarding their animals at this time. We also explored the impact of participants’ interaction with non-companion animals during this phase. A cross-sectional online survey of U.K. residents aged over 18 was conducted between April and June 2020. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences and/or perceptions of their human–animal relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. A qualitative thematic analysis of responses was undertaken. Four main themes related to the following aspects of human–animal interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase were identified: the positive impact of animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., amelioration of wellbeing and mental health), concerns relating to animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., concerns over animals carrying the COVID-19 virus), grief and loss of an animal during the COVID-19 lockdown and the impact of engaging with non-companion animals during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human–animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals. They also highlight the challenges of caring for an animal during the lockdown phase and indicate the need to consider the development of further targeted support strategies, such as “day care” for the companion animals of key workers in this context.

scholarly journals Association between Attitude and Empathy with the Quality of Human-Livestock Interactions

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andres Felipe Leon ◽  
Jorge Alberto Sanchez ◽  
Marlyn H. Romero
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Working Day ◽  
Questionnaire Pack

The human-animal interactions are a key component of human and animal welfare. The quality of this interaction can therefore be assessed by measuring the reaction response of the animals to the handler’s behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between attitude and empathy towards the animals with the quality of human-livestock interactions. Additionally, we aimed to investigate whether the quality of cattle handling deteriorates as the working day progresses. A total of 18 livestock handlers and 1514 Colombian commercial Zebu steers were evaluated. A questionnaire pack consisting of 50 questions regarding demographic information, attitude and empathy characteristics was applied, using a structured interview. Each handlers’ responses to positive and negative attitude and empathy questions were calculated to produce a composite score. Observations of human-animal interactions were made at three times during the day (5:00, 7:00 and 9:00), each observation lasting 30 min. The handlers had an average age of 39.4 ± 3.4 y (range = 18–66 y), with little schooling but a lot of experience in the trade (17.13 ± 14.21 y). During handling, hitting, prodding and hand raising predominated over other actions (p < 0.05), and in response, the cattle behaved by freezing and running. Significant differences were found in the interactions used by handlers depending on the time of day (p < 0.05). The empathy total score ranged from 20 to 100, and the attitude total score between 24 and 120. The average attitude and empathy scores for handlers were 85.05 ± 6.92 (mean ±SD; range, 73–97) and 74.61 ± 4.72 (mean ±SD; range, 65–83), respectively. It has been concluded that there is an association between handlers’ attitudes and empathy towards animals and the quality of human-animal interaction during pre-slaughter.

EKSPLORASI DESAIN TAMAN DENGAN PENDEKATAN BIOFILIK BERBASIS ETIKA LINGKUNGAN DI BSD

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 287
Author(s):  
Kezia Kartika Sari ◽  
Priscilla Epifania Ariaji
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Environmental Ethics ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Faunal Element ◽  
Five Freedoms ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Animal Interaction

Ethical Biophilic Park in BSD, Tangerang Is a connected open green spaces between a green park and a deer park., which one has existing faunal element specifically deer. Located at Jakarta’s suburban area, BSD Biophilical Park is one of many parks that foster a herd of deer. Both sites were found not maximized in their function, the existing deer foster has not considered fulfilling five freedoms of animal welfare, which must looked at into more in the future. Conceiving the needs of the human-animal interaction, biophilic and rewilding design methods are expected to be sufficient for the welfare of both parties. The park allocates a variety of artificial natural elements, closeness to faunal elements, as well as space experiences in enclosed spaces. Observing on how the park treat the herd, and how it affects the human activity, creates an output of a green park, that is still connected with the deer park, and also ones which has a full-length trail to see the herd without direct interaction such as petting and. In addition to the design, it involuntarily comply environmental ethics that favor  the following welfare of the animal itself. Keywords: Biophilical Park; Deer Fostering; Environmental Ethics; Opened Green Public; Space Rewilding Abstrak Taman Biofilik Berbasis Etika Lingkungan di BSD merupakan perpaduan dua ruang terbuka hijau yang salah satunya memiliki unsur fauna berupa rusa. Terletak di daerah sub urban Jakarta, Taman Biofilik BSD merupakan satu-satunya taman yang merawat rusa. Kedua tapak ditemukan belum maksimal dalam fungsinya, pemeliharaan rusa juga dianggap belum memenuhi lima unsur kesejahteraan hewan, yang kedepannya harus lebih diperhatikan. Memahami kebutuhan adanya hubungan dan interaksi antara manusia dan hewan, metode desain biofilik dan untuk diliarkan diharapkan dapat mencukupi kesejahteraan bagi kedua pihak. Taman mengalokasikan berbagai unsur alam buatan, kedekatan dengan unsur fauna, serta pengalaman ruang yang bersifat lebih terbuka atau tidak sepenuhnya terbangun dinding empat sisi. Mengamati perlakuan taman eksisting pada hewan, dan pengaruh aktivitas manusia didalamnya, menghasilkan taman manusia yang tetap terintegrasi dengan taman rusa, yang didalamnya terdapat jalur untuk melihat-lihat rusa tanpa secara langsung memegang atau memberi makan rusa. Terapan desain secara tidak langsung menghasilkan interaksi yang mematuhi etika lingkungan yang kerap mempengaruhi kesejahteraan hewan itu sendiri.

