What's special about YOUR animal?
Every species has specific welfare needs and requires different care and conditions. You can't feed a dog and a horse the same way!
The anatomy, physiology, and behavioural repertoires of every animal are genetically encoded, evolved characteristics, but they also include a capacity to adapt to change. In animal welfare science, it’s important to recognise that every species—and even different types within a species—represents a unique solution to life in a particular environment. The incredible diversity of animals on earth reflects the many ways evolution has shaped them to survive and thrive in different conditions, and to care for them well we need to know as much as possible about the ecology and history of the animals we work with.
It starts with you:
Every species has its own way of surviving, thriving and engaging with the world. You can think of an animal as a system that over evolutionary time has adapted and is specialised in surviving and thriving in particular environments. This system includes the characteristic anatomy (body structure); physiology (body function); and ethology (behavoiur). Their function is governed by regulatory processes that detect and adapt to environmental changes.
How much do you know about YOUR animal's species?
The more you know about the natural or evolutionary history (ecology) of the species and type of animal you are responsible for, the easier it will be to deduce the types of conditions they can survive and thrive in, and those that may place them at risk. Of course, it is also important to get to know them a individuals! Whoever spends most time with a particular animal will be best placed to notice minute changes as soon as they happen.
It takes a village...
While it is always good to keep learning and become very knowledgeable, remember that you are not alone. Caring for animals can be hard work and there will be times when you need additional support. For example, you might need advice or want to check your judgement or decisions with someone you trust.
In many cases it is great to have a knowledgeable and trusted friend to evaluate your animal's welfare and management using the Mellorater app. It is easy for us to become gradually desensitised and fail to notice changes to our animal's physical or mental states. This is especially the case when our animal is ageing, or they have a slow-onset, chronic condition. You can then discuss and contrast the results, and the evidence that was used to reach those conclusions.
Find the right experts:
There is a wide range of animal healthcare professionals who can help keep your animal in optimal health: veterinarians, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, farriers (for hoofed animals) and physios or body therapists.
There are also ethologists (animal behaviour specialists) and animal trainers can help ensure your animal interacts appropriately with their surroundings, other animals and humans. To ensure good mental health.
