Evaluation of animal welfare in some fattening cattle farms in Isparta province with welfare quality ® protocol

This study aimed to evaluate the current animal welfare status of beef cattle farms in Isparta province according to the Welfare Quality® protocol. Data were collected from 20 beef cattle farms through two assessments (summer and winter) using the Welfare Quality® 3.0 protocol, which evaluates 4 principles, 12 criteria, and 27 measures. Each farm was scored individually, and overall welfare categories were determined. Results that can be assessed as favorable; good body condition score (summer 100%; winter 98.5%), space allowance (summer 13.94; winter 13.01 m²/700kg), and 0% incidence of hampered respiration, bloated rumen, tail docking, and castration. Results that can be assessed as negative: cleanliness of water points (summer 70%; winter 65%), presence of secondary water point (5% in both seasons), cleanliness of the animals (summer 81.8%; winter 51.1%), dehorning practices (60% of farms), and pasture access during fattening (5%). Regarding criteria, farms scored high on absence of prolonged hunger and ease of movement compared to similar studies, but lower on absence of prolonged thirst, comfort of resting and exercise areas, and absence of pain from management procedures. Other criteria showed comparable results. Principle scores were: good feeding (summer 43.82; winter 42.55), good housing (summer 71.73; winter 53.63), good health (summer 51.33; winter 46.73), and appropriate behavior (summer 30.37; winter 29.81). Good feeding and housing scores (winter) were lower than comparable studies, while health and behavior scores were similar. No statistically significant difference was found in overall welfare between seasons. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for the good housing, comfort around resting, absence of disease, cleanliness of the animals and time needed to lie down. Recommended improvements include: enhancing water trough cleanliness and availability, increasing loafing area and pasture access, improving pain management during dehorning, and optimizing flooring and bedding management to achieve better welfare scores.