2014年-世界发展银行全球_Improving_Animal_Welfare_in_Livestock_Operations_36页_19mb

Summary of "Improving Animal Welfare in Livestock Operations" (Good Practice Note)

Core Content

This Good Practice Note (GPN) from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) provides guidance on improving animal welfare in livestock operations. It outlines the importance of animal welfare in the context of global commercial farming, highlights the scientific and ethical basis for these standards, and presents the business case for enhancing animal welfare practices. The document also describes IFC's approach to animal welfare, including its due diligence process and alignment with international standards.

Main Viewpoints

• Animal welfare is a critical component of sustainable livestock operations, influencing productivity, profitability, and market access.
• Animal welfare standards are based on science and practical experience, and they include both the prevention of negative states (pain, fear, distress) and the promotion of positive states (comfort, health, expression of natural behavior).
• The Five Freedoms are foundational to international animal welfare discussions and serve as a guiding framework for assessing and managing animal welfare across the supply chain.
• The OIE standards are widely recognized as the international reference for animal welfare, particularly in the trade of livestock and their products.
• The EU has set legally binding animal welfare laws, which are often used as a benchmark globally, and developed countries generally have more resources and infrastructure to support animal welfare improvements.
• Consumer demand and civil society pressure are driving the adoption of higher animal welfare standards, creating market opportunities for producers who meet these standards.
• Shareholder activism is increasing, with investors pushing for improved animal welfare practices, especially in the food and agribusiness sectors.
• Good management practices in animal welfare include improving nutrition, reducing stress, using humane handling techniques, and ensuring access to veterinary care.

Key Information

Animal Welfare Standards

• Animal welfare refers to the state of an animal, including its physical and mental health.
• The Five Freedoms are:
  1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
  2. Freedom from discomfort
  3. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
  4. Freedom to express normal behavior
  5. Freedom from fear and distress
• OIE has developed 14 global animal welfare standards and 11 General Principles for the Welfare of Animals in Livestock Production Systems.
• These standards are especially relevant in countries with underdeveloped animal welfare frameworks.

Business Case for Improved Animal Welfare

• Improved animal welfare can reduce costs, increase productivity, and open new market opportunities.
• Disease prevention is a key area where animal welfare and business sustainability intersect, as disease can lead to significant losses in livestock production.
• Meat quality is affected by animal welfare, with stressed animals producing lower quality meat that may be condemned at inspection.
• Consumer demand for humane products is growing, leading to higher market premiums for animal welfare-credentialled products.

Good Management Practices

• Genetics and breed selection should prioritize health, low aggression, and suitability to local conditions.
• Animal health management includes maintaining good body condition, periodic parasite checks, prompt treatment of sick or injured animals, and proper disposal of dead animals.
• Husbandry practices should minimize pain and stress, using alternatives to harmful procedures or providing effective pain relief.
• Stockmanship is crucial, with trained and motivated personnel required to ensure humane treatment and welfare of animals.

IFC's Approach

• IFC aligns its animal welfare guidance with its Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability (PS 6).
• It emphasizes due diligence and supports clients in adopting sustainable practices that enhance animal welfare.
• IFC collaborates with international organizations, including the OIE, to ensure its standards are globally relevant and scientifically grounded.

Conclusion

This document underscores the importance of integrating animal welfare into livestock operations as a responsible and forward-looking business practice. It highlights the alignment of IFC's approach with international standards and the growing business and ethical rationale for improving animal welfare. The GPN serves as a guide for producers, investors, and policymakers to ensure that livestock operations are both economically viable and ethically sound.