Dear colleagues,
On behalf of my co-authors, I'm very pleased to share our new publication on Animal Welfare Journal:
**Validation of indicators for the welfare assessment of captive Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)**
*authors: Sara Platto, , Agathe Serres , Simona C. Normando , Xavier Manteca ,Deborah Temple, Yujiang Hao
*Abstract
The Five Domains model (FDM) is a widely accepted framework for developing welfare
assessment tools across various contexts, including wild animals under human care. However,
only two protocols have been developed for captive cetaceans. This study aimed to create a
welfare assessment protocol based on the FDM for captive Yangtze finless porpoises (YFPs;
Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis). Indicators relevant to YFPs’ welfare were selected
via a literature review, and validated through two consecutive questionnaire surveys, four
discussions with a panel of three experts, and a blind review conducted by three additional
cetacean welfare experts. This process resulted in the validation of 46 welfare indicators, which
were used to develop the Yangtze Finless Porpoise-Welfare Assessment Protocol (YFP-WAP)
which, in its final version, contains 150 indicators. Moreover, intensity levels (the degree of
impact of each indicator on the porpoises’ welfare), valence (whether the indicator contributed
positively or negatively to the porpoises’ welfare state), and mental states associated with each
indicator were also assigned by the panels of experts. Additionally, a confidence score was
assigned to each indicator’s intensity level, valence, and mental state that reflected experts’ level
of uncertainty regarding the indicator impact on the YFPs’ welfare. This rigorous validation
process provided transparency, helped ensure minimal bias, and reduced the likelihood of
incorrect indicator elimination due to expert subjectivity. By integrating expert knowledge, the
YFP-WAP provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating both positive and negative welfare
states, supporting the ongoing care and management of YFPs in captivity.
|
|
Introduction. Identifying the key elements of well-being from the animal’s perspective has long been a challenge, driving the development of diverse welfare assessment tools across species (Barnard & Hurst Reference Barnard and Hurst 1996; Hosey Reference Hosey
2005; Dawkins Reference Dawkins 2006; Whitham & Wielebnowski Reference Whitham and Wielebnowski 2013).
www.cambridge.org
|
Best Regards
Dr. Sara Platto, PhD, DVM
Professor Animal Behavior and Welfare
College of Life Sciences
Jianghan University
Wuhan, China.
