May 2024
Browse Studies By Topic
Alternatives to animal products
Comparison of nutritional profile between plant-based meat analogues and real meat: A review focusing on ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability, and health impacts
Abstract:
In order to fully understand the nutritional heterogeneity of plant-based meat analogues and real meat, this review summarized their similarities and differences in terms of ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability and health impacts. Plant-based meat analogues have some similarities to real meat. However, plant-based meat analogues are lower in protein, cholesterol and VB12 but higher in dietary fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, salt and various food additives than real meat.
Xie, Y., Cai, L., Zhou, G., & Li, C. (2024). Comparison of nutritional profile between plant-based meat analogues and real meat: A review focusing on ingredients, nutrient contents, bioavailability, and health impacts. Food Research International (Ottawa, Ont.), 187, 114460.
Could cultivated meat’s real route to mainstream markets be as hybrid food ‐ Why this makes sense?
Abstract:
From beginnings as an esoteric research topic, cultivated meat (produced from cells originating from the meat producing animals) has developed with increasing pace from a research concept and is starting to break into restaurant markets in Singapore, USA, and Israel. However, there remains a significant journey in the global food ecosystem in order for it to reach mainstream retail. This viewpoint piece will probe how combining the best from plant-based meat alternatives and cultivated meat disciplines may end up addressing consumers desires, delivering…
Young, J. F., & Young, N. W. G. (2024). Could cultivated meat’s real route to mainstream markets be as hybrid food ‐ Why this makes sense? International Journal of Food Science & Technology.
Cultivated meat in tourism and hospitality: Setting the scene and outlining future research agenda
Abstract:
The major societal challenges of climate change and animal welfare call for novel solutions to produce food. Cultivated meat may represent one of such solutions and research is emerging to understand its implications for food consumption. However, to date research has excluded the sector of foodservice provision as part of the wider tourism and hospitality industry from analysis. The current conceptual paper addresses this critical gap in knowledge by introducing cultivated meat to the context of food consumption outside the home.
Bui, H. T., Filimonau, V., & Ermolaev, V. A. (2024). Cultivated meat in tourism and hospitality: Setting the scene and outlining future research agenda. Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 1–12.
Cultivating change in food consumption practices: The reception of the social representation of alternative proteins by consumers
Abstract:
This article is concerned with the dynamics of change in protein consumption practices from the perspective of the consumer. It is based on a model, informed by social representation theory, that aims to understand the role played by various types of representation of alternative proteins in the process of changing food consumption practices. It discusses the reception, by consumers, of the representations associated with alternative proteins on Instagram. Methodologically, three focus groups…
Laviolette, C., & Godin, L. (2024). Cultivating change in food consumption practices: The reception of the social representation of alternative proteins by consumers. Appetite, 107391.
Emerging alternative food protein sources: production process, quality parameters, and safety point of view
Abstract:
The rise in the global population has increased the demand for dietary food protein. Strategies to maximize agricultural and livestock outputs could strain land and freshwater supply and contribute to substantial negative environmental impacts. Consequently, there has been an emphasis on identifying alternative sources of edible proteins that are more sustainable, sustainable, ethical, and healthy.
Khanashyam, A. C., Mundanat, A. S., Sajith Babu, K., Thorakkattu, P., Krishnan, R., Abdullah, S., Bekhit, A. E. A., McClements, D. J., Santivarangkna, C., & Nirmal, N. P. (2024). Emerging alternative food protein sources: production process, quality parameters, and safety point of view. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 1–22.
From lab to table: The path of recombinant milk proteins in transforming dairy production
Abstract:
Background
Recombinant milk protein production is emerging as a pivotal innovation in the dairy industry, driven by the need for sustainable and ethically produced dairy alternatives. Traditional dairy production faces challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions, ethical concerns about animal welfare, and fluctuating productivity due to environmental factors. Recombinant technology offers a promising avenue…
Piazenski, I. N., Candelário, J. P. M., Soccol, V. T., Vandenberghe, L. P. de S., Pereira, G. V. de M., & Soccol, C. R. (2024). From lab to table: The path of recombinant milk proteins in transforming dairy production. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 149, 104562.
