Introduction: The contribution of animals to human welfare

Area of Science:

• Animal science
• Veterinary medicine
• Sustainable agriculture

Background:

• Animals provide diverse benefits to humans globally.
• Grazing animals utilize uncultivable land for food production, promoting food security and preventing land degradation.
• Dogs offer significant contributions through rescue, companionship, and livelihood support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the multifaceted contributions of grazing animals and dogs to human lives.
• To discuss the importance of animal welfare and introduce outcome-based indicators for assessing farm animal well-being.
• To emphasize the need for localized, scalable solutions for improving animal and human health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing knowledge on animal contributions and welfare.
• Discussion of sustainable grazing practices and their impact on food security.
• Exploration of outcome-based welfare indicators applicable in diverse global contexts.

Main Results:

• Grazing animals contribute to food security and sustainable land use.
• Dogs provide essential services including rescue, companionship, and economic support.
• Outcome-based welfare indicators (lameness, sickness, lesions) are effective for assessing and improving animal health.
• Prioritizing animal welfare must consider local socio-economic contexts, especially in developing countries.

Conclusions:

• Integrated approaches are needed to maximize the benefits derived from animals while ensuring their welfare.
• Localized, evidence-based programs are essential for improving both animal and human health outcomes.
• Dissemination of successful local initiatives is critical for wider adoption and impact.