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The First Protocol for Assessing Welfare of Camels
Barbara Padalino1, Laura Menchetti1
1Division of Animal Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|February 15, 2021
Summary
This study developed a camel welfare assessment protocol using caretaker interviews, herd observations, and animal inspections. The protocol provides a framework for evaluating camel welfare in intensive and semi-intensive farming systems.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Camel Husbandry
- Veterinary Ethology
Background:
- Camel farming systems require standardized welfare assessment tools.
- Existing animal welfare models need adaptation for camel-specific needs.
- Lack of comprehensive protocols hinders objective evaluation of camel well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and describe a novel protocol for assessing camel welfare.
- Adapt established welfare paradigms (Five Freedoms, Five Domains Model, Welfare Quality®, AWIN) for camels.
- Integrate animal-, resource-, and management-based indicators across multiple assessment levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on animal welfare, camel behavior, management, and pathology.
- Adaptation of existing welfare assessment frameworks.
- Development of a multi-level protocol: Caretaker (interview), Herd (observation), and Animal (visual inspection).
- Selection and categorization of indicators for nutrition, health, and behavior.
Main Results:
- A structured protocol with 23 caretaker interview questions, herd assessment criteria, and individual animal inspection guidelines.
- Indicators categorized by welfare principle and assessment level (Caretaker, Herd, Animal).
- Example provided for 'Appropriate nutrition' assessment across all three levels.
Conclusions:
- The proposed protocol offers a systematic approach to camel welfare assessment.
- Further validation through large-scale farm application is necessary.
- Future work should focus on indicator thresholds, overall indices, and welfare standards for camels.
