SAC Research

We aim to provide a biologically based understanding of how to improve or optimise target welfare traits through genetic or management strategies with benefits to the animal, farmer and environment:

• Genetics: If we want to use genetics to improve animal welfare then we need to be able to identify and measure (phenotype) the target trait on a sufficiently large number of animals that we can apply genetic analyses techniques.  Many animal welfare concerns have their basis in animal behaviour, yet behaviour can be difficult to measure on the scale required for genetic analysis. There may also be ethical concerns over directly targeting behaviour in breeding programmes. Lastly there are increasing possibilities of applying genomics to improve the selection of desirable traits.
• Management: At SAC we are currently focused on the role of early (pre- and early postnatal) factors (e.g. stress and nutrition) as factors that can have long-term impacts on health and welfare.

The target traits we research on have been selected through stakeholder discussions taking account of issues including the extent of the welfare problem and our capacity to carry out good quality science that would make a difference in the field.

Policy Relevance

This research supports policy aims to produce livestock from high welfare systems through a better understanding of the biological basis of welfare, by improving or optimising targeted welfare traits. It directly contributes to more sustainable livestock production by reducing wastage (e.g. neonatal losses) and hence the environmental footprint of livestock production. Finally it makes a clear contribution to competitiveness by reducing losses and by contributing positively to product quality.

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