April

Abstract:

Uncertainty remains about the composition of contemporary plant-based diets and whether they provide recommended nutrient intakes. We established Feeding the Future (FEED), an up-to-date online cohort of UK adults following different plant-based diets and diets containing meat and fish. We recruited 6342 participants aged 18-99 [omnivores (1562), flexitarians (1349), pescatarians (568), vegetarians (1292), and vegans (1571)] between February 2022 and December 2023, and measured diet using a food frequency questionnaire and free text. We compared personal characteristics and dietary intakes between diet groups and assessed compliance with dietary guidelines. Most participants met UK dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetables, sodium, and protein, although protein intakes were lowest among vegetarians and vegans. Omnivores did not meet the fibre recommendation and only vegans met the saturated fat recommendation. All diet groups exceeded the free sugars recommendation. Higher proportions of vegetarians and vegans were below the estimated average requirements (EARs) for zinc, iodine, selenium, and, in vegans, vitamins A and B12, whereas calcium intakes were similar across the diet groups. People following plant-based diets showed good compliance with most dietary targets, and their risk for inadequate intakes of certain nutrients might be mitigated by improved dietary choices and/or food fortification.

Lawson, I., Wood, C., Syam, N., Rippin, H., Dagless, S., Wickramasinghe, K., Amoutzopoulos, B., Steer, T., Key, T. J., & Papier, K. (2024). Assessing performance of contemporary plant-based diets against the UK dietary guidelines: Findings from the Feeding the Future (FEED) study. Nutrients, 16(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091336

Abstract:

Cell-cultured meat presents environmental and ethical advantages; however, negative public acceptance remains a significant hurdle. To generate more effective public engagement on this topic, we conducted two online experiments exploring the impact of message framing and food cues (Experiment 1) and the moderating role of an individual's personality trait, sensation seeking, (Experiment 2) on the perception of cultured meat news shared via social media. Our findings revealed that messages employing individual benefit-framing, as opposed to societal benefit-framing, resulted in more positive perceptions of cultured meat. Incorporating direct food cues in the communication led to reduced risk perception, a more favorable attitude, and increased intention to purchase cultured meat. Furthermore, sensation seeking was shown to be a significant moderator for the effects of the message features. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed.

Lee, N., & Lee, S. (2024). Effects of message frames and visual cues on cell-cultured meat communication: sensation seeking as a moderator. Journal of Science Communication, 23(03). https://doi.org/10.22323/2.23030201

Abstract:

This paper investigated consumer perceptions and attitudes for decision making in Cultured Meat (CM), driven by the growing interest in innovative food products. The motivation stemmed from the anticipated challenges in consumer acceptance of CM, a novel alternative to traditional meat production. The research objective included to identify key factors influencing consumer behaviour in the context of the novel food product. The Systematic Literature Review methodically explored and synthesised existing research, giving insights to the factors affecting consumer perceptions and attitudes towards decisions on CM. Then, a tailored conceptual framework, the Cultured Meat Attitude and Perception Assessment (CAPA), has been developed to address the identified gaps and limitations in understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes. The results highlighted the complex and multidimensional nature of consumer attitudes, emphasising the role of knowledge (awareness, comprehension, familiarity), perception (disgust, neophobia, curiosity, fear, trust), and external factors (ethical issues, social factors, product attributes, information influence, perceived exclusivity, regulatory considerations) that could be used by decision makers such as food innovators and marketers. The CAPA framework integrated these factors to offer a holistic perspective on consumer behaviour, overcoming the limitations of existing work and offering insights to the decision makers in the industry.

Pivoraite, G., Liu, S., Roh, S., & Zhao, G. (2024). Framework for understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes to support decisions on cultured meat: A theoretical approach and future directions. In S. P. Duarte, A. Lobo, B. Delibašić, & D. Kamissoko (Eds.), Decision Support Systems XIV. Human-Centric Group Decision, Negotiation and Decision Support Systems for Societal Transitions: 10th International Conference on Decision Support System Technology, ICDSST 2024, Porto, Portugal, June 3–5, 2024, Proceedings (Vol. 506, pp. 109–125). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-59376-5_9

Abstract:

Plant-based milk alternatives are important beverages in US consumer markets. Sustainability, consumer awareness, lifestyle changes, and other value-based reasons are why these beverages are increasing in popularity. The present study is focused on plant-based milk alternatives. It builds on an online consumer survey that explores the factors explaining US consumers’ willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives and their word-of-mouth sharing about these beverages. Animal welfare concerns, environmental concerns, health consciousness, and dairy preferences are the factors under investigation. Results show that animal welfare, dairy preference, environmental concerns, and plant-based milk enthusiasm are significant predictors for willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives. Dairy preferences, environmental concerns, and plant-based milk enthusiasm predict the word-of-mouth factors. Overall, plant-based milk enthusiasm is the strongest driver for both consumer behaviours. Best practice recommendations address marketers in the US food and beverage industry and provide suggestions on how to target different consumer groups based on nutritional preferences and needs and on value-based product characteristics.

Rombach, M., Cong, L., & Dean, D. L. (2024). Leave the milk for the calf and spread the word: Exploring factors determining US consumers’ willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives and their word-of-mouth sharing about plant-based milk alternatives. Beverages, 10(2), 27. https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages10020027

Abstract:

CONTEXT: Shifting from current dietary patterns to diets rich in plant-based (PB) foods and lower in animal-based foods (ABFs) is generally regarded as a suitable strategy to improve nutritional health and reduce environmental impacts. Despite the recent growth in supply of and demand for novel plant-based foods (NPBFs), a comprehensive overview is lacking.

OBJECTIVES: This review provides a synthesis of available evidence, highlights challenges, and informs public health and environmental strategies for purposeful political decision-making by systematically searching, analyzing, and summarizing the available literature.

DATA SOURCES: Five peer-reviewed databases and grey literature sources were rigorously searched for publications.

DATA EXTRACTION: Study characteristics meeting the inclusion criteria regarding NPBF nutrient composition and health and environmental outcomes in high-income countries were extracted.

DATA ANALYSIS: Fifty-seven peer-reviewed and 36 grey literature sources were identified; these were published in 2016-2022. NPBFs typically have substantially lower environmental impacts than ABFs, but the nutritional contents are complex and vary considerably across brands, product type, and main primary ingredient. In the limited evidence on the health impacts, shifts from ABFs to PB meats were associated with positive health outcomes. However, results were mixed for PB drinks, with links to micronutrient deficiencies.

CONCLUSION: If carefully selected, certain NPBFs have the potential to be healthier and nutrient-rich alternatives to ABFs and typically have smaller environmental footprints. More disaggregated categorization of various types of NPBFs would be a helpful step in guiding consumers and key stakeholders to make informed decisions. To enable informed policymaking on the inclusion of NPBFs in dietary transitions as part of a wider net-zero and health strategy, future priorities should include nutritional food standards, labelling, and subdivisions or categorizations of NPBFs, as well as short- and long-term health studies evaluating dietary shifts from ABFs to NPBFs and standardized environmental impact assessments, ideally from independent funders.

