How to make animal welfare profitable for producers

Today, the price of products obtained from free-range animals and organic feed is above average. But current scientific knowledge and examples from other countries provide reason for optimism, experts say.

Change without major cost

As the experience of producers in the European Union and Latin America has shown, it is possible to improve the welfare of animals with relatively small changes in the technology of their maintenance. For example, by increasing the available space or adding amenities to meet the natural needs of the animals: enclosed nesting space for laying hens, bedding for pigs, etc.

In the EU countries, such changes have led to an increase in the cost of primary livestock products from fractions of a percent to several percent. The cost of the primary product, such as raw MILK, is usually about 50% of the cost of the final product (packaged pasteurized milk). This means that the improvement in the conditions of detention will not significantly affect the price in the store, said Ilya Zlobin, an expert from the Voices for Animals organization, Candidate of Biological Sciences.

Many well-being problems can be eliminated without increasing production costs at all - by optimizing existing content technologies. For example, by training staff in low-stress handling practices. This will reduce the level of fear of animals, increase their immunity and reduce productivity losses from diseases and stress, Zlobin emphasized.

Unified database of reference materials

To optimize technology, it is important that manufacturers always have access to up-to-date scientific information on best practices in housing, care and treatment. The creation of a unified online system of reference materials would be very helpful in this, the expert suggested.

Access to quality veterinary services is also essential. Some of these services can also be provided on online platforms, improving animal welfare and reducing costs by reducing disease in the workplace.

Growing demand

As a recent NAFI survey showed, almost two-thirds of Russians are willing to pay more for products obtained from enterprises where conditions for animals are better. Another survey revealed the willingness of consumers to pay at least 5% extra for information about the conditions in which animals were raised and kept.

In other words, there is a demand for animal welfare. And as the awareness of citizens improves, it will grow. Manufacturers can use this to their advantage: improve conditions and make their products more visible to consumers.

This may require the introduction of a special label, where conditionally five stars will be awarded to products of manufacturers that provide animals with the most comfortable conditions for keeping. Even separate shelves or entire departments with such goods may appear in stores.

The increase in demand for healthy products will also be facilitated by the dissemination of information on social networks, where buyers will begin to talk about their choice. Those producers who manage to restructure processes and take better care of animals will win in such conditions.