Economic arguments for animal welfare investment show that higher welfare production often delivers commercial benefits through improved animal health, productivity, and market access.
The economic case for animal welfare investment is stronger than often assumed. While some welfare improvements have net costs, many simultaneously improve productivity, reduce veterinary costs, and unlock market access. Framing welfare improvements as investments rather than costs, and demonstrating the return on investment through rigorous farm economic analysis, is an effective strategy for driving voluntary adoption of higher welfare practices.