Facteurs déterminants du bien-être des ruminants en élevage

Ruminant production is characterised by a large diversity in husbandry systems and management practices that can influence the animals’ welfare. For example, housing conditions are important. In outdoor rearing systems, climate changes can provoke thermal stress and health problems. Indoors, factors such as freedom of movement and type of lying surface are essential for animal comfort and health. A feeding regimen that is not adapted to biological needs can lead to metabolic disturbances and behavioural abnormalities. Specific ma-nagement practices interfering with the social structure of a herd can also influence the animals’ welfare. For example, repeated changes in group composition will lead to repeated stress with possible consequences on the animals’ health and performance. Procedures such as castration, dehorning and caesareans seem to have an intense but short-term impact on the animal. Finally, the impact of the human- animal relationship on the ruminants’ welfare seems of increasing importance, since there is a tendency towards a higher number of animals per stockperson and less time spent per animal. In conclusion, for ruminant production, numerous parameters, linked mostly to husbandry practices and the living environment (i.e. management and resources), can influence the welfare of the animals. Future research should focus on the impact of these practices and conditions with the aim of developing alternatives.