How welfare is measured and why scientists do it differently

Abstract

Scientists studying the welfare of animals use approaches that best answer the research question. The research question, experimental approach, variables selected for measurement, and data interpretation can differ depending on the scientist's disciplinary training and his or her values framework. For example, a veterinary medical scientist may value measures of biological functioning over other measures of animal welfare, whereas an applied ethologist may place greater emphasis on behavioral measures. Animal care and husbandry recommendations, guidelines and standards, assessment strategies, and laws can reflect these differences with respect to the importance attached to the accommodation of different aspects of animal well-being. © 2010 AAVMC.