Nájera Espinosa, S., Hadida, G., Jelmar Sietsma, A., Alae-Carew, C., Turner, G., Green, R., Pastorino, S., Picetti, R., & Scheelbeek, P. (2024). Mapping the evidence of novel plant-based foods: A systematic review of nutritional, health, and environmental impacts in high-income countries. Nutrition Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuae031

Abstract:

The global food production system faces several challenges, including significant environmental impacts due to traditional agricultural practices. The rising demands of consumers for food products that are safe, healthy, and have animal welfare standards have led to an increased interest in alternative proteins and the development of the cellular agriculture field. Within this innovative field, precision fermentation emerges as a promising technological solution to produce proteins with reduced ecological footprints. This review provides a summary of the environmental impacts related to the current global food production, and explore how precision fermentation can contribute to address these issues. Additionally, we will report on the main animal-derived proteins produced by precision fermentation, with a particular focus on those used in the food and nutraceutical industries. The general principles of precision fermentation will be explained, including strain and bioprocess optimization. Examples of efficient recombinant protein production by bacteria and yeasts, such as milk proteins, egg-white proteins, structural and flavoring proteins, will also be addressed, along with case examples of companies producing these recombinant proteins in a commercial scale. Through these examples, we will explore how precision fermentation supports sustainable food production and holds the potential for significant innovations in the sector.

Knychala, M. M., Boing, L. A., Ienczak, J. L., Trichez, D., & Stambuk, B. U. (2024). Precision fermentation as an alternative to animal protein, a review. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202405.0005.v1

Abstract:

Moving towards plant-based diets and reducing meat consumption is key to achieving the Paris climate targets. One option for reducing meat consumption is replacing meat products with substitutes. In two field experiments, we tested how labeling and tasting experiences with substitutes affected omnivores’ evaluations of such products and investigated the latter’s stated and revealed preferences regarding the consumption of meat substitutes and reduction of meat consumption. In our first experiment, we randomly labeled meat substitutes vegetarian or meat products, finding that this labeling resulted in more positive evaluations of the effects of the product on the environment, animal welfare, and health. However, labeling did not directly affect the assessment of the products’ taste or participants’ stated and revealed preferences regarding modifications to their food consumption. Nevertheless, we find evidence that vegetarian labeling indirectly affects the intention to consume more meat substitutes by enhancing climate and health-related product evaluations (i.e., significant mediation effects). Our second experiment shows that tasting meat substitutes results in a more positive assessment of the product’s taste and texture than not tasting them. However, tasting did not directly affect the perceived effect of meat substitutes on health, the environment, and animal welfare, nor stated and revealed preferences. In contrast, we find strong indirect effects of the tasting experience on stated and revealed preferences regarding consuming more meat substitutes and plant-based dishes mediated by improvements in product taste and texture evaluations (i.e., significant mediation effects). The theoretical and policy implications of these findings are discussed.

Paul Fesenfeld, L., Zeiske, N., Maier, M., Rachelle Gallmann, M., Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2024). Tasting and labeling meat substitute products can affect consumers’ product evaluations and preferences. Food Quality and Preference, 118, 105184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2024.105184

Abstract:

Background

The promotion of dietary shifts towards reduced meat consumption and increased plant protein consumption, has resulted in increased availability and consumption of meat alternatives which are products made from non-meat proteins to replicate the organoleptic and functional properties of meat. However, a knowledge gap exists on the impact of the production and consumption of these products on the environment and human health.

Scope and approach

This systematic review aims to address this research gap by evaluating the literature on the ingredient composition, environmental, nutritional and health impact of meat alternatives compared to meat. Five databases, reference lists and web alerts were searched to identify articles published from 2011-2023. 54 articles were included in this systematic review.

Key findings and conclusions

Meat alternatives have a lower environmental impact than beef and pork and similar impact to chicken. Meat alternatives contain more ingredients, allergens and food additives than comparable meat products. Overall, meat alternatives had lower contents of total and saturated fat, zinc and vitamin B12, and higher contents of carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fibre, salt/sodium, iron and calcium than comparable meat products. Protein contents were comparable or lower for meat alternatives depending on the category. A limited number of single test meal studies and short-term trials investigated the impact of meat alternative consumption on health outcomes, however, from these studies, no adverse effects were observed. Further research examining the impact of meat alternative consumption on health outcomes is needed to better understand the role of these foods (if any) in healthy and sustainable dietary patterns.

Lindberg, L., McCann, R. R., Smyth, B., Woodside, J. V., & Nugent, A. P. (2024). The environmental impact, ingredient composition, nutritional and health impact of meat alternatives: A systematic review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 104483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104483

Abstract:

Within the food sector, there is a growing embrace of meat substitutes as a more sustainable alternative to meat, driven by ethical, environmental, and health considerations. This study aims to explore consumer behavior and willingness to pay (WTP) for plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), illustrated by the example of vegan burger patties. The sample of the study (n = 433) consists of young consumers roughly below 30 years of age, known as Generation Z (Gen Z). The study aims to (1) assess of the importance of PBMA attributes to Gen Z, and (2) approximate Gen Z’s willingness to pay for specific PBMA attribute levels. A choice-based conjoint analysis was used to assess Gen Z’s preferences for meat substitutes. The findings indicate that the most crucial PBMA attribute is origin, followed by price and the primary vegan ingredient. Notably, Gen Z values domestic and EU-sourced products positively, contrasting with the negative perception of third-country imports. Organic production is associated with a positive part-worth utility, whereas the attribute fat content has almost no impact. Consequently, WTP is approximated to be the highest for products of domestic origin compared to the significant discount required for non-EU origin. All other attribute levels have a much lower impact. Despite sociodemographic variables, the respondents’ eating habits (vegan, vegetarian, etc.) most significantly influence the approximation of the importance of some of the PBMA attributes, in particular price and primary ingredient.

Meixner, O., Malleier, M., & Haas, R. (2024). Towards sustainable eating habits of Generation Z: Perception of and willingness to pay for plant-based meat alternatives. Sustainability, 16(8), 3414. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083414

Abstract:

Achieving the sustainability of protein is central to creating a sustainable food system. Current meat consumption patterns require a paradigm shift, as the status quo is unsustainable. However, at present, consumer participation in this shift is limited necessitating a change in consumer behaviour. This review seeks to explore various factors that influence consumer behaviour in accepting alternative proteins. Understanding these factors is vital for designing interventions that effectively enhance acceptance levels. Consumer behaviour is complex, influenced by a spectrum of personal and societal factors, that are often interconnected. Consequently, interpretation must occur within the specific context of the target society or demographic segment.

Chriki, S., Akinmeye, F., Changqi, L., Zhao, J., & Ghnimi, S. (2024). What factors influence consumer attitudes towards alternative proteins? https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4783312

Abstract:

A reduction in the demand for meat and particularly red meat has the potential to significantly enhance the sustainability and health of many people's diets. In the current work, I examine situational predictors of meat consumption in nationally representative nutrition surveys from three Western European countries: Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. More specifically, I examine whether the situational factors – the meal type, the day of the week and the location of the food consumption occasion – are predictive of whether meat and red meat are consumed. The results indicate that all three factors are linked to meat and red meat consumption with the patterns varying substantially across the different case study countries and in some cases also the gender of the consumer. The results emphasise the value of mapping situational correlates to inform situated interventions aimed at influencing meat consumption, while also highlighting important differences across both cultures and people.

