In several of the research areas of the Group there have been scientific advances in recent years which have influenced legislation and practice as well as being of fundamental interest. Examples are:

• Work on the welfare of calves in relation to housing contributed to the new E.U. Directive, which bans the use of small crates and ensures that reasonable amounts of iron and roughage will be fed to the calves.

• Studies of the welfare of housed sows provided clear evidence from studies of abnormal behaviour, adrenal physiology and bone and muscle strength for poor welfare in stall-housed sows and also showed how aggression in groups can be minimised. This has resulted in the banning of this system in the UK.

• A study showing that hens in battery cages have bones which are weaker and therefore more likely to be broken pre-slaughter than those which get more exercise. This has had a significant influence on proposals by the European Commission for a Directive, which would lead to the phasing out of battery cages.

• Studies of the welfare of animals during transport have resulted in stronger E.U. legislation on transport.

• Pet animal welfare has been helped by work on dog and cat housing on the causes of behaviour problems and studies of the effects of pet ownership on the health of their owners have encouraged pet ownership, particularly responsible pet ownership.

• Fundamental studies of feeding behaviour and of the beneficial and harmful effects of metal ions in the diet of animals have been carried out.

• Some of the methods developed for welfare assessment have been applied to laboratory animals, zoo animals and wild animals including red deer.

At the same time that these practically important results were being achieved, a better understanding of how animals try to cope with adversity, and of animal communication and awareness has been obtained.

Professor Broom has chaired the Scientific Veterinary Committee, Animal Welfare Section in Brussels, has been a scientific advisor to the Council of Europe Standing Committee of the Convention on the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes in Strasbourg and has been a Member of the Farm Animal Welfare Council.

Examples of recent C.U.A.W.I.C. reviews, reports and publications

Background on the Cambridge University Animal Welfare Information Centre