German consumers’ attitudes towards artificial meat
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on willingness to try (WTT), regularly eat (WTE), or pay (WTP) for artificial meat, its expected societal challenges and general acceptance as well as its future potential development in Germany. Answers to an online questionnaire by 3,558 potential German adult consumers were evaluated. About 63% of the respondents thought this novel food was promising/acceptable. The vast majority (70%) stated that they would be willing to try it, with the most important drivers…
Jacobs, A.-K., Windhorst, H.-W., Gickel, J., Chriki, S., Hocquette, J.-F., & Ellies-Oury, M.-P. (2024). German consumers’ attitudes towards artificial meat. Frontiers in Nutrition.
In vitro meat production: Advances, challenges and future perspectives
Abstract:
The research addresses the growing demand and challenges linked to sustainable meat production in the current context of population growth and concerns for animal welfare. It highlights the nutritional relevance of meat and the pressure on natural resources derived from conventional animal husbandry. Laboratory-grown meat is introduced as an alternative, exploring its production through tissue engineering and cell culture techniques, highlighting its potential to reduce dependence on mass livestock farming and its environmental benefits.
Jácome-Pilco, C., Eliceo-Manobanda, A., & Elehan-Vistin, P. (2024). In vitro meat production: Advances, challenges and future perspectives. African Journal of Biological Sciences.
Meat alternatives and their impact on human health: A comprehensive review
Abstract:
In the contemporary landscape, conventional meat faces increasing scrutiny due to recent allegations raised by various associations and scientific groups. While these criticisms are often linked to excessive meat consumption, a growing number of individuals are reducing or eliminating meat from their diets, questioning its role in a healthy diet. The consequent request for alternative protein sources has prompted the food industry to create so-called “meat alternatives” products. These emerging foods aim to replicate the sensory characteristics of conventional…
Pontalti, E., Cullere, M., & Dalle Zotte, A. (2024). Meat alternatives and their impact on human health: A comprehensive review. Meat and Muscle Biology, 8(1).
Meat substitutes in media discourse
Abstract:
Shifting from meat consumption is critical for future dietary evolution. Mainstream newspapers and social media are the leading platforms for expressing this opinion. By analysing the media discourse, the proponents of the shift from meat, to plant-based meat and cultured meat were identified. The objectives were: a) to identify themes, word frequencies, and sentiment related to meat substitutes, b) to determine Chinese perceptions of the two meat substitutes, and c) to determine which food functions are of concern to Chinese consumers. Between July 2016 and July 2022, the researcher gathered data from People’s Daily…
Guo, W. (2024). Meat substitutes in media discourse. International Journal of Financial Studies, 13(1), 22–35.
“Meat” the influencers: Crafting authentic endorsements that drive willingness to buy cultured meat
Abstract:
Cultured meat is a promising substitute for regular meat, but its introduction faces challenges and expected consumer resistance. While some studies investigate how communication strategies and advertising appeals can address these concerns, the role of social media influencers in promoting cultured meat adoption remains yet to be explored. Across two online experimental studies involving 752 participants recruited from Prolific, this research investigates how influencer type (micro- vs. mega-influencer) affects consumers’ willingness to buy cultured meat.
Leite, F. P., Septianto, F., & Pontes, N. (2024). “Meat” the influencers: Crafting authentic endorsements that drive willingness to buy cultured meat. Appetite, 107401.
Perspectives on cultured meat in countries with economies dependent on animal production: A review of potential challenges and opportunities
Abstract:
Background
Developing cultured meat from animal cells 20 years ago might have been questionable. However, the cultivation of meat without the need for animal slaughter is already a reality, and public pressure to commercialize these products has gained increasing strength in recent years. Conventional meat production and export sectors play a fundamental role in the economy of countries with an agricultural tradition.
da Silva, B. D., & Conte-Junior, C. A. (2024). Perspectives on cultured meat in countries with economies dependent on animal production: A review of potential challenges and opportunities. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 149, 104551.
