Using Behaviour and Cognition Research to Advance Animal Welfare Impact

Historically the study of animal behaviour and cognition has been driven by aspects of basic science curiosity including the desire to better understand evolution and natural selection. The comparative psychology approach to behaviour and cognition has been used to uncover the underlying principles of behaviour that apply across species thereby shedding light on human psychology. Research on behaviour and cognition is also essential for enhancing animal welfare by providing insights into animal needs and preferences. Further studying behaviour and cognition helps to illuminate the complex relationships between humans and animals thereby contributing to better welfare outcomes. Thus it is essential to effectively communicate research findings to stakeholders and especially the general public when it comes to behaviour and cognition research that has welfare implications. Despite a global population of more than one billion goats have historically received limited attention in terms of behaviour and welfare research possibly due to their relatively low numbers in the Global North. Over the past decade our goat research has shown for example how they express their emotions as well as how goats perceive emotions in conspecifics and humans. We have also demonstrated their remarkable physical and social cognition abilities including long-term memory thus challenging the notion that goats are unintelligent. To disseminate our behaviour and cognition findings and thus improve goat welfare we have utilized press releases and engaged extensively with stakeholders. As a result our research findings have been used to advance formal welfare guidelines particularly regarding handling and transportation. In conclusion we advocate for greater public engagement by animal behaviour researchers especially when their research findings have welfare implications. Through stakeholder engagement researchers can reach a larger audience for their results and ultimately improve animal lives.