Project Objectives

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

• In order to make animal production based on animal welfare in the world, many scientific studies and protocol development studies are carried out, especially in the European Union member countries. There are problems in using this information in farmers' practices and in transferring information. This project team carries out many international scientific studies on animal welfare and aims to transfer this information to farmers through veterinarians and other technical personnel.
• The knowledge and experience of the project partners on animal welfare of sheep, goat and cattle will positively affect the success of the project. First, the most innovative animal welfare knowledge obtained in Europe in the form of best practices and in-farm assessment protocols is expected to be passed on to farmers. In addition, the role of veterinarians and industry-related technical staff in supporting farmers will be further enhanced. A strong dialogue between partners throughout the project will ensure the widespread impact of animal welfare issues on veterinarians and other professional organizations through international seminars and meetings.
• The project will include many initiatives and produce learning materials that will transfer some of the good animal welfare practices developed within the European Union to cattle and ovine breeders.
• Farmers, veterinarians, agricultural engineers and other technical personnel will learn how to assess the welfare of their animals.
• To lead the certification of farms and products in response to the growing demand of consumers.
• Assisting in training and providing technical information to auditors and public servants so that they can carry out formal checks on the welfare assessment of farm animals.
• It will help develop an innovative curriculum for the animal welfare course taught in the fields of veterinary medicine and agricultural engineering in Turkey.
• In parallel with these activities, farmers and technical personnel from partner countries will be able to exchange experience and information in various meetings planned. To ensure this transfer of knowledge and the correct implementation of strategies that support animal welfare, the project will communicate the latest research findings, including the welfare assessment protocols being used in EU countries (e.g. Welfare Quality and AWIN protocols).
• In summary, this project will contribute to the provision of scientific and technical expertise among farmers and technical personnel from Turkey and EU countries on the implementation of protocols for the welfare assessment of farm animals (sheep, goats, cattle) and increasing the sustainability of their farms by providing the support of the public and consumers. The project will also contribute to the dissemination of good practices on animal welfare in the EU.