The term ‘animal discomfort’ is often used in legislation and research about animal welfare. However, a clear definition of ‘animal discomfort’ remains absent. A group of researchers, including participants from Denmark, has thrown light on this issue.

The need for a definition

With an increasing demand for more sustainable and welfare-oriented livestock production and ethical practices in research, there is a particular need to identify discomfort in animals.

The goal, of course, is to avoid or minimize discomfort, for instance, by changing practices. This could involve adjustments in feeding, housing, handling, etc. Primarily, this requires a shared understanding of what discomfort actually is. Furthermore, it necessitates objective descriptions of what discomfort entails.

Discomfort: Physical, physiological, and mental

Authors of a recent scientific paper published in Livestock Science, led by Postdoc Guilherme A. Franchi from the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, propose that discomfort intersects on three domains:

Physically/Sensory featured discomfort: This includes pain resulting from wounds or injuries. It may also stem from sensory input, such as extreme temperatures, loud noises, or strong odors. These aversive experiences may be caused by, among others,  inadequate animal housing, limited space, or inappropriate handling methods.

Physiologically featured discomfort: This type of discomfort arises from physiological processes. It may involve metabolic imbalances, infections, or deficiencies in certain nutrients. Among typical causes are inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, or illness.

Mentally featured discomfort: This encompasses feelings of anxiety, fear, frustration, or boredom. Mental discomfort often arises when animals are deprived of performing highly motivated behavior, such as exploratory behavior, socializing, and foraging.

Attempting to avoid or minimize discomfort

Common for all these forms of discomfort is that animals often will try to avoid or alleviate the discomfort as much as possible. This could for example manifest as making sounds, changes in grooming behaviors, increased aggression, or withdrawal from social interactions.

A clear definition: Moving towards a common understanding

The research team behind the article proposes an operational definition of animal discomfort. The exact wording can be found in the article. In summary, it states that ‘The animal is in a short- or long-term negative emotional state caused by internal or external factors, affecting the animal physically, physiologically, and/or mentally. This leads the animal to attempt to avoid or alleviate the source of discomfort’.

Significance for research and practice

The researchers hope that such a common definition will facilitate consistency both in research and legislation, and ultimately improve animal welfare in the handling and management of animals.  For instance, this could assist researchers in designing protocols that reduce the burden on animals in experiments. It will be able to assist in advising the authorities on the implementation of the animal welfare law. It could also help farmers develop procedures that promote animal welfare. Ultimately this would contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system that enhances the health and well-being of both animals and the people involved.