Validation of Welfare Assessment Methods at Herd Level: An Example

Abstract

Validity is a measure of the extent to which a method measures what it is supposed to measure. It is therefore a relative concept in the sense that it is defined in relation to the aim of the method. The comparison of methods with similar aims can provide information on validity. In order to make such a comparison, welfare was evaluated in 10 Danish dairy herds using two different welfare assessment methods: an environment-based method (TGI200) and an animal-based method (factor analysis of individual animal observations). The results of the assessments were compared, and their agreement and disagreement were investigated and discussed. A fairly non-significant correlation (r=0.31, p=0.38, n=10) was observed between the two methods. Keywords: Farm AnimalsHerd HealthHousingManagementWelfare Comparisons