Profiling the novel plant-based meat alternative category: Consumer affective and sensory response in the context of perceived similarity to meat
Abstract:
Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) are increasingly popular and may contribute towards reduction of negative environmental impacts associated with the meat industry. Inferior sensory characteristics of PBMAs, compared to conventional meat products, remain a barrier for uptake of these products. This study aimed to profile a wide range of PBMAs for perceived similarity to meat, consumer liking, emotional response and sensory experience, and to determine consumer drivers of liking for this product category. Twenty-one PBMAs, spanning…
Giezenaar, C., Orr, R. E., Godfrey, A. J. R., Maggs, R., Foster, M., & Hort, J. (2024). Profiling the novel plant-based meat alternative category: Consumer affective and sensory response in the context of perceived similarity to meat. Food Research International (Ottawa, Ont.), 188, 114465.
Psychological factors influencing consumer intentions to consume cultured meat, fish and dairy
Abstract:
This study investigates the structure of factors that influence consumer intentions to both try and to consume cultured proteins, and their intentions to substitute vegan, vegetarian and omnivore diets with these alternative protein sources. Comprehensive survey data (N = 3862) was collected from three Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, and Norway) and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Theoretically, this article draws from behavioural…
Engel, L., Vilhelmsen, K., Richter, I., Moritz, J., Ryynänen, T., Young, J. F., Burton, R. J. F., Kidmose, U., & Klöckner, C. A. (2024). Psychological factors influencing consumer intentions to consume cultured meat, fish and dairy. Appetite, 200, 107501.
Recent advances in scaffolding biomaterials for cultivated meat
Abstract:
The emergence of cultivated meat provides a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional animal agriculture, highlighting its increasing importance in the food industry. Biomaterial scaffolds are critical components in cultivated meat production for enabling cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and orientation. While there’s extensive research on scaffolding biomaterials, applying them to cultivated meat production poses distinct challenges, with each material offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Fasciano, S., Wheba, A., Ddamulira, C., & Wang, S. (2024). Recent advances in scaffolding biomaterials for cultivated meat. Biomaterials Advances, 162, 213897.
Revealed preferences on meat substitute consumption and political attitudes: Testing the left-right and environmental concerns framework
Abstract:
The promotion of meat substitutes to reduce meat intake is a promising way to reduce the environmental and public health externalities of meat consumption while preserving the important role of taste and texture in meat products. However, the market for meat substitutes is developing more slowly than expected. Therefore, we analyze the factors associated with the heterogeneity in meat substitute consumption in Germany, a country where meat traditionally plays an important role. We use revealed preference data on meat substitute sales from 1025 individual…
Petersen, T., Denker, T., Koppenberg, M., & Hirsch, S. (2024). Revealed preferences on meat substitute consumption and political attitudes: Testing the left-right and environmental concerns framework. Appetite, 107371.
Sensory, emotional, and appropriateness of plant- and meat-based burgers
Abstract:
The plant-based meat alternative market is experiencing rapid growth. However, whether this growth extends to mainstream consumers will depend on the sensory profile, emotional profile, and situational appropriateness of these products. This study provides a sensory comparison between two plant-based burgers, one hybrid burger, and a conventional 100% ground beef burger. The sensory evaluation was carried out under blind and informed conditions using a between-subject design. Participants (n = 177) were asked to rate the appearance…
Sogari, G., Grasso, S., Caputo, V., Gómez, M. I., Mora, C., & Schouteten, J. J. (2024). Sensory, emotional, and appropriateness of plant- and meat-based burgers. Journal of Food Science.
Tailoring the taste of cultured meat
The silent generation’s underlying beliefs regarding plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) and factors influencing their intention to choose a dish featuring PBMA at a restaurant
Abstract:
This study aimed to examine underlying beliefs regarding plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) among the silent generation and factors influencing their intention to choose a dish featuring PBMA at a restaurant using an extended theory of planned behavior with self-identity. A total of 51 silent generation individuals were recruited by Qualtrics panel, and content analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling were conducted. Findings from this study…
Jung, S. E., Shin, Y. H., Wilson, S., Im, J., Kim, H., & Lawrence, J. (2024). The silent generation’s underlying beliefs regarding plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) and factors influencing their intention to choose a dish featuring PBMA at a restaurant. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 1–18.
