Welfare Science

Farm Animal Welfare Data Collection Standards

Consistent welfare data collection standards are essential for comparing welfare outcomes across systems, farms, and countries.

Key Facts

Animal-based measures such as lameness scoring provide direct welfare information
Resource-based measures such as space provision are easier to assess but indirect
Harmonised welfare indicators enable meaningful national and international comparisons
Digital technologies including automated lameness detection are improving data collection efficiency

Welfare Considerations

Without consistent data standards, welfare improvement is impossible to measure reliably. Harmonised animal-based welfare indicators collected systematically enable evidence-based policy, certification, and farm improvement. Investment in welfare data infrastructure underpins all other welfare progress.

What You Can Do

Support organisations developing and implementing welfare assessment protocols
Advocate for mandatory welfare outcome reporting in food supply chains
Engage with farm assurance schemes that use robust animal-based welfare indicators