Laffan, K. (2024). Context counts: an exploration of the situational correlates of meat consumption in three Western European countries. Behavioural Public Policy, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/bpp.2024.2

Abstract:

A reduction in meat consumption is necessary to mitigate negative impacts of climate change and adverse health outcomes. The UK has an increasingly multi-ethnic population, yet there is little research on meat consumption habits and attitudes among ethnic groups in the UK. We ran a survey (N=1014) with quota samples for ethnic groups and analyzed attitudes, behaviors and norm perceptions of White, South Asian and Black British respondents. Most respondents believe overconsumption of red and processed meat has negative impacts on health (73.3%) and the environment (64.3%).South Asian respondents were statistically significantly less likely to be meat eaters than White respondents (OR = .44, 95% CIs: .30-.65, t= -4.15, p= .000), while there was no significant difference between White and Black respondents (OR = 1.06, 95% CIs: .63-1.76, t= 0.21, p= .834). Both South Asian (OR = 2.76, 95% CIs: 1.89-4.03 t= 5.25, p= .000) and Black respondents (OR =2.09, 95% CIs: .1.30-3.35, t =3.06, p = .002) were significantly more likely to express being influenced by friends and family in their food choices than White respondents. South Asian (OR = 3.24 ,95% CIs: 2.17-4.84, t= 5.74, p= .000) and Black (OR = 2.02 ,95% CIs: 1.21-3.39, t= 2.69, p= .007) respondents were also both significantly more likely to report they would want to eat similarly to their friends and family than White respondents. Statistical analyses suggested some gender and socioeconomic differences across and among ethnic groups, which are reported and discussed. The differences in meat consumption behaviors and norm conformity between ethnic groups raises the prospect that interventions that leverage social norms may be more effective in South Asian groups than Black and White groups in the UK.

Çoker, E. N., Pechey, R., & Jebb, S. A. (2024). Ethnic differences in meat consumption attitudes, norms and behaviors: A survey of white, south asian and black ethnic groups in the UK. Appetite, 107359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107359

Abstract:

Accelerating the transition of agri-food systems towards higher sustainability requires greater understanding of consumers' decision-making related to sustainable food choices, together with competing drivers which may result in unsustainable food choice demand. Meat and dairy production systems negatively contribute to greenhouse gas targets, unless sustainable production methods are applied, and these are understood by consumers and used in food choices. The psychological factors determining consumers' attitudes towards sustainably produced meat and dairy products were assessed. Data were collected through an online survey across five European countries (Czechia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) (n = 2490) in November 2021. The results showed consumers perceived food sustainability to be less important than sensory and healthiness attributes. UK consumers showed the strongest intentions to increase consumption of sustainably produced meat and dairy products. In contrast, Swiss consumers demonstrated the weakest intentions. A two-stage cluster analysis based on consumers' perceived attribute importance identified four distinct segments: low food involvement (19.6 %), high food involvement (31.9 %), price-sensitive (23.2 %), and health- and sustainability-involved (25.3 %) consumer segments. Respondents in low food involvement and price-sensitive consumer segments tended to be younger and have lower environmental preservation attitudes and were more prevalent in Switzerland and Czechia. Those in high food involvement and health- and sustainability-involved consumer segments perceived higher importance of food sustainability and were more prevalent in Spain and Sweden. These respondents expressed greater intentions to increase consumption of sustainably produced meat and dairy products, at the same time being more likely to recognise the utility of sustainability labelling information. Animal welfare information was perceived to be most important for respondents in all the segments with the exception of those in the price-sensitive consumer segment. Building on the results, recommendations for promoting consumer sustainable food choices are proposed.

Yue, M., Jin, S., Tindale, S., Vicario-Modroño, V., Sánchez-Zamora, P., Gallardo-Cobos, R., Newell-Price, P., & Frewer, L. J. (2024). Segmenting consumers of meat and dairy products from five European countries: Implications for promoting sustainable food choices. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 47, 47–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.03.034

Abstract:

Providing bedding or access to an outdoor run are husbandry aspects intended to improve pig welfare, which is currently financially supported through animal welfare schemes in several European countries. However, they may significantly affect the environment through changes in feed efficiency and manure management. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to compare farms differing in animal welfare relevant husbandry aspects regarding (1) the welfare of growing-finishing pigs and (2) environmental impact categories such as global warming (GW), acidification (AC), and freshwater (FE) and marine eutrophication (ME), by employing an attributional Life Cycle Assessment. We collected data on 50 farms with growing-finishing pigs in seven European countries. Ten animal-based welfare indicators were aggregated into three pig welfare indices using principal component analysis. Cluster analysis of farms based on husbandry aspects resulted in three clusters: NOBED (31 farms without bedding or outdoor run), BED (11 farms with bedding only) and BEDOUT (eight farms with bedding and outdoor run). Pigs on farms with bedding (BED and BEDOUT) manipulated enrichment more often (P <  0.001), pen fixtures less frequently (P = 0.003) and showed fewer oral stereotypies (P <  0.001) than pigs on NOBED farms. There were fewer pigs with a short(er) tail on farms with than without bedding (P <  0.001). Acidification of BEDOUT and BED farms was significantly higher (compared to NOBED farms P = 0.002) due to higher ammonia emissions related to farmyard manure. Also, BEDOUT farms had higher ME than NOBED farms (P = 0.035). There were no significant differences regarding GW and FE between husbandry clusters, due to the large variability within clusters regarding feed composition and conversion. Therefore, both husbandry aspects associated with improved animal welfare have a significant influence on some environmental impacts, such as acidification and marine eutrophication. Nevertheless, the large variation within clusters suggests that trade-offs may be minimised through e.g. AC and ME.

Ruckli, A. K., Hörtenhuber, S., Dippel, S., Ferrari, P., Gebska, M., Heinonen, M., Helmerichs, J., Hubbard, C., Spoolder, H., Valros, A., Winckler, C., & Leeb, C. (2024). Access to bedding and outdoor runs for growing-finishing pigs: is it possible to improve welfare without increasing environmental impacts? Animal : An International Journal of Animal Bioscience, 18(5), 101155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2024.101155

Abstract:

This research, focusing on Hungary, aims to analyse the comprehensive economic impact of proposed changes in daily weight gain and stocking density for broilers, as outlined in the European Food Safety Agency’s (EFSA) 2023 Scientific Opinion “Welfare of Broilers on Farm”. Hungary is a significant player in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) poultry industry and was the second-largest chicken meat producer and exporter in the CEE region in 2022. Utilising the dynamic econometric model AGMEMOD for impact assessment, we explore the economic repercussions on not only the broiler sector but also on the maize and pork sectors in Hungary. Our findings indicate that simultaneous implementation of the EFSA recommendations – reducing the growth rate to 50 g/day and lowering the stocking density to 11 kg/m² – could result in a substantial 72.4% reduction in chicken meat production in Hungary from the presumed enforcement year of 2023 through 2032, the end of the AGMEMOD baseline projection period. This reduction could not only impact the broiler industry but also have ripple effects on related sectors such as pork and maize. However, if only EFSA’s recommendation to reduce the growth rate to 50 g/day is considered, an 18% reduction in chicken meat production is projected for Hungary.

