Determination of the degree of animal welfare in goat production systems in the municipality of Ocaña, North of Santander

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate animal welfare in two goat production systems in Ocaña, North of Santander. The investigative approach was mixed; the aim of the qualitative component was to collect data by observation and direct interaction with the specimens. The quantitative component was to measure the four principles of the Welfare Quality® protocol (good feeding, good housing, good health and appropriate behavior), 11 criteria and 33 indicators to assess the animal welfare. The applied type of research was descriptive, characterizing the sheepfold process. The analysis of the results highlights the excellent qualification of both production systems, since the score in all the principles evaluated was greater than 55%, presenting an average general assessment of 93.47%. The results were distinguished in the following way: 98.47% good feeding, 95.02% good lodging, 90.20% good health and 90.18% in appropriate behavior, due to the points to be improved in the indicators of the evaluated criteria.