KRASIMIRA UZUNOVA, MEHMED HALIL, MARINA TOSHESKA,
Agricultural Faculty, BG – 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
DVM student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7 1000 Skopje
*Corresponding author, E-mail: mira60bg@yahoo.com
Abstract
The present paper investigates some of the most important terms and concepts of behavioral research, animal ethology, existence of pathological animal behavioral activities and animal welfare. It’s presented an interesting view of the nature of the term “welfare” and three main aspects of animal husbandry that it covers, also is an introduction of new scientific unit – pathoetology. Bulgarian perspectives of animal welfare can give significant contribution in enriching the concepts of animal “welfare” in linguistic and practical aspects.
Much scientific information concerning animal welfare has become available and it’s continues to grow rapidly. There is evidence that the behavioral needs and activities of animals are strong linked with animal welfare. If those needs can be met more adequately, stress will be reduced and productivity will be improved. Ethological parameters seem to be adequate when evaluating animal welfare pointing that identify and assess animal pathological behavioral activities are main markers to ensure their welfare. We used abnormal behaviors as indicators of poor welfare and to confirm the issue that animal welfare assessment has been most closely associated with pathoetology. It is concluded that ultimate causation of pathology should become a major focus in order to reach at valid approaches to animal welfare.
Keywords: welfare, animals, patoethology, analysis, classification