Using machine‐learning methods in meta‐analyses: An empirical application on consumer acceptance of meat alternatives
Abstract:
Meta-analyses are widely used in various academic fields, including applied economics. However, the high labor intensity involved in paper searching and small sample sizes remain two dominant limiting factors. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies on consumer preferences for plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives using machine-learning techniques at both the data collection and the data analysis phases. We demonstrated that machine learning reduces the workload in the manual…
Sun, J., Caputo, V., & Taylor, H. (2024). Using machine‐learning methods in meta‐analyses: An empirical application on consumer acceptance of meat alternatives. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy.
What can the history of meat production teach us about the future of protein?
Abstract:
The rise of industrially-farmed chicken is a valuable example of recent historical food system change. As we seek to change the protein we consume once again, a historical outlook provides an important perspective on how this change can be made.
Nicholles, B. (2024). What can the history of meat production teach us about the future of protein? Bryant Research.
Where’s the beef? The Fifth Circuit’s attempt to clarify plant-based food labeling laws in Turtle Island Foods S.P.C. v. Strain
Which are the most promising protein sources for meat alternatives?
Abstract:
Meat alternatives have the potential to shift people’s diets into a more sustainable direction. To improve consumers’ attitudes to meat alternatives and increase the likelihood of their consumption, it is important to identify the most promising protein sources from a consumer perspective. This study investigated expectations toward 17 specific protein sources applied in meat alternatives and four conventional animal-based protein sources across six rating dimensions in an online survey with 916 participants from the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
Etter, B., Michel, F., & Siegrist, M. (2024). Which are the most promising protein sources for meat alternatives? Food Quality and Preference, 119, 105226.
Animal product consumption
Behavioural determinants of healthy and environmentally friendly diets in French university students
Abstract:
Although encouraging the shift toward sustainable diets in young adults is a major challenge to preserve population and planet health, the precursors of sustainable diets in this population remain unknown. This study aimed to identify the behavioural determinants of healthier and more environmentally friendly diets among university students. A sample of 582 French university students reported their food consumption using an online 125-item food frequency questionnaire.
Arrazat, L., Nicklaus, S., de Lauzon-Guillain, B., & Marty, L. (2024). Behavioural determinants of healthy and environmentally friendly diets in French university students. Appetite, 200, 107532.
Disentangling the meat paradox: A comparative review of meat-related ambivalence and dissonance
Abstract:
The domain of meat consumption has become a blossoming area for advancing our knowledge of how people experience and resolve cognitive conflicts. Within the field, however, the conceptual similarities and differences between ambivalence and dissonance have been underspecified. This has led to seemingly inconsistent conclusions about the experiences and downstream consequences of cognitive conflict. We therefore examine the tacit assumptions in the field and integrate the two kinds of literature on meat-related cognitive conflicts. In a comparative review…
Buttlar, B., & Pauer, S. (2024). Disentangling the meat paradox: A comparative review of meat-related ambivalence and dissonance. OSF Preprints.
Meat consumption can trigger information avoidance
Abstract:
In a laboratory experiment, we test if eating meat triggers avoidance of information concerning animal welfare, the environment, or health. We elicit, in an incentive-compatible way, participants’ willingness to pay (WTP) for information regarding the consequences of meat consumption and their knowledge about them. Subjects in the treatment group are served meat before this elicitation, which arguably increases the salience of being a meat eater. Aligned with pre-registered hypotheses based on the literature on motivated beliefs and information avoidance, we observe that meat consumption increases avoidance of certain information.
Buechel, B., Droz, B., & Nassar, A. (2024). Meat consumption can trigger information avoidance. Preprint.
