Sociocultural and religious influences on practices
Date
2026
Authors
Ankeny, R.
Buddle, E.
Whittaker, A.
Editors
Clutton, R.E.
Musk, G.C.
Musk, G.C.
Advisors
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Book chapter
Citation
Pain and Suffering in Farm Animals: First Steps in Better Understanding and Management, 2026 / Clutton, R.E., Musk, G.C. (ed./s), pp.17-28
Statement of Responsibility
Rachel A. Ankeny, Emily A. Buddle, and Alexandra L. Whittaker
Conference Name
Abstract
Acceptable farming practices, and associated conceptualizations of pain and suffering, differ not only between different religions of the world but also between diverse cultural backgrounds and social settings. This chapter explores the various influences on production animal management that derive from sources external to animal welfare science and that result in different attitudes to farm animal welfare. The focus is primarily on cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry, as these are the species for which there is the most evidence and information; other farmed animals (i.e. those that are used to provide food for human consumption), are also considered because these animals are amongst the most numerous in terms of scale and impacts (e.g., fish and insects). The chapter focuses on specific tensions to illustrate those issues that are likely to be most useful to those actively involved in animal care and management (e.g., veterinary professionals, farmers and scientists). It is hoped that the chapter reveals the importance of an evidence-based understanding of current worldviews, the role of animal welfare science and the evolution of cultural differences to aid such professionals to empathize and engage in dialogue with their clients, other researchers or members of the general public with regard to their approaches to pain, suffering and animal welfare.
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© The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026