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Designing a "good life" for livestock: Could gene editing improve farm animal welfare in low- and middle- income countries?

September 6, 2023

Gene editing's successful application to benefit farm animals' welfare is unlikely in the short to medium term, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), given the high costs and low rates of success to date in research settings.Reasons: 1. Gene editing is biased toward outcomes that can be easily measured and assessed. More complex traits associated with animal welfare such as behavior or condition are less likely to be targeted using gene editing.  2. Gene editing has been designed for use in vertically integrated production systems as livestock breeding is centralized and breeds themselves are highly standardised in these systems. Many LMICs lack vertically integrated production systems, have higher numbers of smallholder farmers, lack investment by companies and NGOs to promote these technologies, lack gene editing researchers, and have limited local support for biotechnology research and training.Potential downsides of gene editing: 1. Where the intensification of livestock production is growing, gene editing is likely to further accelerate intensification and disadvantage farmers relying on less intensive production systems. 2. Genetic diversity across traditional breeds is valuable and should be maintained. It is not clear how gene editing could affect this diversity.There may be specific applications that could lead to improvements in animal welfare in certain LMICs, for example: 1. Using gene editing to bias sex ratios could be particularly valuable in India, given the country's extensive dairy industry. 2. Sex selection in layer hens in Egypt, given hens there are raised in an increasingly vertically integrated production system. 3. Producing polled cattle and eliminating the need for mechanical dehorning as currently occurs in many locales.Many farm animal welfare issues in LMICs are less likely to be addressed through applications of gene editing as opposed to lower technological measures such as better access to veterinary services, better management practices, improved biosecurity, and poverty reduction.

Effective Behaviour Change Strategies to Promote Meat Reduction in Brazil

September 6, 2023

Brazil's dietary landscape has a great deal of regional diversity, with meat playing a crucial role across many dishes and set against the backdrop of a complex social structure. Patterns of meat consumption vary significantly across the country, influenced by regional traditions, social disparities, and economic factors. Any strategies to promote meat consumption reduction in Brazil will need to be region-specific and tailored to the specific audience. Behavioral science research, primarily from wealthier Western nations, has found that there are many barriers for individuals in reducing their meat eating, such as the lack of dietary knowledge, strong cultural and social norms supporting meat consumption, misperceptions about the health benefits of meat, and resistance to trying new foods. The research also points to several promising strategies to promote a more plant-based diet.This report describes the COM-B model that brings together many theories of behavior change. It proposes that for change to occur, one needs: 1) Capability to carry out the action - physical (being able to do it) and psychological (having the right knowledge and knowing how to do it). 2) Opportunity to perform it - physical (having the right chance to do it ) and social (affected by what our peers think and say). 3) Motivation to do it - automatic (feeling like doing it) and reflective (deciding to do it).The report adapts the COM-B to provide practical advice on how to promote eating less meat for Brazil, giving examples applicable specifically to Brazil.Key lesson for frontline workers: One must define the precise behavior and specific audience to be influenced. Before taking any action, one should identify who (i.e., the specific population on whom one is going to focus), when one wants the reduction to occur (e.g., at home, away from home, only at dinner), how much of a reduction one wants to see. Do not go for "everyone in society".

Dairy cows welfare: Prof. John Webster in conversation with Clive Phillips

May 30, 2023

Clive Phillips was Australia's first Professor of Animal Welfare, at the University of Queensland, and has written widely on the welfare of farm, zoo and companion animals. In 2022-23 he conducted a series of recorded dialogues (Conversations With Clive) with senior animal welfare scientists and academic experts, including dairy cows welfare expert Prof. John Webster - Emeritus Professor at the University of Bristol.These dialogues are aimed at upskilling organizations concerned with farm animal welfare, helping them gain a more nuanced understanding of welfare issues from academics with deep knowledge of animal agriculture systems and direct experience of practices. Relevant academic publications and references are included at the end of the recording.Key topics of the 40-minutes conversation from April 2023: 1) Clive introduces John Webster. 2) Early research opportunities and interest in farm animal welfare. 3) The "5 Freedoms". 4) Metabolism, nutrition, and genetic selection of dairy cows. 5) Lameness. 6) Cold and heat stress. 7) Housing and grazing, and freedom of choice for cows. 8) Mastitis. 9) Electronic collars. 10) Calf/cow separation, calf pneumonia and corticosteriods. 11) Sexed semen and artificial insemination. 12) Final comments.