Medina-Paredes, A. C., Paredes-Peralta, M. M., Varga, E. Assessing the sectoral and cross-sectoral impacts of new European Union broiler chicken welfare measures in Hungary as proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. (2024). Studies in Agricultural Economics. https://doi.org/10.7896/j.2638 

Abstract:

Farmed animal policy and advocacy efforts both attempt to generate and depend upon public support. However, relatively little is known about the factors that predict support for animal protection legislation and advocacy across the globe. We analyse data from a large international survey (23 countries, n = 20,966) alongside other data sources on animal advocacy to investigate knowledge of factory farming, the connection between attitudes towards animals and the strength of animal protection legislation, attitudes towards animals based on their food status in different countries, and the connection between personal support for policy, animal advocacy, civic activism, and animal advocacy organisations. We found that higher support for animal welfare is associated with stronger farm animal protection legislation across countries and that concerns about specific animals can vary depending on cultural and religious factors. Contrary to study hypotheses, we did not find greater support for advocacy in countries with more advocacy organisations, suggesting important opportunities to pursue advocacy in relatively neglected regions. Results are interpreted in terms of how farmed animal advocates can take advantage of and potentially generate support for animal welfare throughout the world.

Bryant, C., Hopwood, C. J., Graça, J., T. Nissen, A. T., Dillard, C., Thompkins, A. Exploring public support for farmed animal welfare policy and advocacy across 23 countries. (2024). Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://bryantresearch.co.uk/insight-items/public-support-for-animal-welfare-policy/

Abstract:

Stress is a biological response in the form of physiological, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral changes to internal or external stimuli that threaten the homeostasis of living beings. Effects that activate the defense system in living things are defined as stressors, and it is possible to talk about many different stress factors. Factors that cause stress can be divided into environmental, physical, social or emotional. Stress reactions, which begin with the effect of the stressor, vary according to the duration and severity of exposure to stress. In animal welfare, stress has many negative effects on organism. These negative effects may cause many problems and, shape future by adding problems such as stress and chain links in animals. Just as well-being is for humans, well-being is very important for animals. To determination of glucocorticoids or metabolites in the bloodstream of an organism under stress, noninvasive methods that provide reliable stress measurement without interfering with the organism have recently become increasingly popular. In this review article study, nineteen articles from various parts of the world were examined. In this review, measures of stress by non-invasive methods by looking at GlucoCorticoid Metabolites (GCM) and the latest developments in this field are discussed. In this review article study, nineteen articles from various parts of the world were examined. As a result of the articles reviewed, non-invasive methods for measuring stress may aid and improve our understanding of stress biology and animal welfare. Applying this method to many animal species and biological materials will provide accurate results and support animal welfare.

Serim Balcı, E., & Sabuncuoğlu Çoban, N. (2024). Measuring stress in animals by noninvasive methods. Veterinary Sciences and Practices, 19(1), 52–58. https://doi.org/10.17094/vetsci.1471401

Abstract:

Ethical considerations regarding our treatment of animals have gained strength, leading to legislation and a societal focus across various disciplines. This is a subject of study within curricula related to agri-food sciences. The aim was to determine the perceptions of agronomy university students concerning animal welfare in livestock production systems. A survey was conducted to encompass various aspects, from participants’ sociodemographic attributes to their attitudes and behaviors regarding animal welfare and the consumption of animal products. Statistical analysis, performed using R software, delved into the associations between participants’ characteristics and their perspectives on the ethical, bioethical, and legal dimensions of animal welfare. Associations between demographic factors and ethical viewpoints among students were identified. Gender differences emerged in animal treatment perceptions, while rural and urban environments impacted perspectives on various animals. Bioethical considerations revealed distinctive disparities based on gender and education in concerns regarding animal welfare, value perceptions, evaluations of animal behaviors, and opinions on animal research. It is crucial to distinguish between animal welfare and the ethical considerations arising from coexisting with sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering. Ethical theories provide a lens through which we perceive our obligations toward animals. The responsibility to ensure animal welfare is firmly rooted in recognizing that animals, like humans, experience pain and physical suffering. Consequently, actions causing unjustified suffering or mistreatment, particularly for entertainment purposes, are considered morally unacceptable.

Valverde, A., González-Miranda, J. A., Sevilla, F., Mora, S., Roldan, E. R. S., Vargas, C., & González, R. (2024). Perceptions of animal welfare on livestock: Evidence from college agronomy students in Costa Rica. Animals, 14(10), 1398. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101398

Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, 96%) had sustainability programs that incorporated animal welfare. Most respondents believed that welfare positively impacted environmental (n = 25/26, 96%), economic (n = 25/26, 96%), and social (n = 26/26, 100%) sustainability. The thematic analysis of five free response questions identified ten themes: Animal Care, Regulations and Guidelines, Responsibility, Consumers and Stakeholders, Performance and Efficiency, Financial Impact, Connectedness, Critical Component, Animal-based Outcomes, and Employees. When asked to define welfare, the most common themes were Animal Care and Regulations and Guidelines. When asked why welfare was a component of their sustainability program, the top factors from a provided list were: cattle health (n = 20, 74%), cattle performance (n = 12, 44%), and consumer perceptions (n = 12, 44%). Findings suggest a widespread recognition of animal welfare's importance within sustainable beef production.

Edwards-Callaway, L., Davis, M., Dean, L., & McBride, B. (2024). Stakeholder perceptions of animal welfare as a component of sustainable beef programs in the United States - A pilot study. Animals : An Open Access Journal from MDPI, 14(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091348

Abstract:

n/a

Compassion in World Farming. (2024). The chicken welfare progress report. Retrieved April 1, 2024, from https://www.ciwf.com/chickentrack/ 

Abstract:

Livestock husbandry systems are controversially discussed in society, politics and science. Since exporting countries such as Germany, the Netherlands or Denmark produce pork under higher animal welfare standards, the question arises if it will be competitive on the international market. We used a factor and cluster analysis to identify consumer segments in Japan, South Korea, Italy and Poland and to determine the instruments necessary to make animal welfare more popular. Each study country revealed three consumer groups: One group is interested in animal welfare and meat quality attributes but prefers domestically produced pork. Another group is price sensitive and without expectations. Finally, a third group is interested in animal welfare and accepts imported products. To address consumers in this group, informational campaigns and target market-oriented strategies are necessary.