Segmentation of Australian meat consumers on the basis of attitudes regarding farm animal welfare and the environmental impact of meat production

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenka Malek ◽  
Wendy J. Umberger ◽  
John Rolfe
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Farm Animal ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Farm Animal Welfare ◽  
Livestock Management ◽  
The Impact

While public concern over the welfare of farm animals is believed to have intensified across Australia in recent years, no empirical research has sought to examine and quantify the heterogeneity in farm animal-welfare (FAW) concerns among Australian meat consumers. The present study is the first to address this knowledge gap. Data were collected in 2015 by using a comprehensive online survey instrument completed by a representative sample of 1009 Australian meat consumers. Sample quotas were set for age, gender and location. Using these data, we were able to segment meat consumers according to their attitudes towards FAW and perceptions regarding the environmental impact of meat production. Six unique segments were identified and characterised by purchase behaviour, livestock-management knowledge, farming background and experience, beliefs regarding the consumer/farmer implications of improved FAW, influential information sources, participation in FAW-related activities and socio-demographic variables. Our findings showed that the majority of Australian meat consumers (70%) hold neutral views regarding FAW. However, there are two segments, termed ‘concerned-FAW’ (10%) and ‘anti-FAW’ (20%), which expressed strong views with respect to FAW. Overall, consumer knowledge regarding livestock-management practices was low across all segments, with only 11–42% of consumers indicating that they felt sufficiently informed about FAW. This insight into perceptions of FAW by different segments and the impact of meat production on the environment can assist the industry in developing targeted information campaigns to address consumer concerns and allow better-informed meat purchase decisions.

scholarly journals INTEREST GROUP SESSION—HUMAN-ANIMAL INTERACTION: PETS IN OLDER ADULTS’ SOCIAL NETWORKS: HUMAN-ANIMAL INTERACTION, INTERPERSONAL CONNECTIONS, AND HEALTHY AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S200-S200
Author(s):  
Jessica Bibbo ◽  
Sandy Branson ◽  
Jessica Bibbo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Dog Walking ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Empirical evidence supports positive associations between social support, interpersonal connections, and health as people age. This symposium addresses how human-animal interaction may facilitate connection throughout later life. Each talk presents unique ways pets: fit into social networks; expand interpersonal connections; and thereby, impact health and wellbeing. The first talk presents longitudinal associations of a history of pet ownership and marital status on health, in particular cognitive functioning, over time. The second talk presents qualitative evidence for how pets fit into older adults’ social network and quantitative evidence for the impact of animal and interpersonal companionship on overall and functional health. The third talk builds upon the literature linking dog walking with older adults’ physical health, by providing evidence for the positive impact of dog walking improving interpersonal connections with neighbors. The fourth talk discusses the influence of a unique intergenerational human-animal interaction service-learning course on university students’ attitudes towards older adults and those with disabilities. Enrolled students provide pet care (e.g., brushing, dog walking, delivering pet food and supplies) to low-income pet owners ages 60 and older and disabled adults. Students reported decreased biases towards older adults and those with disabilities after completing the course. The final talk is the first study to focus on the influence of pets in LGBTQ older adults living in rural southern Appalachia. Identifying as a LGBTQ person and living in a rural environment can present unique challenges and these qualitative results provide insight into pets’ influence on aging in this understudied population.

scholarly journals BEM-ESTAR ANIMAL: CONCEITO E QUESTÕES RELACIONADAS – REVISÃO

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D.M. BROOM ◽  
C.F.M. MOLENTO
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Pain Anxiety ◽  
New Science ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Stress And Health

