Welfare outcome assessment
Most of our RSPCA welfare standards for farm animals are essentially 'input' standards, requiring farmers to provide their animals with certain resources, such as space, feed, and veterinary care. However, it is important to know about the effect these resources are having on the welfare of the animals.
We began this process in 1999 by commissioning the University of Bristol to develop welfare outcome assessment protocols for laying hens, pigs and dairy cattle.
The AssureWel project
For more information download the AssureWel project brochure
Where we are now
So far the project has developed assessment protocols for key welfare indicators for laying hens, such as feather cover and aggression, and dairy cattle, such as lameness and body condition. The measures for pigs are currently being developed and field-tested.
For the latest information visit the AssureWel website.
The benefits
Welfare outcome assessment is used by RSPCA Assured assessors as objective evidence when checking compliance with RSPCA welfare standards. The results are fed back to farmers enabling them to concentrate on any areas of welfare highlighted as needing improvement.
We also provide benchmarking data so farmers can see how they compare with others. Through the project, we will provide advice and support to producers and producer groups on detecting, monitoring and improving welfare issues, including training and farmer learning events. Information from welfare outcome assessments will also help to inform the development of the RSPCA welfare standards.
For more information about the AssureWel project contact the farm animals department at farm-animals@rspca.org.uk.
The AssureWel project is supported by the Tubney Charitable Trust.