Developing an ostrich welfare assessment protocol (OWAP) in intensive and semi-intensive systems

In recent years, consumer demand for animal-friendly production systems has driven the livestock industry to improve welfare standards. Protocols have been developed for different species such as calves, pigs, laying hens, and broilers to assess farms, compare practices, and establish a baseline for optimal welfare. However, despite their undoubted importance and presence on farms, ostriches are not included in these protocols. This study aims to develop a protocol for the welfare assessment of ostriches reared in intensive and semi-intensive systems using different indicators, which is feasible and time efficient. The protocol developed combines animal-based measures (physiological, appearance, and behavioral) with resource-based and management-based measures (management and environmental). Specifically, the ostrich welfare assessment protocol (OWAP) included 41 non-invasive measures: 14 animal-based, 12 resource-based, and 15 management-based. These measures were selected for their relevance, reliability, and feasibility. Each parameter is scored on a graded scale based on its condition, and the scores are aggregated to determine the overall welfare status of the ostriches. A threshold is set to classify welfare as acceptable, suboptimal, or unacceptable. Out of a total score of 95 (64 for indirect measures and 31 for direct measures), a score <32 was considered unacceptable, between 32–63 suboptimal, and >63 optimal. This scoring system provides a systematic, objective approach to assessing ostrich welfare under different husbandry conditions.