Scientists at Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Lacombe, Alta.,
received a $1.5 million funding boost to focus on animal welfare
research.
The scientists will evaluate transport, handling, early detection of
sick animals, reduced use of antibiotics and livestock housing.
Al Schaefer with the centre said eight species of animals are studied
at the centre from chickens to cattle.
“We want to produce objective, science-based information to better
enable the industry to respond to the questions they receive,” Schaefer
said at the news conference announcing the funding.
The three-year funding is from Agriculture Canada, Alberta Agriculture
and the Alberta Farm Animal Care Association.
AFAC chair Guy Fontaine said animal welfare is an integral component of
a modern livestock industry.
“We know that proper animal handling is directly linked to improved
productivity, meat quality and producer profitability,” Fontaine said.
“The more we know about animal behaviour, the better it is for the
animals and the industry.”
