Animal welfare science is increasingly rigorous, but access barriers limit reach to practitioners and policymakers. Open access publishing improves welfare science translation.
Welfare science that remains behind paywalls cannot reach the farmers, veterinarians and policymakers who need it most. Institutional access in high-income research universities does not translate to practitioners in LMICs or small-scale farmers making welfare decisions. Open access mandates by funders like Wellcome Trust and NIH are improving availability. However, the dominant challenge remains translating even accessible science into changed practice. Extension services, farmer networks, veterinary associations and welfare assurance schemes all serve as translation mechanisms.