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A new animal welfare concept based on allostasis
S Mechiel Korte1, Berend Olivier, Jaap M Koolhaas
1Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, The Netherlands. s.m.korte@pharm.uu.nl
Physiology & Behavior
|December 19, 2006
Summary
Animal welfare science needs an update. This study proposes using the allostasis concept (stability through change) instead of homeostasis to better understand animal health and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Animal Welfare Science
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Public concern and legislative changes highlight the need for a clear definition of animal welfare.
- Current animal welfare science is criticized for anthropocentric biases and neglecting advanced physiological concepts.
- The homeostasis model may be insufficient for understanding animal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the Allostasis Concept as a new framework for animal welfare science.
- To challenge the reliance on homeostasis in defining and assessing animal welfare.
- To foster a broader scientific discussion integrating neurobiology and behavioral physiology.
Main Methods:
- Critically reviewing current animal welfare science paradigms.
- Introducing the physiological concept of allostasis (stability through change).
- Proposing allostasis as a more suitable model for animal welfare.
Main Results:
- Allostasis, defined as stability through change, offers a more dynamic understanding of physiological regulation.
- The capacity for change, rather than constancy, is identified as crucial for physical and mental health.
- A new animal welfare concept is proposed, grounded in allostasis.
Conclusions:
- The allostasis concept provides a more scientifically robust foundation for animal welfare.
- Shifting from homeostasis to allostasis is essential for advancing animal welfare science.
- This approach integrates modern physiological understanding for improved animal care and legislation.
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