What is the primary goal of animal welfare?

The primary goal of animal welfare centers on the humane treatment of animals and ensuring they live in safe environments. This includes addressing their physical and psychological needs, providing adequate housing, nutrition, and healthcare, and allowing them to express natural behaviors. Animal welfare emphasizes ethical considerations and the quality of life for animals, focusing not solely on their productivity but rather on their overall well-being and humane treatment.

While maximizing production efficiency, enhancing genetic characteristics, and improving marketing strategies are all important aspects of animal agriculture and livestock management, they do not encapsulate the core essence of animal welfare. These elements may prioritize economic gains or specific breeding outcomes over the humane treatment and care of the animals involved, which can lead to neglecting their welfare needs. Therefore, maintaining a safe environment and humane treatment is fundamental when discussing the overarching aim of animal welfare.