Red and red processed meat consumption behaviors in Scottish adults
Abstract:
In 2021, 32% of adult meat consumers in Scotland exceeded the 70 g/d recommended limit of red and red processed meat (RPM) intake. We analyzed RPM consumption behaviors among adults in the Scottish Health Survey (2021) to better understand this consumer group. Consumers were categorized into low, medium, and high consumers, and overall, mean intake was 66 g/d. Males and individuals living in the most deprived areas were most likely to be high consumers (45% compared with 30% for males compared with females, respectively, and 44% compared…
Stewart, C., Runions, R., McNeill, G., Comrie, F., McDonald, A., & Jaacks, L. M. (2024). Red and red processed meat consumption behaviors in Scottish adults. Current Developments in Nutrition, 103777.
Social norms and young adults’ self-reported meat and plant-based meal intake: Findings from two online cross-sectional studies
Abstract:
Plant-based eating is beneficial for human and planetary health. It is important to identify factors which may encourage people to reduce meat, and increase plant-based meal intake. Perceived social norms are associated with meat and plant-based meal intake in adults, however, less is known about the relationship between perceived social norms and young adults’ own self-reported meat and plant-based eating in general, and in different social contexts. Across two online studies we examined this. In Study 1 (n = 217 young adults, aged 18–25 years, mean…
Sharps, M. A., Raghoebar, S., & Coulthard, H. (2024). Social norms and young adults’ self-reported meat and plant-based meal intake: Findings from two online cross-sectional studies. Appetite, 199, 107503.
Socio-behavioural factors influencing meat intake and meat reduction intention in Vietnam and Switzerland
Abstract:
Meat consumption is declining in developed countries but increasing in emerging countries. This study, for the first time, compares the socio-behavioural factors influencing individuals’ meat consumption level and meat reduction intention between Vietnam, an emerging economy and Switzerland, a developed country. Online consumer surveys were conducted in late 2022, yielding 552 usable replies from Switzerland and 592 from Vietnam for this study. Drawing upon an extended…
Ha, T. M., Ngo, M. H., Delley, M., Götze, F., Bui, L. T., Le, N. T., Markoni, E., Nguyen, A. D., Pham, B. D., & Brunner, T. A. (2024). Socio-behavioural factors influencing meat intake and meat reduction intention in Vietnam and Switzerland. Meat Science, 215, 109530.
The effect of contemporaneous meat consumption on attitudes and behaviors towards animal welfare
Abstract:
Animal welfare in meat production is concerning for ethical reasons. Research in psychology has shown that contemporaneous consumption of meat causes people to have less moral concern for farmed animals. Following this research, we run a laboratory experiment to test whether near contemporaneous meat consumption can affect behavior directly through information choice about animal welfare, contributions to an animal charity, and a proxy measure for political behavior. We also test for the indirect effects of meat consumption on our charity outcome…
Capra, C. M., Chen, X., Tasoff, J., Xu, J., & Zhang, S. (2024). The effect of contemporaneous meat consumption on attitudes and behaviors towards animal welfare. SSRN Electronic Journal.
The gendered plate: Gender-specific food perceptions and sport sponsorship
Abstract:
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food sponsorships and gender stereotypes, focusing on how patriarchal beliefs influence consumers’ purchase intentions in sports.
Design/methodology/approach
The research comprised two studies. In Study 1, n = 161 participants participated via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform.
Hussain, U., & Ma, H. (2024). The gendered plate: Gender-specific food perceptions and sport sponsorship. International Journal of System Modeling and Simulation (ISSN Online: 2518-0959).
Animal welfare
Analysis of substantiated welfare investigations in extensive farming systems in Victoria, Australia
Abstract:
Substantiated incidents of poor welfare affecting cattle, sheep and goats (livestock) in non-dairy extensive farming systems continue to occur. This study sought to describe the common causes of poor welfare of livestock and the associated circumstances, by analysing 39 years of de-identified, livestock welfare investigation records. There were a total of 2179 alleged offenders (AOff), defined as individual/s that had an incident of poor welfare affecting livestock on at least one occasion.
Williams, N., Hemsworth, L., Chaplin, S., Shephard, R., & Fisher, A. (2024). Analysis of substantiated welfare investigations in extensive farming systems in Victoria, Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal.