Bem-estar é um termo de uso corrente em várias situações e seu significado geralmente não é preciso. Entretanto, definição objetiva de bem-estar faz-se necessária para a utilização científica e profissional do conceito. Bem-estar deve ser definido de forma que permita pronta relação com outros conceitos, tais como: necessidades, liberdades, felicidade, adaptação, controle, capacidade de previsão, sentimentos, sofrimento, dor, ansiedade, medo, tédio, estresse e saúde. Objetiva-se na revisão apresentar uma definição de bem-estar animal atendendo os critérios mencionados, associada a uma explicação sobre a avaliação do bem-estar animal. Espera-se oferecer ao leitor uma base para o entendimento desta nova ciência, indispensável aos profissionais cujo trabalho gira em torno da interação entre seres humanos e animais. Animal welfare: concept and related issues – Review Abstract Welfare is a word widely used by public in many situations and its meaning is often not precise. However, an objective definition is needed if the concept is to be used scientifically and professionally. Moreover, welfare has to be defined in such a way that it can be readily related to other concepts such as: needs, freedoms, happiness, coping, control, predictability, feelings, suffering, pain, anxiety, fear, boredom, stress and health. This review presents a definition of animal welfare which satisfies these criteria, as well as explaining how to assess welfare. Its main objective is to offer the reader a basis for an understanding of this new science, which is essential to those whose work centres on the human-animal interaction.

scholarly journals Well-being and human-animal interactions in schools: The case of "Dog Daycare Co-Op"

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Elizabeth Pinto ◽  
Donna Foulkes
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Human Flourishing ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
School Based ◽  
The Social ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
The Impact

This paper draws on Martha Nussbaum’s account of the nature of human well-being to explore the role of animals in formal education settings. Nussbaum equates well-being with human flourishing, and argues that people live well when engaged in essential functions that are particular capabilities, each a necessary but insufficient contributor to well-being. One of these capabilities is the ability to “to have concern for and live with other animals, plants and the environment.” Yet, this condition of well-being remains largely unexplored among in education. In recent years, the benefits of human-animal interaction in education settings has been researched and discussed in the social sciences, particularly  the use of dogs to aid reluctant readers in literacy development, and the use of therapy dogs in universities during final examination blocks. This paper presents findings of one particular research project of the effects of a unique, Canadian school-based cooperative education program, “Under One Woof,” in which students work with animals.  Based on interviews, students’ own stories of the impact of animal interaction – particularly in light of other challenges they faced academically and socially – appear to support other empirical accounts of positive effects of animals in education settings, and offer insight into the nature and effects of human-animal interaction as an element of well-being.

scholarly journals The Hitchhiker's Guide to Integration of Social and Ethical Awareness in Precision Livestock Farming Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleksiy Guzhva ◽  
Janice M. Siegford ◽  
Christina Lunner Kolstrup
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Latent Dirichlet Allocation ◽  
Probabilistic Models ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Ethical Awareness ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Precision Livestock Farming ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
The Impact

While fully automated livestock production may be considered the ultimate goal for optimising productivity at the farm level, the benefits and costs of such a development at the scale at which it needs to be implemented must also be considered from social and ethical perspectives. Automation resulting from Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) could alter fundamental views of human-animal interactions on farm and, even further, potentially compromise human and animal welfare and health if PLF development does not include a flexible, holistic strategy for integration. To investigate topic segregation, inclusion of socio-ethical aspects, and consideration of human-animal interactions within the PLF research field, the abstracts from 644 peer-reviewed publications were analysed using the recent advances in the Natural Language Processing (NLP). Two Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) probabilistic models with varying number of topics (13 and 3 for Model 1 and Model 2, respectively) were implemented to create a generalised research topic overview. The visual representation of topics produced by LDA Model 1 and Model 2 revealed prominent similarities in the terms contributing to each topic, with only weight for each term being different. The majority of terms for both models were process-oriented, obscuring the inclusion of social and ethical angles in PLF publications. A subset of articles (5%, n = 32) was randomly selected for manual examination of the full text to evaluate whether abstract text and focus reflected that of the article as a whole. Few of these articles (12.5%, n = 4) focused specifically on broader ethical or societal considerations of PLF or (9.4%, n = 3) discussed PLF with respect to human-animal interactions. While there was consideration of the impact of PLF on animal welfare and farmers in nearly half of the full texts examined (46.9%, n = 15), this was often limited to a few statements in passing. Further, these statements were typically general rather than specific and presented PLF as beneficial to human users and animal recipients. To develop PLF that is in keeping with the ethical values and societal concerns of the public and consumers, projects, and publications that deliberately combine social context with technological processes and results are needed.

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