Derstappen, R., & Christoph-Schulz, I. (2024). The importance of animal welfare and country of origin in consumer preferences: A cross-national study. Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/08974438.2024.2331482

Abstract:

The almost complete absence of regulations to protect invertebrates is a common condition in legal systems, including the European one, especially when it comes to invertebrates intended for human consumption. Thus, in the vast majority of cases, edible invertebrates do not receive even the most basic protection at slaughter. Despite recent research indicating that invertebrates are capable of feeling pain and stress, the humane step of stunning is not used on them. This is also the case for land snails, which are gastropod invertebrates whose consumption has now reached significant levels, already involving tonnes and that is expected to increase significantly as edible snail farming becomes more popular as a relatively low-cost, easy-to-perform, and sustainable alternative animal husbandry, thereby making land snails an increasingly economically important species. This paper presents and investigates a proposed stunning method based on the immersion of mollusks in CO2-supplemented and refrigerated water that could be used in the snail meat production chain to reduce the slaughter suffering of millions of these invertebrates. To this end, body condition descriptors (hemolymph parameters) in snails were determined before and after CO2 treatment in cold water, while generating useful data for defining a preliminary set of reference intervals for basal values.

Fossati, P., Stefanini, F. M., Ravasio, G., & Coerezza, U. (2024). Welfare of invertebrates: A pilot study on a new land snail stunning technique. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 8378. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58133-4

Abstract:

With the increasingly global scale and scope of aquaculture, the need to match this development with improvements in fish welfare is a central societal and industry goal. We provide a comprehensive assessment of the farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) literature with targeted examples focusing on Atlantic salmon farmed in Tasmania, Australia. We synthesise insights from both small- and industry-scale perspectives, highlighting other reviews that provide discussions of particular sub-areas of farmed salmon research. We focus on recent advances and improved methods for farmed Atlantic salmon handling and management, behaviour, health issues and breeding. We also address wildlife interactions resulting from fish farming, as well as future research directions and system development. This review can serve as the basis for the development of aquaculture management guidelines that place individual fish welfare as a primary goal.

Layman, C., Kadar, J., Lyall, B., & Brown, C. (2024). A review of factors affecting farmed atlantic salmon (salmo salar) welfare in Australia and beyond. https://doi.org/10.32942/X2QG80

Abstract:

As the aquaculture industry is growing, more sophisticated technology is required to monitor farms and ensure sustainability and good fish welfare, in line with the precision livestock farming concept. Using behaviour as a non-invasive form of monitoring, in combination with artificial intelligence and machine learning, can allow for higher control over farm management. The goal of this study was to use a novel machine learning algorithm to quantify and assess changes to farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) behaviour related to fish health and welfare status. Main behaviours recorded were shoal-like cohesion, feeding, swimming activity and fish distribution in the cage. Video cameras were deployed within all cages in two Scottish Atlantic salmon marine farms. Furthermore, one cage in each farm was equipped with additional cameras (5 and 4 for site 1 and 2, respectively), for higher spatial coverage of fish behaviour and distribution throughout the cage. The algorithm processed video footage from these cameras and outputted behavioural data termed ‘activity’, which encompasses fish abundance, speed, and shoal cohesion. Additionally, gill health, Operational Welfare Indicators (OWI), mortality, and Specific Feeding Rate (SFR) were monitored, recorded and scored weekly at both sites. During the summer 2023, gill health issues arose at both farms, leading to fish stress which was reflected in the behavioural data. Prior to the onset of poor gill health, the average (± standard deviation) activity levels of the fish across all cages were 28.3 ± 10.5% and 24.9 ± 7.0% for site 1 and 2, respectively. Post-onset of poor gill health, the activity rose significantly in all cages with a mean of 43.3 ± 13.5% and 32.6 ± 9.6%, respectively. A generalised linear mixed model revealed that PGD was the main driver of this increase in activity. This increase in activity coincided with a fish migration to the centre of the cage, meaning the fish were shoaling tighter, which is a normal stress response often seen in relation to predators and other environmental or health stressors. Additionally, mortality increased and SFR decreased throughout the cages after the onset of poor gill health. Individual level OWIs did not change significantly, indicating that group-level OWIs, specifically changes to behaviour, are important for predicting and observing present impacts to fish health and welfare, while individual-based OWIs tend to emerge when fish are already compromised. The use of behaviour as a non-invasive welfare indicator and the potential to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to automatise the process of behavioural identification takes fish farming to a higher level of control, allowing farmers to offer their animals a ‘life worth living’, according to the best welfare standards.

Burke, M., Nikolic, D., Fabry, P., Rishi, H., Telfer, T. C., & Rey-Planellas, S. (2024). Precision farming in aquaculture: Use of a non-invasive, AI-powered real-time automated behavioural monitoring approach to predict gill health and improve welfare in atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar) aquaculture farms. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4808139

Abstract:

Meat consumption needs to be reduced to limit climate change but achieving this requires understanding the drivers of meat consumption. In this study, we investigated two potential drivers—a contextual threat to masculinity and the stable individual difference of masculine ideology—and how they predict meat-eating intentions, attitudes, and environmentalism. Employing a sample of 375 Australian men, a population known for its high meat consumption, we did not find support that a contextual threat to men’s masculinity increased pro-meat attitudes or intentions. Instead, we found that prevailing views about masculine ideology significantly predicted meat-related attitudes and intentions, with avoidance of femininity associated with lower avoidance of meat and lower intentions to eat clean meat, and the endorsement of male dominance tied to lower pro-environmental responding. Our findings suggest that situational threats to masculinity may not robustly affect meat consumption intentions and highlight the importance of more stable individual differences in the conception of the male gender identity in maintaining men’s high meat consumption.

Neumann, C., Stanley, S. K., & Cárdenas, D. (2024). Fleshing out the ways masculinity threat and traditional masculinity ideology relate to meat-eating and environmental attitudes in Australian men. Sex Roles, 90(5), 587–599. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-024-01458-1

Abstract:

Dietary groups differ from each other in how much they value health, environmental, and animal rights motives to reduce or quit meat consumption. In an online survey study, we investigated whether omnivores (N = 237), vegetarians (N = 151), and vegans (N = 377) not only differ in their motives for meat reduction or meat-free diets (vegetarian eating motives) but also in their motives for dairy and egg reduction or the adoption of a fully plant-based diet (vegan eating motives), and how strongly these motives are associated with lower commitment to eating meat, dairy, and egg products. The results showed that omnivores rated health as the most important motive for both meat and dairy/egg reduction. However, among omnivores, only environmental and animal rights motives, and not health, were associated with reduced meat and dairy commitment, while environmental motives were also associated with reduced egg commitment. Vegetarians and vegans were more strongly motivated by environmental and animal rights concerns for meat and dairy/egg reduction compared with omnivores, yet vegetarians were less strongly motivated by animal rights than vegans, especially for dairy/egg reduction. However, among vegetarians, only animal rights motives, and not environmental and health motives, were associated with lower dairy and egg commitment. These findings provide new insights into the relative importance of dietary motives for reducing meat, dairy, and egg commitment among different dietary groups and highlight the importance of environmental and animal rights motives for reducing animal product commitment among omnivores and of animal rights motives for reducing dairy and egg commitment among vegetarians.

