Australian scientists study livestock stress
Scientists in Australia are looking into ways in which livestock stress can be reduced, by gaining insights into how animals’ minds work. The Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation (CSIRO) hopes the results of the study will expand their understanding of emotional and cognitive functions of livestock and how farming practices impact animal welfare. The study is funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.
“With increased public concern about the welfare of animals, and consumers seeking 'animal welfare-friendly' products, Australia's livestock industries are focused on improving farming practices to meet changing expectations," said CSIRO scientist Caroline Lee.
The study uses cognitive principles based on human psychological theories to assess animal emotions. The scientists are studying how animals behave when they're under emotional stress, pain and discomfort, and their preferences for different foods.
CSIRO scientist Dr Drewe Ferguson believes this research could pave the way for future animal welfare standards. “We're attempting to develop these methodologies to allow us to assess this in livestock, after they've been subjected to some sort of challenge, such as transport or restraint or isolation or something like this, that we know is going to have an impact in terms of their stress, how then it has affected their state [of mind]."
