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2014 Campbell Centre Animal Welfare Research Symposium
The 7th Annual Animal Welfare Research Symposium, presented by the Campbell Centre for the
Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW) and sponsored by Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW),
covered recent and ongoing research in animal welfare. Topics ranged across species, from horses and
small animals to food and zoo animals. Major themes involved research to assess and reduce pain or
negative affective states.
Session I of the conference focused largely on equine welfare with an emphasis on the humanhorse relationship. Horse responsiveness to differing human physical and mental states was assessed
using vital signs with the intention of improving Equine Assisted Therapy. Rider handedness was also
evaluated to measure its effect on rider position, as correct rider position allows for proper application
of rider aids to improve communication and equine welfare. The validity of Triaxial accelerometers as a
method to measure horse lying behavior were assessed relative to observation. In the future, these
could be used as a potential indicator of joint pain or discomfort. In addition, zoo welfare was explored
by the use of thermal imaging as a non-invasive measure of large felids and indicator of
thermoregulatory behavior.
Session II covered two major food animals: cows and chickens. Legislation requires feed, water,
and rest at least every 5 hours for transported cattle, but at the rest station the cows tend to flock to
provided food rather than water. Running water cues were used to assess if the cattle behavior is
reflective of their needs or due to the rest station environment. Portable shade for pasture provides
shelter for dairy cows without increasing over-grazing or reduced feeding by allowing farmers to move
the shelter to the most appropriate grazing area as required. Similar problems were seen in dairy cattle
farms of Colombia. Lack of shade increases temperature which leads to more flies on the animals, who
try to avoid them. This restlessness means more time and energy is put toward avoiding flies rather than
eating or drinking. Similarly, the chicken welfare presentations also focused on their environment. In
particular, the benefits of different caging systems as it influences keel-fracture incidence. The auditory
startle response technique to measure chicken welfare through affective states was assessed as an
indicator of fearfulness in laying hens. Addressing these issues in cattle can improve welfare and
increase productivity.
The poster session overviewed specific topics presented throughout the symposium. Underlying
themes included the assessment pain and stress to evaluate their behavioural implications. The
objective of this work is to identify and refine potentially painful procedures in both agricultural and
laboratory environments. Researchers are looking to improve animal welfare in terms of both clinical
and recreational practices that use animals. All these topics are significant and timely; animals are
widely farmed and used in research. Their welfare is a concern of the public and the research
community.
Session III of the symposium featured the key note speaker, Dr. Eric Troncy from the University
of Montreal, who presented his research on osteoarthritic cats and improving pain assessment by
veterinarians. Of particular importance was the finding that cats with chronic pain have a significantly
lower pain threshold than their healthy counterparts. This may help veterinarians better prepare for
routine but potentially painful treatments in cats and other animals with chronic pain issues.
Session IV speakers presented the importance of recognizing the subtle signs of fear, pain and
disease in animals. Animal caretakers should be able to recognize subtle signs of fear and adjust their
own behavior in an effort to minimize discomfort in the animal. Better detection of subclinical
manifestations of disease can lead to improved animal health and may also decrease pain. Finally,
investigation of the play areas available around dog kennels allowed for suggestions to better improve
the lives of animals, employees and volunteers. Future research aims to characterize the pain pathways
in animals of varying sentience in an effort to better understand their welfare in the laboratory, the vet
clinic, and the farm.
Session V speakers presented the efficacy of environmental enrichment in reducing stereotypic
behaviours to improve welfare. Laboratory mouse marking techniques and learning benefits from
environmental enhancement were areas of interest. The session and conference was effectively tied to
its social relevance by a presentation on consumer perception as it relates to animal welfare. It is
evident that there are a significant number of uninformed consumers lacking the knowledge to make
informed food choices. However, consumers are confused by labelling designations. Improved label
transparency would encourage produces to make a greater commitment to animal welfare advances.
The contents of this symposium are relevant in all settings where animals are found including
laboratory, veterinary, and farm practices, and should be heeded by the animal handlers to improve
everything from animal welfare to test results, performance, and the pet-owner bond.