First scientific assessment protocol to assess animal welfare in cattle: a novel study from India

Abstract

The increasing importance of animal welfare in Veterinary Medicine highlights the need for a comprehensive scientific assessment protocol for evaluating animal well-being across diverse animal husbandry setups in Haryana, India. In light of this gap, our study has been meticulously crafted to rectify these critical deficiencies and a protocol was developed to assess animal welfare in cattle. Conducted over 1.5 years (March 2022 - August 2023) in various animal husbandry setups of cattle [gaushalas (cattle shelters) having zebu cattle, organized and unorganized farms having exotic/crossbred cattle] across two agro-climatic zones (North Eastern (NE) and South Western (SW) Haryana), the study involved two stages. First, a detailed analysis of existing studies utilizing different biomarkers as indicators of bovine health and welfare, both in our country and abroad, was performed. The second stage involved evaluating selected animal welfare biomarkers in different husbandry setups. Through comprehensive analysis, we identified the necessity of a systematic evaluation protocol comprising twenty welfare indicators, including four physical measures, two behavioral measures and fourteen physiological/immunological measures. For the first time in India, this diverse set of indicators provides a robust foundation for thoroughly and scientifically evaluating and monitoring the health and welfare of cattle across different husbandry setups.