Sub-project 4
To implement a welfare monitoring and information system and the welfare improvement strategies developed.

The principle components of this Sub-project relate to generating the final standards, disseminating knowledge, implementation-related research projects and producing recommendations on implementation.

The publication of the welfare assessment and product information standards in an agreed format are key deliverables.
The methodology for welfare assessment formulated in SP 2 will be defined in a format that can be used internationally in any husbandry system. The standards could be used by certification bodies providing assurances to consumers, by agencies enforcing legislation, or by welfare researchers wishing to quantify comparable parameters. The product information system should enable the results of on-farm welfare assessments to be translated into a consumer-friendly information system that meets the requirements identified in SP 1.

Dissemination of knowledge and results to potential users of the welfare monitoring and information system (SP 2) and welfare improvement strategies (SP 3) will be achieved by producing a web resource, training material and an initial training of trainers. The main research components of this cluster concern evaluation of: the consumer response to the product information system, the socio economic impact of the information system, the animal welfare impact of on-farm welfare assessment, and the views of relevant stakeholders (especially consumers) on the welfare assessment results gathered in SP 2.

Finally a series of recommendations will be produced for policy makers on the potential implementation of the animal welfare monitoring system, the product information system and the improvement strategies.

This Sub-project will ensure that the welfare assessment, product information system and husbandry strategies are implemented in the most appropriate mechanisms. Some important background considerations for both the welfare assessment and product information system are discussed below.  Although this SP will provide the appropriate web information and training material systems for the specific improvement strategies the relevant scientific material is addressed according to each welfare concern in SP 3.

Description of the Work packages:Work packages 4