Development of farm animal welfare assessment systems on farm and transportation

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1. Development of farm animal welfare assessment system focused on behavioral indicators Japanese dairy and beef production systems were assessed by the ANI scoring system developed in German-speaking countries. We made it appear that the ANI system attaches too much importance on duration of grazing or outdoor-rearing period. Then we firstly developed the improved ANI system and the new assessment system based on Five Freedoms. Secondly, self-grooming behavior and flight distance of cattle were investigated as fundamental information to improve assessment system. Thirdly, as emotional state of animals is also important for animal welfare assessment, we found positive and negative emotional indicators of welfare in stabled horses and showed that these indicators were effective to assess rearing environment.2. Development of farm animal welfare assessment system focused on physiological indicators It was ascertained that B-endorphin might be one of the most suitable indicators for emotional study in chickens. In addition, B-endorphin has an important role in the regulation of stress response via mu-opioid receptor. We also found that the numbers of circulating NK cells and ConA induced IFN-γ production were useful as the immune marker relating to welfare level in transporting cattle.3. Development of farm animal welfare assessment systems on transportation Livestock vehicle inspection was conducted according to the welfare standards of the RSPCA at major livestock markets in Japan. And behavioral and physiological responses of beef steers to long distance and slaughter-house-bound transport were investigated. Vehicles inspected complied with most requirements of the welfare standards, but non-compliance was found in two requirements-slope of the loading ramp and setting fence at each side of the ramp to avoid falling down. Because of big seasonal difference in stress factor in Japan, the necessity to consider it to improve animal welfare in transit was confirmed.