Scientific Measures of Well-Being - Measures of well-being of food producing animals are needed to make scientific assessments. These measures must be scientifically sound and relevant. The measurements will integrate behavioral, physiological, and productivity parameters of economic importance.

Adaptation and Adaptedness - Most food animals have been domesticated for thousands of years. Selection under intensive management conditions has occurred only recently and oriented primarily toward the improvement of production traits. Research in this area will determine the roles that genetics and environment play in well-being. Research information on adaptedness will serve as the basis for modifying management practices. Genetic research will be evaluated to improve animal fitness and determine the basis of adaptation to environmental stressors such as heat and cold. Marker assisted selection techniques will be explored. (Research is conducted in this component under NP101)

Social Behavior and Spacing - With the intensification of animal agriculture, and the greater number of animals at each location or in production units, a major question is whether the intensive management adversely affects an animal's well-being. Research will be conducted to provide a scientific basis for understanding the social behavior of food animals and how the quality and quantity of space influences behavior. Research to show consequences of the change in patterns of social interaction and space utilization will require an integrated research approach.

Cognition and Motivation - The mental state, fear, frustration, suffering, pleasure, and boredom of animals are major concerns of the public, however, there is currently little scientific information that can be used as a basis for addressing these concerns. Research is needed to learn how sensory information from the environment is perceived and processed by animals and what animals learn.

Evaluate Practices and Systems To Improve Well-Being - Management practices such as transportation and slaughter and special agricultural practices such as beak trimming, dehorning, branding, tail docking, and castration are important and necessary elements of animal management in current production systems. These practices affect the

well-being of animals. Research will address evaluation of the current practices and alternative practices concerning potential pain, stress or discomfort, and production efficiency. Alternative environment systems and current management practices will be evaluated for their effect on farm animal well-being and overall goals to improve animal comfort, well-being, and production efficiency. Research to improve both production efficiency and animal well-being will be conducted.

Bioenergetic Criteria for Environmental Management - Adverse environmental conditions cause livestock and poultry losses, decreased production efficiency, and decreased animal well-being. Available technology needs to be adapted for proactively managing environmental stressors. Research to develop decision support tools is needed to help producers deal with environmental stressors, provide protective measures, recognize livestock and poultry in distress, and take appropriate management actions.