ABSTRACT
Welfare is a scientific concept used for all living animals including humans. The welfare of an individual is its state as regards its attempts to cope with its environment. Welfare incorporates the feelings and health of an individual and also the functioning of a range of physiological, behavioural, and other adaptive mechanisms. Animal welfare science has provided information about the needs and welfare of a wide range of animals. Since there is only one biology, one welfare and one health, studies of humans or any other species have relevance to all others. Welfare is a component of sustainability that is important to consumers. Knowledge of animals’ needs facilitates the provision of conditions in which welfare will be good. The concepts of welfare, health, stress, needs, pain, and other feelings, quality of life and euthanasia should only be used with a clear understanding of their meanings, which are elaborated upon in this chapter.
