Evaluation of the Welfare Quality® assessment system on bull fattening farms
Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Knierim, Ute; Dr. Schulze Westerath, Heike
Project participants: Kirchner, Marlene; Winckler, Christoph; Tessitore, Elena; Cozzi, Giulio; Dr. Pinent, Tamina
Project description:
In intensive bull fattening, there are a variety of animal welfare concerns regarding current common practices of housing, feeding and management. The aim of this research project was to investigate the suitability and effectiveness of a bull welfare assessment system on fattening farms to provide both easily understandable product information and support for the farmer to improve animal welfare on their own farm. To this end, the attitudes and expectations of bull fatteners with regard to this survey system were examined by means of a survey on a total of 90 farms in Germany, Austria and Italy. In addition, three assessments using the WelfareQuality® method were carried out on 63 of these farms at intervals of one and approximately six months after the first survey. The farmers were given feedback and information to varying degrees: without feedback of the results (control), feedback of the results of the first assessment or feedback of the results and additional advice. On this basis, the contribution of the assessment system to improving animal welfare was investigated. In addition, the practicability of the survey system and the consistency of the assessment over time were evaluated.
Funded by the European Union, 6th Research Framework Program
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