Animal-based methods for the assessment of broiler chicken welfare in organic and conventional production systems
Abstract:
Animal welfare is one of the pillars in organic broiler production, evident in practices such as utilizing slower-growing hybrids and maintaining lower stocking densities for the birds. However, despite these efforts, skepticism and uncertainty remain regarding the extent to which animal welfare objectives are achieved in organic farming. The primary aim of this study was to compare animal-based measures assessing positive and negative welfare between organic and conventional…
Rasmussen, S. N., Wurtz, K. E., Erasmus, M., & Ribe, A. B. (2024). Animal-based methods for the assessment of broiler chicken welfare in organic and conventional production systems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 106300.
Animal health and welfare as a public good: What do the public think?
Abstract:
This paper presents a novel perspective on an evolving policy area. The UK’s withdrawal from the EU has led to the creation of a new Agriculture Act and proposals for significant changes to the way farming subsidies are structured in England. Underpinned by a ‘public money for public goods’ approach, where public goods are those outputs from the farm system which are not rewarded by markets, yet which provide benefits to many members of society. New schemes include the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, where certain aspects of farm animal health…
Clark, B, Proctor, A., Boaitey, A., Mahon, N., Hanley, N., & Holloway, L. (2024). Animal health and welfare as a public good: What do the public think? Agriculture and Human Values.
Animal welfare and major European food retailers
Abstract:
Animal welfare has become an important element in food marketing, and large food retailers, who have a pivotal role in food supply chains and can thus influence patterns of both food production and consumption, have been increasingly emphasising their animal welfare policies in their retail offers. However, food retailers’ approaches to animal welfare have received relatively little attention in the academic literature, and this chapter looks to further contribute to this work by reviewing…
Jones, P. (2024). Animal welfare and major European food retailers. In A. Galati, M. Fiore, A. Thrassou, & D. Vrontis (Eds.), Agribusiness innovation and contextual evolution, volume I: strategic, managerial and marketing advancements (pp. 77–101). Springer International Publishing.
Animal welfare in the United States: Opportunities for impact
Abstract:
In this report, we give an overview of animal production in the United States. We explore which industries are responsible for the largest amount of animal exploitation in the United States. We touch on all major farmed and wild-caught sectors in the country, before taking a deeper look at egg production and chicken meat production.
Looking at how animal production is clustered by state and county, we point out where there are opportunities for animal advocacy organisations to make the biggest impact on the lives of animals.
Animal Ask. (2024). Animal welfare in the United States: Opportunities for impact. Animal Ask.
Attitudes and professional values of veterinarians and veterinary students towards positive welfare states for dairy cattle
Abstract:
Research that involves agricultural animal welfare has typically aimed to improve welfare by decreasing disease, distress, and pain. Positive welfare does not necessarily occur with the absence of suffering but in combination with opportunities for behaviors or affective states desired by animals. Our objectives were to describe Canadian bovine veterinarians’ and veterinary students’ attitudes, professional normative values, and perceived ability to promote positive welfare for dairy cows, and to explore participants’ provided rationale. With an online cross-sectional…
Brunt, M. W., Haley, D. B., LeBlanc, S. J., & Kelton, D. F. (2024). Attitudes and professional values of veterinarians and veterinary students towards positive welfare states for dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science.
Reliability, practicability and farmers’ acceptance of an animal welfare assessment protocol for broiler chickens and turkeys
Abstract:
This study presents an evaluation of on-farm self-assessment using animal-based indicators to support fattening poultry farmers in managing the welfare of their animals. Self-assessment guidelines elaborated by a German expert group were evaluated together with 11 trained broiler and 11 trained turkey farmers. The participating farmers tested a protocol with 18 indicators for broilers and a protocol with 20 indicators for turkeys on their farms for one year. The reliability of individual animal scoring, the practicability of the protocols, their implementation…
Michaelis, S., Gieseke, D., & Knierim, U. (2024). Reliability, practicability and farmers’ acceptance of an animal welfare assessment protocol for broiler chickens and turkeys. Poultry Science, 103900.
