Search

Compared with 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 yr 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) to continue to have animal science and veterinary medicine departments 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 scientific information and direction for farm animal welfare science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey to measure attitudes toward farm animal welfare was developed. We targeted animal science faculty because of their influence on animal production in the United States. We initially interviewed 34 faculty members from a large Midwestern public university to assist with questionnaire development. After our written survey was developed, we pilot-tested our questionnaire at this same university. Thereafter, we sent an e-mail advance notice, first survey, and follow-up survey/thank-you to the national population of animal science faculty members. With an n = 446 (response rate = 45%), we observed the following: 51% (for layer birds), 58% (for meat birds), 66% (for swine), 84% (for dairy), 86% (for sheep), and 87% (for beef) of our respondents agreed that the predominant methods used to produce various types of animal products provided appropriate levels of animal welfare. Our findings showed that greater than 90% of respondents support general principles of animal welfare, such as keeping animals free from unnecessary fear and distress. However, specific practices that have been shown to elicit distress (e.g., castration without anesthetic) were deemed a concern by only 32% of the respondents. Various industry practices/outcomes were assessed for level of concern and varied from a high of 83% of respondents agreeing that flooring effects on lameness in intensively farmed animals are a concern, to a low of 16% agreeing that early weaning in pigs is a concern. Summed attitude scores showed significant relationships with the demographic variables of gender (P < 0.01) and political ideology (P < 0.01), with women and those holding more liberal political views being more concerned about farm animal welfare issues. Gaining an awareness of various stakeholders' attitudes (e.g., animal scientists, veterinarians, producers, and consumers) toward farm animal welfare will assist animal welfare scientists in knowing which research topics to emphasize and, perhaps, where critical gaps in accessibility of knowledge exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biography of animal scientist Herbert Windsor Mumford is presented. He was born in 1871, son of Elisha and Julia Camburn Mumford, in Michigan. He completed his degree at Michigan Agricultural College. In 1901, he began his career at the University of Illinois, first as “Chief of Animal Husbandry." In 1922, he was appointed Dean of the College of Agriculture.

The article reports on several views from scientists on the issues concerning animal research. One of the problems facing animal researchers are the violent protests from animal activists that favor reduction of animal research. On the other hand, researchers expressed the significance of animal research in the field of medicine. Communication between the community and animal scientists is an important factor in addressing the problems and bring differing opinions together.

The article presents information on several meetings including the Western Section Meeting from June 25-27, 2014 and call for Jr. Animal Scientist classroom and American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Corporate Sustaining Member.

The article presents the issues faced by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association during the presidency of Peter Mann. Key issues included a symposium entitled "Pet Animals and Society," and the approval the establishment of the BSAVA Clinical Studies Trust Fund. Eminent speakers presented papers discussing the benefits and problems of keeping animals for companionship.

The article presents issues faced by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association during the term of Colin Price. Key issues included the decision to move the association's annual congress to the International Convention Centre in Birmingham and the work with solicitors and the Charities Commission to obtain charitable status for the association. The setting up of the Practice Standards Scheme is also reported.

The article presents the issues faced by the British Small-Animal Veterinary Association during the term of Brian Singleton. Key issues included the first International Small Animal Congress in London, problems linked to welfare societies and on professional fees. High quality of scientific programmes and published work has been maintained over the years with the collaboration and support of research workers.

The article presents the issues faced by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association during the term of Ted Chandler. Key issues include the development of one's practice and skill improvement and the emphasis of the value of the manual of practice improvement. The first surgical forum in Wakefield was organised.

The article presents the issues faced by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association during its 50th anniversary year. Key issues include the redefinition of its education strategy and investment in marketing. The political dimension of the association's concerns include changes to the Pet Travel Scheme and the annual review of medicines legislation.

The article presents issues faced by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association during the term of Julian Wells. Key issues included the dispensing of medicines, disease surveillance and veterinary nursing. The embracing of the advance in information technology is marked as the most significant challenge.

The article reports on the challenges and threats faced by researchers and scientists in conducting animal research. Animal experimentation both caters advantages and disadvantages from among animal researchers. The protests of animal activists to end the use of animals in research have been the long time threat faced by researchers. On the other hand, animal research supporters presented the significance and benefits of the experiment.