Dhont, K., & Ioannidou, M. (2024). Health, environmental, and animal rights motives among omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans and the associations with meat, dairy, and egg commitment. Food Quality and Preference, 118, 105196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2024.105196

Abstract:

Considering the adverse effects of agricultural-food systems on both human health and the environment, this research aimed to identify sustainable diets, which are nutritious, culturally acceptable, affordable, and have low environmental impacts, based on self-reported diets in China. Dietary data was collected with a 3-day 24-h dietary recall and weight food record combined method among 10,324 subjects aged 18–64 year, who participated in the China Health Nutrition Survey 2011. Diet quality was assessed by the Chinese Healthy Eating Index 2016 (CHEI2016). Environmental impact was measured by greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), total water use (TWU), and land use (LU), and diet costs were calculated using market prices of community surveys. Reduced rank regression derived dietary patterns with 34 food groups as predictor variables, and used CHEI2016 score, dietary greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), total water use (TWU), land use (LU), and cost of the diet as response variables. Four dietary patterns were identified. Participants with the highest adherence (decile 10) to the “High animal-based food” pattern showed higher dietary GHGE (+57%), TWU (+51%), and LU (+54%) and dietary costs (+64%), compared to the average population's diets. The diet in decile 10 for the “High fruit, low ruminant meat” pattern displayed a 21% higher CHEI2016 score, and higher dietary environmental impact (GHGE +17%; TWU +22%; LU +19%) and dietary costs (+46%) than the average diets. Diets of participants who followed the “High fish, low beverages” pattern showed higher environmental impact (GHGE +39%; TWU +32%; LU +28%) and dietary costs (+19%), but the CHEI2016 score was similar (+0.1%). Finally, the “High wheat, low pork” pattern demonstrated lower environmental impacts (GHGE -17%, TWU -12%, LU -2%) and lower cost of the diet (−2%) but also lower CHEI2016 score (−1%) compared to average population. This study reveals the complex trade-offs between diet quality, environmental sustainability, and dietary costs of current dietary patterns. None of the four patterns achieved the desirable combination of high CHEI2016 scores, reduced environmental impact, and reduced dietary costs. The findings offer insights into sustainable diet choices within the current food system, suggesting dietary guidelines should consider environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Cai, H., Talsma, E. F., Chang, Z., Wen, X., Fan, S., Veer, P. V. ’t, & Biesbroek, S. (2024). Aligning health, environment, and cost aspects of diets: Identifying sustainable dietary patterns in China. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 106, 107531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2024.107531

Abstract:

Motivations are central in determining consumer food choices and provide insights regarding barriers to change. Given the global need to transition towards more sustainable protein consumption patterns, understanding cross-cultural motivations is important. The present research aimed to address this knowledge gap by reviewing motivations to reduce meat and to adopt meat substitutes, edible insects and cultured meat amongst meat-eating consumers in Australia, China and the UK (n = 1,777). An online survey captured the importance of key motivations via closed-ended statements, with barriers to change collected via open-ended questions for extremely unwilling consumers. Results found food safety and environmental benefits to be the most important motives for meat reduction and protein alternatives adoption. Chinese and UK consumers were more motivated by these factors compared to Australian consumers who had the greatest proportion of consumers unwilling to reduce based on the belief meat consumption is necessary for health reasons. Relative differences in motivational importance were also apparent by protein alternative type. In general, the greatest proportion of unwilling responses amongst Australians (n = 245) related to the use of meat substitutes, whilst for Chinese (n = 160) and UK consumers (n = 97) it related to edible insects. Six key themes were identified amongst extremely unwilling consumers, with the protein alternatives being perceived as; Unhealthy, Unnecessary, Unsustainable, Unsafe, Unnatural and Unappealing. The prominence of themes differed between countries and across protein categories, but the perception that alternatives were unnecessary was a communal theme. Overall, the findings provide interesting insights and recommendations to support country-specific protein transitions.

Ford, H., Zhang, Y., Gould, J., Danner, L., Bastian, S. E. P., & Yang, Q. (2024). Comparing motivations and barriers to reduce meat and adopt protein alternatives amongst meat-eaters in Australia, China and the UK. Food Quality and Preference, 118, 105208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2024.105208

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: High consumption of red and processed meat contributes to both health and environmental harms. Warning labels and taxes for red meat reduce selection of red meat overall, but little is known about how these potential policies affect purchases of subcategories of red meat (e.g., processed versus unprocessed) or of non-red-meat foods (e.g., cheese, pulses) relevant to health and environmental outcomes. This study examined consumer responses to warning labels and taxes for red meat in a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS: In October 2021, we recruited 3,518 US adults to complete a shopping task in a naturalistic online grocery store. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four arms: control (no warning labels or tax), warning labels only (health and environmental warning labels appeared next to products containing red meat), tax only (prices of products containing red meat were increased 30%) or combined warning labels + tax. Participants selected items to hypothetically purchase, which we categorized into food groups based on the presence of animal- and plant-source ingredients (e.g., beef, eggs, pulses), meat processing level (e.g., processed pork versus unprocessed pork), and meat species (e.g., beef versus pork). We assessed the effects of the warning labels and tax on selections from each food group.

RESULTS: Compared to control, all three interventions led participants to select fewer items with processed meat (driven by reductions in processed pork) and (for the tax and warning labels + tax interventions only) fewer items with unprocessed meat (driven by reductions in unprocessed beef). All three interventions also led participants to select more items containing cheese, while only the combined warning labels + tax intervention led participants to select more items containing processed poultry. Except for an increase in selection of pulses in the tax arm, the interventions did not affect selections of fish or seafood (processed or unprocessed), eggs, or plant-based items (pulses, nuts & seeds, tofu, meat mimics, grains & potatoes, vegetables).

CONCLUSIONS: Policies to reduce red meat consumption are also likely to affect consumption of other types of foods that are relevant to both health and environmental outcomes.

Willits-Smith, A., Taillie, L. S., Jaacks, L. M., Frank, S. M., & Grummon, A. H. (2024). Effects of red meat taxes and warning labels on food groups selected in a randomized controlled trial. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01584-9

Abstract:

Eating less meat when dining out can help mitigate climate change. Plant-based meats can facilitate the transition to a more environmentally sustainable tourism sector. However, uptake of these products remains low. Building on the capability-opportunity-motivation behaviour model, this study identifies the main reasons for the general population of restaurant patrons to reject plant-based meats: they prefer meat and traditional vegetable dishes; they are concerned about not enjoying plant-based meat dishes; they perceive plant-based meat dishes as too expensive. Accounting for heterogeneity among diners leads to the identification of six distinct consumer segments, which differ in their reasons for not ordering plant-based meat dishes in restaurants. From these empirical insights, we derive recommendations for tourism professionals on how to entice specific consumer segments to order plant-based meat dishes and identify future avenues for research.

