Two researchers from the UK, Dr. Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo (University of Bristol) and Dr. Day Teixeira (Hartpury University), recently conducted two Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), hosted by Dr. Pol Llonch. Their research focused on using precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies to assess positive animal welfare indicators in dairy cattle while considering sustainability aspects such as carbon footprint and water consumption. These STSMs contributed to the growing field of animal welfare science, which seeks to balance efficient food production with ensuring high welfare standards for farm animals.
Traditionally, animal welfare assessments have focused on identifying and mitigating negative welfare indicators such as illness, injury, and stress. However, there is increasing interest in recognising and promoting positive welfare indicators—behaviours and physiological states that suggest good well-being. In dairy cattle, factors such as drinking behaviour, social interactions, and comfort-related activities can provide valuable insights into their welfare status. Additionally, sustainability has become a crucial consideration in livestock farming, with researchers exploring ways to reduce the environmental footprint of dairy production while maintaining animal health and productivity.
During their stay at UAB, Daniel and Day worked with dairy cattle at both the university’s research farm and a commercial farm involved in an ongoing study. Their work examined whether PLF technologies—such as automated monitoring systems—could be used to assess positive welfare indicators related to water consumption, drinking behaviour, and sustainability metrics. Their findings highlighted potential new on-farm welfare indicators linked to water usage patterns and drinking behaviour, which could help optimize resource use while improving dairy cattle welfare. The integration of artificial intelligence with PLF tools was also explored as a method to enhance data analysis and precision in welfare assessments.
Beyond their research findings, the STSMs provided valuable networking and collaboration opportunities. Both researchers expressed their appreciation for Dr. Llonch and his team, whose support and insights contributed to the success of the project. The experience fostered discussions on potential future collaborations between UAB and UK-based institutions, particularly in the fields of animal welfare, sustainability, and precision livestock farming.
These STSMs represent an important step toward developing welfare assessment methods that align with sustainability goals. By advancing knowledge on positive animal welfare indicators and their relationship to environmental impact, this research contributes to the broader efforts to make dairy farming more ethical and sustainable.
