Table 2. The principles and criteria of Welfare Quality® assessment protocols

Principle Criteria Measures
Good feeding 1 Absence of prolonged hunger2 Absence of prolonged thirst Body condition scoreWater supply
Good housing 3 Comfort around resting4 Thermal comfort5 Ease of movement Bursitis, absence of manure on the bodyShivering, panting, huddlingSpace allowance
Good health 6 Absence of injuries7 Absence of disease8 Absence of pain induced by management procedures Lameness, wounds on body, tail bitingMortality, coughing, sneezing, pumping, twisted snouts, rectal prolapse, scouring, skin condition, ruptures and herniasCastration, tail docking
Appropriate behaviors 9 Expression of social behaviors10 Expression of other behaviors11 Good human-animal relationship12 Positive emotional state Social behaviorsExploratoryFear of humansQualitative behaviors assessment (QBA)