The development of the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for donkeys

The donkey population has increased in the last 10 years, with an estimated 50 million donkeys currently worldwide. Donkey welfare, meanwhile, is increasing global concern that receives close public scrutiny. However, multiple challenges are surrounding how welfare assessed and recorded. Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) project first project, funded by European Commission, intended to improve developing a scientifically sound practical on-farm assessment protocol. present study describes procedure for development of AWIN protocol donkeys: 1) selection promising indicators; 2) research cover gaps knowledge; 3) stakeholder consultation; 4) testing prototype on-farm. proposed two-level strategy improved feasibility, while app enables standardized collection data prompt results. Although limitations linked relatively small reference population, represents scientific approach evaluate