Dairy production in India: Animal welfare implications and public perceptions

March 8, 2023

TOPIC ONE: Dairy consumption in India. Key points: 1) India is the world's largest dairy consumer. 2) Fluid milk and ghee makes up 3/4 of all dairy products consumed. 3) India's growing population, affluence, demographic changes, and liberalized trade policies are expected to contribute to increased dairy demand.TOPIC TWO: Dairy production in India. Key points: 1) Launched in 1970, Operation Flood spread the cooperative dairy model throughout India and vastly increased dairy production. 2) Today, India is world's largest milk producer with more than 80 million farmers and 500 million cattle. 3) Both cattle and buffalo are raised for milk production but productivity per animal is very low. 4) Most dairy farms are very small, but large commercial dairies are increasing. 5) Most dairy goes through unorganized markets; organized sector consist of cooperatives and private companies.TOPIC THREE: How animal welfare is assessed on dairy farms, and the major dairy animal welfare challenges in India. Key points: 1) Size of a farm is not associated with welfare status of the animals on that farm. 2) Most animal welfare challenges faced by dairy animals in India relate to lack of basic animal care, poor/uncomfortable housing, tethering and abandonment. 3) As dairy production in India intensifies, animal welfare will likely improve, but new animal welfare issues will emerge.TOPIC FOUR: India's unique socio-cultural context and how this shapes public debate about dairy cattle welfare. Key points: 1) Cattle has sacred status. 2) India is home to the D'harmic religions which place high value on the principle of non-harm to animals (Ahimsa). 3) Cattle slaughter is banned or restricted in many states, leading farmers to abandon unproductive cattle. 4) Indians appear divided on the implications of intensified dairy farming for animal welfare.TOPIC FIVE: Recommendations for front-line persons interested in the animal welfare implications of the Indian dairy sector. 1) Prioritize public outreach to most receptive demographic (younger, educated, affluent, females, pet owners). 2) Conduct pilot studies to benchmark dairy animal welfare and actual consumer demand for animal-friendly products. 3) Organize symposia where farmers, dairy scientists, animal ethicists and religious authorities can discuss relationship between dairy farming, animal welfare, and religion in India. 4) Focus on animal welfare issues, not farm size/type.

Farm Animal Treatment in the United States: What Role Is There for Additional Federal Regulations?

March 6, 2023

Key PointsThe federal government mostly leaves policy about the housing and treatment of farm animals to the states, but there is increasing interest in a more active federal role, perhaps through the next farm bill.Many states regulate in-state farm animal housing and treatment, and some regulate interstate marketing of animal products based on farm animal treatment elsewhere.One argument for federal legislation is to preempt state-by-state rules to help assure national consistency. Another is to impose federal regulations that would raise standards in laggard jurisdictions and perhaps set more restrictive regulations for animal agriculture generally.This report argues for more recognition of buyers' willingness to pay to satisfy their individual preferences, more transparency about public policy goals, and better clarity about the nature of the public good related to on-farm treatment of farm animals.

