Welfare evaluation in buffalo species by risk assessment methodology, a part of the classyfarm system.

ClassyFarm is an integrated system aiming at the categorization of the farms according to a risk assessment methodology (RA). It is an Italian innovation that allows to facilitate and improve the collaboration and the dialogue between the breeders and the competent authority, in order to raise the level of safety and quality of food of animal origin. ClassyFarm collects, gather and process data, referred to the following evaluation areas: biosecurity, animal welfare, health and production parameters, animal nutrition, antimicrobial usage, injuries detected at slaughterhouse. ClassyFarm can be applied to several livestock species, included buffalo farms. On the request of the Italian Ministry of Health, CreNbuf in collaboration with CReNBa, have develop a checklist (CL) for the animal welfare assessment in buffalo species, based on RA and included in the ClassyFarm system. The multiple-choice CL consists of 80 Items. Each Item is scored according to 3 choice categories: “insufficient”, “acceptable” and “excellent”. The assessment system includes non-animal based (N-ABMs) and animal-based measures (ABMs). N-ABMs are divided into 2 macro-areas: Area A (28 Items) “Management factors”; Area B (30 Items) “Housing factors”. ABMs are assessed in Area C (14 Items). The CL has been tested in 341 farms, with an average of 353 head (min10, max 2240). The average overall welfare value was 61.27% (on a scale of 0 to 100%). The values of the specific areas were: Area A 60.20%; Area B 41.34%; Area C 71.55%. At least one potential legislative non-compliance was recorded in 39.8% of the farms. These CL represent a functional and smart instrument to assign an animal welfare index to each farm, and to provide to veterinarians and breeders a tool for improving farm management and housing conditions by using the data collected in each Area, while respecting farm sustainability, giving answers to consumers and add value to farmers’ correct activities. The Italian Ministry of Health is promoting this system, unique in its kind, also in the European and international context, raising a wide and strong interest