Animal welfare is not just a foreign concept; it is a foundation for responsible farming. Changing our mindset can transform productivity, health, and profitability daily.

Many practices we consider normal would be unacceptable in countries where animal welfare receives serious attention. Farmers must understand that proper treatment protects animals too.

I recently saw medications placed directly on a bare floor by an employee. Instead of merely correcting him, I asked him to imagine receiving medicine.

He admitted he would feel irritated because floors contain unseen germs that could contaminate medicine. I explained that animals deserve similar consideration, despite communicating differently.

Good animal welfare includes clean environments, proper handling, safe medication storage, adequate nutrition, and serious biosecurity. These practices reduce disease risks and unnecessary veterinary expenses.

Let us change our mindset and treat animals with greater care and dignity. Better welfare creates healthier livestock, stronger businesses, and sustainable success for everyone.

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view