Cattle welfare: Prof. Temple Grandin in conversation with Clive Phillips

January 4, 2023

Clive Phillips was Australia's first Professor of Animal Welfare, at the University of Queensland, and has written widely on the welfare of farm, zoo and companion animals. In 2022 he conducted a series of recorded dialogues (Conversations With Clive) with senior animal welfare scientists and academic experts, including cattle welfare expert Temple Grandin - a faculty member with Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University.These dialogues are aimed at upskilling organizations concerned with farm animal welfare, helping them gain a more nuanced understanding of welfare issues from academics with deep knowledge of animal agriculture systems and direct experience of practices. Relevant academic publications and references are included at the end of the recording.Key topics of the 45-minutes conversation from November 2022: 1) What's important for cattle. 2) Feedlots. 3) Rangeland and pasture systems. 4) Semi-intensive systems. 5) Transport. 6) Slaughter. 7) Calving. 8) Pain relief. 9) Stewardship of the land. 10) The future.

Pig welfare: Prof. Donald Broom in conversation with Clive Phillips

January 4, 2023

Clive Phillips was Australia's first Professor of Animal Welfare, at the University of Queensland, and has written widely on the welfare of farm, zoo and companion animals. In 2022 he conducted a series of recorded dialogues (Conversations With Clive) with senior animal welfare scientists and academic experts, including pig welfare expert Donald Broom - Colleen Macleod Professor of Animal Welfare (Emeritus) in the Centre for Animal Welfare and Anthrozoology within the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge.These dialogues are aimed at upskilling organizations concerned with farm animal welfare, helping them gain a more nuanced understanding of welfare issues from academics with deep knowledge of animal agriculture systems and direct experience of practices. Relevant academic publications and references are included at the end of the recording.Key topics of the 38-minutes conversation from April 2022: 1) Pigs are bright, social animals. 2) Pigs' living condition and confinement is currently the worst pig welfare problem. 3) Changes in pig rearing practices. 4) Farrowing crates and alternatives. 5) Free range outdoor pigs. 6) Slaughtering many animals during disease outbreaks. 7) Problems with rearing piglets (castrations, tail-docking, etc.) 8) Consumers want pigs to be less confined. 9) Transporting pigs. 10) The future.

Sheep welfare: Prof. Cathy Dwyer in conversation with Clive Phillips

December 27, 2022

Clive Phillips was Australia's first Professor of Animal Welfare, at the University of Queensland, and has written widely on the welfare of farm, zoo and companion animals. In 2022 he conducted a series of recorded dialogues (Conversations With Clive) with senior animal welfare scientists and academic experts, including sheep welfare expert Cathy Dwyer - Professor in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh, and Director of the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE).These dialogues are aimed at upskilling organizations concerned with farm animal welfare, helping them gain a more nuanced understanding of welfare issues from academics with deep knowledge of animal agriculture systems and direct experience of practices. Relevant academic publications and references are included at the end of the recording.Key topics of the 35-minutes conversation from March 2022: 1) Smallholder sheep farming is important for livelihoods in lower and middle-income countries. 2) Are extensive systems free from welfare problems? 3) Are sheep looked after better in advanced countries? 4) Fewer new sheep farmers. 5) Fly strike. 6) Tail docking. 7) Shearing is major welfare challenge. 8) Castration of male lambs. 9) Long distance live transport's many problems. 10) Looking ahead: Sheep's multiple roles from wool, milk, to land conservation. 11) Sheep farming in the UK.

Egg producer and egg buyer disconnect: Exploring barriers and levers to increase cage-free egg production in China

