Animal-based welfare outcome measures provide objective evidence of welfare status that supplements input-based measures for more complete welfare assessment.
Moving from input-based welfare assessment to outcome-based measurement transforms welfare management. Knowing that 20% of hens have severe keel bone fractures is more informative than knowing that perches are provided as required. Validated outcome measures provide objective evidence of actual welfare status rather than compliance with process requirements. Building outcome measurement into farm assurance standards creates accountability for welfare that input measures cannot provide.