Understanding the natural behavioral repertoire of farmed animals is foundational to designing welfare-positive husbandry systems.
Effective animal welfare depends on understanding what animals are motivated to do and designing systems that allow expression of key behaviors. Farm animals have evolved behavioral needs that remain strong even in domestic contexts. Pigs denied rooting, hens denied dustbathing and nesting, and cattle denied social companions show frustration, stereotypy, and elevated stress. Natural behavior observation guides welfare-positive system design.