Fechner, D., Grün, B., & Dolnicar, S. (2024). Identifying segment-specific barriers to ordering environmentally sustainable plant-based meat dishes in restaurants. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2024.2342982

Abstract:

Food choice behavior plays a large role in achieving sustainability goals. Meat in particular has a negative environmental impact as compared with plant-based food - and is more frequently chosen in restaurant contexts. To increase plant-based meal choices in restaurants, we tested three nudges for menus that are likely to be implemented by restaurant owners: a hedonic label (e.g., artisanal vegetable burger), a chef's recommendation (specifying the vegetarian option as the chef's favorite), and a salience nudge (a box around the vegetarian option). In an online experiment, we showed participants (n = 513) in four conditions (no nudge, hedonic label, chef's recommendation, and salience nudge) five menus with four meal options each, one of which was vegetarian. We asked participants to choose a meal and subsequently to rate these meals on how tasty and indulgent they were (taste and indulgence attributions). We then revealed which nudge was used to the participants and asked how participants received it. Results show that the hedonic label and chef's recommendation nudge (but not the salience nudge) both increase vegetarian meal choices. The hedonic label increased participants' attributions of indulgence of the meal, but not of tastiness. This finding fits with restaurants' gastronomic, pleasure-seeking context and shapes future directions of labeling interventions, namely that indulgence attributions can be increased in vegetarian foods. Furthermore, the nudges were generally well accepted and participants' intention to return to the (virtual) restaurant was high. Finally, customers expected the hedonic label nudge to be more effective in promoting vegetarian food choices than the other two nudges, partially corresponding with our findings of actual effectiveness.

Weijers, R. J., Claessens, I. W. H., Gillebaart, M., & de Ridder, D. T. D. (2024). Nudging towards sustainable dining: Exploring menu nudges to promote vegetarian meal choices in restaurants. Appetite, 198, 107376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107376

Abstract:

The influence of the social environment on health behaviors is well documented. In recent years, there is mounting evidence of the health benefits of a plant-based eating pattern, yet little is known about how the social environment impacts the adoption of a plant-based eating pattern, specifically. In this convergent parallel mixed-methods study, we analyzed quantitative survey data and qualitative focus group data to assess how social support impacted participants of a lifestyle medicine intervention focused on the adoption of a plant-predominant eating pattern. Regression analysis of survey data showed a positive association between positive social support and healthy plant-based eating, while no association was found between negative social support and healthy plant-based eating. Focus groups yielded further insights into how positive aspects of social relationships with family and friends facilitated the adoption of plant-predominant eating among participants. Qualitative findings also showed the ways in which negative social support hindered progress to adopt a plant-predominant eating pattern including not eating the same foods as participants, being judgmental about new dietary behaviors, and encouraging participants to eat non-plant-based foods. Taken together, social support appears to be an important factor for individuals adopting a plant-predominant eating pattern. Future research is needed to explore mechanisms to enhance positive social support while mitigating negative aspects of social relationships for individuals participating in similar lifestyle medicine interventions that emphasize on plant-predominant eating.

Ortiz, R., Massar, R., McMacken, M., & Albert, S. L. (2024). Stronger together than apart: The role of social support in adopting a healthy plant-based eating pattern. Appetite, 107341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107341

Abstract:

People often adapt their behavior to the behavior of other people. We test with the help of an experiment whether this also applies to the choice of food and whether the sensitivity regarding others’ behavior increases when the food choice is observable. Participants in the experiment are first-year students who are confronted with different statements about the diets of students already enrolled and studying at the university. Participants then choose between vouchers for vegan, vegetarian, or meat-based foods, with variation as to whether or not this choice is observable. The results show that the overall effects of social norms with and without observability are small and statistically insignificant. This is because women and men respond differently to the interventions; women are much more responsive to social norms than men, especially when their food choice can be observed by others. We discuss how our findings fit with dietary trends and what policy implications they have.

Dannenberg, A., Klatt, C., & Weingärtner, E. (2024). The effects of social norms and observability on food choice. Food Policy, 125, 102621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2024.102621

Abstract:

Consumers with low socioeconomic status (SES) eat less healthy and sustainable diets than consumers with higher status. This is attributed, at least in part, to inequalities in health communication. An online survey with 134 socioeconomically disadvantaged consumers in Italy was conducted to test the effectiveness of tailor-made communication material (infographics) about healthy and sustainable eating (HSE). Participants were recruited at two social supermarkets by a social service organisation as well as via a crowdsourcing platform. Participants found information about HSE delivered through infographics moderately effective in increasing motivation, capability, and opportunity for HSE, and moderately useful and likely to impact their behaviour. Certain messages were more effective than others for native consumers, while migrants showed more indifferent responses to the various messages and manifested lower motivation to shift towards HSE, limited access to and seeking of nutrition-related information, and lower trust in information sources. Selecting which messages to deliver strategically, while also considering differences between segments of the target audience and their preferred sources and channels for communication, is promising; yet, structural changes related to food's affordability and availability are also needed to facilitate an effective communication.

Palascha, A., & Chang, B. P. I. (2024). Which messages about healthy and sustainable eating resonate best with consumers with low socio-economic status? Appetite, 198, 107350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107350

Abstract:

Animal ethicists often distinguish between direct and indirect defenses of speciesism, where the former appeal to species membership and the latter invoke other features that are simply associated with it. The main extant charge against indirect defenses rests on the empirical claim that any feature other than membership in our species is either absent in some humans or present in some nonhumans. This paper challenges indirect defenses with a new argument, which presupposes no such empirical claim. Instead, the argument from discordance resorts to the following principle: a certain feature can only justify discriminating on the basis of that feature.

Jaquet, F. (2024). Indirect defenses of speciesism make no sense. Pacific Philosophical Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1111/papq.12459

Abstract:

Social movements are critical agents of change that vary greatly in both tactics and popular support. Prior work shows that extreme protest tactics – actions that are highly counter-normative, disruptive, or harmful to others, including inflammatory rhetoric, blocking traffic, and damaging property – are effective for gaining publicity. However, we find across three experiments that extreme protest tactics decreased popular support for a given cause because they reduced feelings of identification with the movement. Though this effect obtained in tests of popular responses to extreme tactics used by animal rights, Black Lives Matter, and anti-Drumpf protests (Studies 1-3), we found that self-identified political activists were willing to use extreme tactics because they believed them to be effective for recruiting popular support (Studies 4a & 4b). The activist’s dilemma – wherein tactics that raise awareness also tend to reduce popular support – highlights a key challenge faced by social movements struggling to affect progressive change.

Feinberg, M., Willer, R., & Kovacheff, C. (2017). Extreme protest tactics reduce popular support for social movements. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2911177

Abstract:

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Faunalytics. (2024.). Faunalytics Index – April 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from https://faunalytics.org/faunalytics-index-april-2024/

Abstract:

Insider activism covers examples of concerned citizens participating in activism within or against the institutions they work in. This report explores if insider activism could be utilised in animal advocacy.

