提高畜牧业的动物福利（英文版）_36页-1mb

Summary of "Improving Animal Welfare in Livestock Operations" (Good Practice Note, December 2014)

Core Content

This Good Practice Note (GPN) from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) provides guidance on improving animal welfare in livestock operations, emphasizing the importance of integrating animal welfare standards into sustainable agricultural practices. It highlights the role of IFC in supporting its clients through the application of environmental and social sustainability principles, particularly in the context of traditional livestock production (dairy, beef, broiler chickens, layer chickens, pigs, and ducks) and aquaculture.

Main Viewpoints

• Animal Welfare Definition: Animal welfare refers to the state of an animal's well-being, encompassing physical and mental health. It includes freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, and fear, as well as the ability to express normal behavior.
• The Five Freedoms: These principles, developed by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council, form the basis of international animal welfare dialogues and are reflected in various guidelines and legislation.
• OIE Standards: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has established global animal welfare standards that serve as a reference for developed and developing markets. These standards are increasingly used as a basis for international agreements.
• EU Standards: The European Union has recognized animal sentience since 1997, and its directives set legally binding minimum welfare standards. These standards are often adopted or exceeded by IFC clients in developing countries.
• Business Case for Improved Animal Welfare: Enhancing animal welfare can lead to cost reductions, increased productivity, and access to premium markets. It also aligns with consumer and civil society demands for higher standards in food production.
• Good Management Practices: These include improving nutrition, housing, and health management, as well as using humane handling techniques and promoting genetic selection that prioritizes animal welfare.
• Role of Veterinarians and Stockmanship: Veterinarians play a crucial role in disease prevention and management, while skilled stockpersons are essential for maintaining animal health and welfare through positive human-animal interactions.

Key Information

Animal Welfare Standards

• Definition: Animal welfare is about how an animal is coping with its living conditions. It involves health, comfort, nutrition, safety, and the absence of suffering.
• Measures: Includes behavior, physiology, productivity, reproductive success, mortality rates, and incidence of injury and disease.
• OIE Standards: 14 global standards, including 10 from the Terrestrial Code and 4 from the Aquaculture Code, adopted by all 180 OIE member countries.
• EU Standards: Recognize animal sentience and set legally binding minimum welfare standards for farm animals, with member states allowed to implement higher standards.

Business Benefits

• Cost Reduction: Improved human-animal relationships can reduce costs and increase productivity.
• Market Access: Products from animal welfare-credentialialed systems can access higher value markets.
• Consumer Demand: Consumers in developed countries are willing to pay more for products from animals raised humanely, leading to market premiums.

Good Management Practices

• Housing: Housing systems should allow for natural behavior, comfort, and safety.
• Nutrition: Feed should be appropriate for the animal's age and needs, and high-energy diets should be supplemented with bulk to satisfy appetite.
• Health Management: Regular health checks, prompt treatment of illness, and isolation of sick animals are essential.
• Humane Handling: Low-stress handling methods and equipment should be used to minimize pain and distress.
• Genetic Selection: Breeds should be selected for health, low aggression, and adaptability to local conditions.

Veterinary Involvement

• The veterinary profession is increasingly involved in animal welfare, with more education and training focused on this area.
• Veterinary care should be available at all times, and medications should be administered according to professional advice.
• Preventative health programs and external audits are encouraged to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

Stockmanship

• Trained and motivated stockpersons are vital for maintaining animal welfare.
• They should be skilled in handling, preventing, and treating diseases, and in recognizing early signs of distress.
• Positive attitudes and good handling practices can significantly enhance animal welfare and productivity.

Developed vs. Developing Countries

• Developed countries have more resources and infrastructure to support animal welfare improvements.
• Developing countries can benefit from the experiences and technologies of developed nations to meet growing consumer demand and legal requirements for animal welfare.

Conclusion

This GPN underscores the importance of animal welfare in sustainable livestock operations and provides a comprehensive framework for its improvement. It aligns with IFC's broader goals of promoting responsible and forward-looking practices in agribusiness and highlights the business case for adopting higher animal welfare standards, including the potential for cost savings, market access, and enhanced reputation. The document also emphasizes the role of science, policy, and good management in achieving these goals.