Johnson A K
Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3150, USA.
J Anim Sci. 2009 Jun;87(6):2175-9. doi: 10.2527/jas.2008-1519. Epub 2009 Feb 27.
Compared with the more traditional sciences of nutrition, physiology, and reproduction, the acceptance of animal welfare science in its own right is still relatively new. Seven colleagues, who had an average of 10 yr experience with beef (n = 5), swine (n = 5), dairy (n = 2), poultry (n = 1), and sheep (n = 1) were asked several questions on the opportunities and challenges facing the field. The information collected was pooled for anonymity. General challenges identified by the group were (1) are we making progress and how can this be defined, (2) demand for information has outpaced the science, and (3) pressures from stakeholders. Solutions were (1) to continue providing sound science that has been validated, measured objectively, and is reliable; and (2) to continue to have animal science and veterinary medicine departments employ faculty trained in farm animal welfare. Highlights for the future were willingness for animal welfare scientists to work across disciplines and across departments, within the same institution, and enthusiastically across state lines, and expansion of new teaching models. In conclusion, new and innovative tools, personalities, and dedication to the field of animal welfare will continue to provide scientific information and direction for farm animal welfare science.
与营养、生理学和生殖学等更为传统的学科相比，动物福利科学自身被认可的时间仍然相对较短。七位同事，他们在牛肉生产（n = 5）、猪肉生产（n = 5）、奶牛养殖（n = 2）、家禽养殖（n = 1）和绵羊养殖（n = 1）方面平均有10年的经验，被问及该领域面临的机遇和挑战等几个问题。收集到的信息进行了汇总以确保匿名性。该小组确定的一般挑战包括：（1）我们是否在取得进展以及如何界定这一点；（2）对信息的需求超过了科学发展；（3）来自利益相关者的压力。解决方案是：（1）继续提供经过验证、客观衡量且可靠的可靠科学；（2）继续让动物科学和兽医学系聘用接受过农场动物福利培训的教师。未来的亮点包括动物福利科学家愿意跨学科、跨部门开展工作，在同一机构内，并且积极地跨州开展工作，以及新教学模式的扩展。总之，新的创新工具、人才以及对动物福利领域的奉献精神将继续为农场动物福利科学提供科学信息和指导。