Societal attitudes towards animal welfare and livestock production diseases
Abstract:
Farm animal health and welfare are important topics amongst global conversations and strategies surrounding food security and sustainability, including the social sustainability of food systems. Animal production systems, especially more intensive systems, are of concern to members of the public in relation to animal health and welfare and the environment. There is a large body of research demonstrating consumer and wider public concern over the welfare of farm animals, with a smaller…
Clark, Beth, Boaitey, A., & Hubbard, C. (2024). Societal attitudes towards animal welfare and livestock production diseases. In J. J. Gross (Ed.), Production diseases in farm animals: pathophysiology, prophylaxis and health management (pp. 11–23). Springer International Publishing.
Suppliers’ perspectives on cage-free eggs in China
Abstract:
Successful promotion of cage-free eggs supports a housing system offering potential for improved hen welfare. As the world’s largest egg producer and consumer, China offers much potential for welfare improvements. We examined 10 Chinese companies supplying cage-free eggs (four using indoor systems, six with outdoor access) to understand their strategies to promote cage-free eggs to businesses and consumers. We purposively sampled 12 employees from these companies familiar with production or sales. We conducted two–three semi-structured interviews per participant, collected public online documents (including online shops…
Chen, M., Lee, H., Liu, Y., & Weary, D. M. (2024). Suppliers’ perspectives on cage-free eggs in China. Animals, 14(11), 1625.
The effects of housing and management on the behaviour and welfare of hens and broilers
Abstract:
This Special Issue focuses on current housing and management trends in laying hens and broilers, bringing readers the most up-to-date information from reputable scientists working in these fields. Housing and management practices have a significant influence on the health and wellbeing of poultry, such as hens and broilers. In recent years, many housing trends have changed, for example with the increased use of multi-tier aviaries for hens (and the rearing of pullets), the move away from caged egg production, or the use of windows in broiler housing. Management practices are also changing on a regular basis, with many countries…
Sandilands, V., & Widowski, T. (Eds.). (2024). The effects of housing and management on the behaviour and welfare of hens and broilers. MDPI.
The effect of information provision on consumers’ risk perceptions of, support for a ban, and behavioral intention towards the preventive use of antibiotics in food animals
Abstract:
Background
Antibiotics have been widely used in feed and drinking water for food animals to prevent them from getting sick. Such preventive use of antibiotics has become a contributor to increasing antibiotic resistance and thus poses threats to human health. However, consumers have little knowledge about this practice and the associated health risks of increasing transmission of antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Zhou, Y., Zhang, A., van Klinken, R. D., & Wang, J. (2024). The effect of information provision on consumers’ risk perceptions of, support for a ban, and behavioral intention towards the preventive use of antibiotics in food animals. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1428.
Using the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to engage with smaller pig producers
Abstract:
This article looks at how to reach out to pig farmers using the new Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. This format gives veterinarians the scope to cover many aspects of pig health and welfare, and specifically to discuss porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) (also known at ‘blue ear’), helping to control a serious disease and foster a more rewarding relationship with our pig clients. The information applies to all pig farms, but it is particularly directed towards vets who are not specialists and who, like this author, see generally smaller pigs holdings…
Siviter, P. (2024). Using the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to engage with smaller pig producers. Livestock, 29(3), 114–118.
Aquatic animal welfare
Effects of stocking density and pre-slaughter handling on the fillet quality of largemouth bass (micropterus salmoides): Implications for fish welfare
Abstract:
There is currently insufficient acknowledgment of the relationship between fish welfare and ultimate fillet quality. The purpose of this study was to assess the impacts of pre-slaughter handling and stocking density as fish welfare markers on fillet quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Fish from three stocking densities of 35, 50, and 65 kg·m−3 were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for 12 weeks and received commercial feed. Ultimately, the fish were either stunned with percussion on the head (control group) or subjected…
Hematyar, N., Rahimnejad, S., Gorakh Waghmare, S., Malinovskyi, O., & Policar, T. (2024). Effects of stocking density and pre-slaughter handling on the fillet quality of largemouth bass (micropterus salmoides): Implications for fish welfare. Foods, 13(10).
