Understanding human and other animal behaviour: Ethology, welfare and food policy

摘要

Food security and sustainability are paramount goals of global policy in the Twenty First Century. What are the contributions of applied ethology and animal welfare in delivering these major goals? Livestock plays a major role in food security and nutrition (FSN), because meat and animal products are important in people's diets and the livestock sector is central to food systems' development. And many aspects of the welfare of livestock are important for production, as expressed in the advice, 'Look after your animals and they will look after you,' for example, reduction of disease. Consideration of animal welfare can enable advantages for production that have not otherwise been identified, and is therefore not just compatible with but important for achieving good management of livestock for production, livelihoods and FSN. Furthermore, understanding of animal behaviour and care for livestock welfare contribute to all three pillars of sustainable agriculture: economic profitability, social equity and environmental health. Ethology clarifies the interactions between animals, humans and the environment, and thus helps to optimise livestock management for the best balance between these complex priorities. However, although considering behaviour and welfare is valuable for production and FSN, people do not always recognise or act on this value. They may need information or help to do so: mechanisms are needed to provide information, help and sometimes financial assistance to producers. These mechanisms need input from experts in applied ethology and animal welfare, at both practical and policy level.