Animal Ask. (2024). Insider activism in animal advocacy. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.animalask.org/post/insider-activism

Abstract:

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The Humane League. (2024). The 2024 Eggspose. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://thehumaneleague.org/2024-cage-free-eggspose

Abstract:

This article examines the discourse of pressure groups within the European Dairy Industry (EDI) using a Critical Animal Studies perspective. The study first identifies the EDI as a powerful economic actor by analysing its key companies, pressure groups, and their relationships. Then, it analyses the discourse constructed and the rhetorical devices these interest groups use regarding 1) the animals exploited by the industry and 2) the nutritional recommendations influencing dietary guidelines. The dairy industry forms a significant economic and corporate conglomerate that actively influences food recommendations and maintains extensive coalitions and lobbying efforts. The EDI interest groups tailor their narrative to align with current environmental, health, and animal welfare concerns while paradoxically contradicting them. Notably, the interest groups entirely disregard the interests of animals in their discourse, representing them as inanimate objects devoid of sentience, autonomy, and individuality through a series of rhetorical devices.

Ruiz Carreras, M. (2024). Unveiling the strategic discourse of European dairy industry pressure groups: A Critical Animal Studies perspective. TRACE ∴ Finnish Journal for Human-Animal Studies, 10, 6–36. https://doi.org/10.23984/fjhas.136722

Abstract:

Animal welfare is often ignored in decision-making, despite widespread agreement about its importance. This is partly because of a lack of quantitative methods to assess the impacts of policies on humans and nonhumans alike on a common scale. At the same time, recent work in economics, philosophy, and animal welfare science has made progress on the fundamental theoretical challenge of estimating the well-being potential of different species on a single scale. By combining these estimates of each species’ well-being potential with assessments of how various policies impact the quality of life for these species, along with the number of animals affected, we can arrive at a framework for estimating the impact of policies on animal health and well-being. This framework allows for a quantifiable comparison between policies affecting humans and animals. For instance, it enables us to compare human QALYs to animal QALYs tailored to specific species. Hence, the intrinsic value of animal welfare impacts of policies can be monetized on the same scale as market and non-market impact for humans, facilitating benefit–cost analysis. Many challenges remain though, including issues of population ethics, political feasibility, and new complexities in addressing equity and uncertainty.

Budolfson, M., Espinosa, R., Fischer, B., & Treich, N. (2024). Monetizing animal welfare impacts for benefit–cost analysis. Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1017/bca.2024.19

Abstract:

Welfare subjectivists face a dilemma. On the one hand, traditional subjectivist theories—such as the desire-fulfillment theory—are too permissive to account for the well-being of typical mature human beings. On the other hand, more “refined” theories—such as the life-satisfaction theory—are too restrictive to account for the well-being of various welfare subjects, including newborns, those with profound cognitive impairments, or non-human animals. This paper examines a class of welfare subjectivism that addresses this dilemma with sensitivity to the diversity in welfare subjects. First, the most-sophisticated-attitude view (MSA) is introduced. MSA holds that an object, $$x$$x , is good for a subject, $$S$$S , in proportion to the strength of $$S$$S ’s pro-attitude towards $$x$$x if and only if the pro-attitude at issue is $$S$$S ’s most sophisticated type. Typically, the well-being of typical mature human beings is assessed in terms of one’s authentic whole-life satisfaction, whereas that of human newborns is assessed in terms of something less sophisticated such as pleasure. MSA offers the rationale for this difference based on an underexplored version of perfectionism: procedural perfectionism. Next, provided that MSA may involve an implausibly strong claim, this paper examines two moderate variations of MSA that accept the partial relevance of less sophisticated types of valenced attitude. Finally, it is illustrated how MSA and its variations have plausible implications regarding the well-being of enhanced or dis-enhanced people.

Ishida, S. (2024). Welfare subjectivism, sophistication, and procedural perfectionism. The Journal of Ethics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10892-024-09477-6

Abstract:

This brief report characterizes and maps changes in six key aspects of pig animal welfare (AW) legislation in 13 countries in the European Union (EU) during the period 1991-2020, focusing primarily on aspects of AW likely to impact the economic performance and international competitiveness of the pig production sector. National AW legislation in the selected EU member states that exceed the EU minimum levels within the six selected key areas are also mapped. Analysis of changes in AW over time, using legislative texts, academic literature, and an expert survey, revealed that AW-legislation at the national level has generally become more stringent, in line with EU directives, and that a number of member states have introduced additional AW legislation that exceed EU minimum levels. This review helps to uncover historical changes in and can form the basis for further research investigating effects of changes in AW legislation.

Wallenbeck, A., Wichman, A., Höglind, L., Agenäs, S., Hansson, H., & Ferguson, S. (2024). Brief research report: the evolution of animal welfare legislation for pigs in 13 EU member states, 1991-2020. Frontiers in Animal Science, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2024.1371006

Abstract:

In the context of India, a country with a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions that advocate for non-violence and compassion towards all living beings, the discourse on human rights versus animal rights takes on unique dimensions. This abstract explores the dichotomy between human rights and animal rights in the Indian context, drawing upon landmark judgments and constitutional provisions.India’s Constitution provides for fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion, speech, and movement within and outside the country. However, the discourse on animal rights is gaining momentum. The Indian Constitution and various legislations such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 and the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provide for the protection of animals.Despite these provisions, animals in India are often subjected to cruelty and exploitation. This raises questions about the universality of rights and the need for a global declaration on animal rights. The Animal Welfare Board of India v. Nagaraja and Others case in 2014 was a landmark judgment where the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India held that animals also possess honour and dignity. Also, in the of N.R. Nair v. Union of India ; The Kerala High Court, shattered the walls between humans and non-humans and considered granting fundamental rights to animals as well and highlighted that legal rights should be extended beyond people and should not remain in the exclusive domain of human beings. This abstract argues that recognizing animal rights at a universal level would not only serve animals better but also complement human rights. It suggests that an international body like the United Nations or World Health Organization should work towards a universal declaration on animal rights.The denial of animal rights often reflects in the disregard for human rights. Therefore, acknowledging animal rights could potentially reinforce respect for human rights. The international legal order is flexible enough to accommodate non-human personhood, as demonstrated by the evolution of human rights.The abstract concludes by emphasizing that animal rights should be universalized to be effective in a globalized setting. It draws parallels with the historical experience with international human rights to show how objections like cultural imperialism can be overcome.

Sharan, A., & Sharma, M. (2024). Harmonizing human rights and animal rights: Exploring the Indian context and the call for a universal declaration. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4770906

Abstract:

The fate of animals under human control has become a challenge of our time. One of the key dimensions of the ‘animal turn’ we are witnessing is the concept of ‘animal welfare.’ Unlike animal rights or abolitionist doctrines, animal welfare has gained someform of universal recognition. But it has different meanings depending on the contextin which it is used. As practised in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), ‘animal welfare’ is substantially deprived of any ethical foundation and is rather an economic- and efficiency-driven concept that legitimizes the industrial exploitation ofanimals. In the same vein, the recognition of ‘animal welfare’ as a universal issue by WTO dispute settlement institutions in the Seals dispute should not overshadow its anthropocentric dimension in a way that augments the suspicion that ‘animal welfare’ is a vehicle of cultural imperialism.

Bismuth, R. (2024). The universal recognition of animal welfare and its dark sides. International Law and Universality. https://sciencespo.hal.science/hal-04519737/document