December 11, 2022

About 40% of the world's chicken eggs come from China. Although there is interest in cage-free eggs production in China, the transition has been slow. This report focuses on a key reason: A fundamental disconnect between egg producers and buyers (retailers and end consumers). First, this report gives an OVERVIEW of China's egg industry and commitments to cage-free production.Three BARRIERS causing the disconnect are explained: 1. Understanding — Global cage-free egg campaigns have focused on the singular issue of animal welfare. But the concept of animal welfare is not well understood in China and there is confusion about "cage-free" in China's egg marketplace. 2. Cost — Transitioning to cage-free is expensive and comes with considerable financial risk for Chinese producers. And domestic egg buyers are generally unwilling to pay the resulting price increase. 3. Confidence — Egg producers are not confident that food businesses will keep their commitments. In turn, egg buyers can't always trust claims of traceability and verifiability of their eggs. Five LEVERS to align egg producers and buyers are suggested: 1. Support and fund initiatives for producers and buyers that are firmly China led and driven. 2. Improve transparency and accountability of cage-free commitments specifically in China. 3. Ensure the term "cage-free" is associated with trusted, premium products addressing multiple ethical and social concerns. 4. Increase market demand by targeting receptive demographics (those more concerned with animal welfare, safe, healthy food, and a willingness to pay a price premium for products addressing these concerns). 5. Focus engagement with multinational grocery retailers operating in China yet to make cage-free commitments.

Final Evaluation: M7 - Enhancing the Protection and Conservation of Marine Turtle Nesting Sites in the Mediterranean 2017-2022

November 17, 2022

Endangered populations of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) marine turtles in the Mediterranean are recovering, thanks to decades of devoted conservation work at nesting sites. Nevertheless, marine turtles still face persistent threats throughout the region - from tourism, coastal infrastructure development, illegal and accidental capture, and climate change. The survival of these migratory species and their important coastal and marine habitats depends on continued intervention, especially international collaboration with shared protocols and joint conservation activities.Since 2017, a coalition of ten key partners throughout the Mediterranean have worked to ensure the protection of marine turtle populations and habitats by protecting priority breeding sites and reducing mortality related to human activity in and around those sites.

Final Evaluation: WA3 - Conserving the Seabirds of Cabo Verde 2017-2022

October 19, 2022

The Cabo Verde archipelago is known over the world as a seabird hotspot. Despite this, seabird populations have declined severely, often because of direct capture, leading to local extinction in some islands and islets, and the complete extinction of the Frigatebird. This situation, together with scarcity of information on seabird conservation status and the threats they face, as well as low public awareness and engagement in the archipelago, inspired us to create an action plan for the conservation of seabirds in Cabo Verde.Together, we sought to build a solid understanding of the ecology of seabird species while identifying and mitigating threats, both on land and at sea. In addition, we wanted to enable and promote the participation of local technicians in seabird monitoring, increase research capacity, raise awareness across the country, and improve the existing legal framework for the protection of species and relevant sites.

From pasture to compost barns: Smallholder family dairy farmers and the expansion of industrialized animal production in Santa Catarina, Brazil

October 17, 2022

Why are small-scale family dairy farms expanding to larger scale industrialized systems such as compost barns in Santa Catarina, one of the largest dairy production regions in Brazil?Compost barns are presented to small-scale farmers as a modern and efficient production model. Farmers perceive that by adopting these intensive confined systems, they will acquire the social status associated with modernity. To curb the further adoption of compost barns and encourage the use of pasture-based systems instead, one needs to take multiple steps and approaches.FARMERS AND EXTENSION AGENTS: 1) Engage with farmers individually, and identify extension agents with good relationships with farmers. 2) Explain that compost barns require massive investments and higher labor demands, reduce animal welfare, and increase vulnerability to external factors, while well-managed pasture-based systems can match many of the alleged benefits of compost barns. 3) Women and younger generations in family farms are key groups to target, given their growing influence in decision-making. 4) Promote sustainable, pasture-based dairy production systems as a new face of modernity and symbol of high status that brings a sense of pride. 5) Publicize successful pasture-based farms as model farms. 6) Provide concrete steps of managing pasture-based systems that farmers can easily understand and follow.CONSUMERS: Develop public interest in sustainable, pasture-based dairy production; generate consumer markets for animal welfare-friendly, climate-friendly or carbon-neutral milk.POLICY MAKERS: Lobby for policies that incentivize production using pasture-based systems, for example: Rural credit programs for smallholders, programs that give them a secure market, payment for ecosystem services, subsidizing photovoltaic energy.