HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: jas.2008-1519v1 87/6/2175    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Johnson, A. K. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Johnson, A. K.

ASAS Centennial Paper: Farm Animal Welfare Science in the U.S.

Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011-3150

johnsona{at}iastate.edu

Abstract

Compared to the more traditional sciences of nutrition, physiology and reproduction, the acceptance of animal welfare science in its own right is still relatively new. Seven colleagues, who had an average of 10 yrs experience with beef (n = 5), swine (n = 5), dairy (n = 2), poultry (n = 1), and sheep (n = 1) were asked several questions on the opportunities and challenges facing the field. The information collected was pooled for anonymity. General challenges identified by the group were (1) are we making progress and how can this be defined (2) demand for information has outpaced the science and (3) pressures from stakeholders. Solutions were (1) to continue providing sound science that has been "validated," measured "objectively," and is reliable and (2) continuation to have animal science and veterinary medicine departments continue to employ faculty trained in farm animal welfare. Highlights for the future were willingness for animal welfare scientists to work across disciplines and across departments, within the same institution, and enthusiastically across state lines and expansion of new teaching models. In conclusion, new and innovative tools, personalities and dedication to the field of animal welfare will continue to provide the scientific information and direction for farm animal welfare science.

Key Words: Applied • Farm • Future • Welfare