Electro-immobilisation and fish welfare: An Investigation into stress, consciousness, and physiological aspects during slaughter
Abstract:
The aquaculture industry frequently employs various slaughter methods that subject fish to inhumane conditions, resulting in significant suffering. This study examined the effects of electrical method on the welfare of farmed fish (Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi) compared to air asphyxiation. Fish captured with electricity exhibited calm behavior until death, in contrast to fish treated with air asphyxiation, which exhibited violent responses within 4 minutes of capture. The electrical method achieved…
Mohammadi Dehcheshmeh, A., Khosravizadeh, M., Mousavi, S. M., Babadi, S., & Shiry, N. (2024). Electro-immobilisation and fish welfare: An Investigation into stress, consciousness, and physiological aspects during slaughter. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS, 1–16.
Regulatory or market-based incentives for sustainable production? The case of Demersal Seine Fishing for Atlantic cod in Norway
Abstract:
To ensure sustainable and ethically produced seafood throughout the supply chain it is important that fishers use fishing gears with low impact on the ecosystem, fish welfare and quality. Compared to bottom trawling, demersal seine fishing has lower carbon emissions and lesser damage on the seabed and habitat. At the same time, catch efficiency of this gear has made it prevalent in commercial fisheries around the world. However, with high fish density very large hauls have been reported resulting in poor fish welfare and quality, and loss of dead and injured fish should the seine net burst.
Eriksen, K., & Sogn-Grundvag, G. (2024). Regulatory or market-based incentives for sustainable production? The case of Demersal Seine Fishing for Atlantic cod in Norway.
Climate change and sustainability
Climate change, public health, and animal welfare: Towards a One Health approach to reducing animal agriculture’s climate footprint
Abstract:
Animal agriculture contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—an estimated 12%-20% of total anthropogenic emissions. This has led both governmental and private actors to propose various ways to mitigate those climate impacts. This paper applies a One Health lens to the issue, arguing that the choice of solutions should not only consider the potential to reduce GHG emissions—which is not always a given—but also the implications for public health and animal welfare.
Verkuijl, C., Smit, J., Green, J. M. H., Nordquist, R. E., Sebo, J., Hayek, M. N., & Hötzel, M. J. (2024). Climate change, public health, and animal welfare: Towards a One Health approach to reducing animal agriculture’s climate footprint. Frontiers in Animal Science, 5.
Life cycle assessment of plant-based vs. beef burgers: A case study in the UK
Abstract:
As the world attempts to decarbonise the food industry and limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) have emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional meat. The objective of this study is to assess the environmental impacts of PBMAs compared to traditional beef burgers, aiming to address the research gap in the life cycle assessments (LCAs) of publicly available PBMA recipes. Utilising a cradle-to-fork system boundary, this research conducted a rigorous LCA on a 100 g plant-based burger patty and its beef burger (BB) counterpart…
Tang, M., Miri, T., Soltani, F., Onyeaka, H., & Al-Sharify, Z. T. (2024). Life cycle assessment of plant-based vs. beef burgers: A case study in the UK. Sustainability, 16(11), 4417.
The contribution of pulses to net zero in the UK
Abstract:
The UK agrifood sector is estimated to be responsible for a quarter of the UK’s territorial greenhouse gas emissions, making it a priority sector for the UK’s net zero commitments by 2050. Pulses have been commonly identified as significant in driving emissions reduction throughout the value chain, whilst also delivering multiple co-benefits for biodiversity, soils, local economy, and human health. This review takes a food systems perspective on the potential of pulses to help achieve net zero in UK agrifood. It explores how pulses can increase the net zero impact of each of the key activities and their associated stakeholders…
Horril, M., Maguire, R., & Ingram, J. (2024). The contribution of pulses to net zero in the UK. Environmental Research: Food Systems.
The environmental impacts of omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan children and adolescents in Germany: Results of the Vechi Diet and Vechi Youth Studies
Abstract:
Background and objectives: There is a lack of data on the environmental impact of children’s and adolescents’ food consumption as most studies only consider adult dietary intake and, in addition, use hypothetical diets or focus on specific food products. Hence, our aim was to assess two indicators of environmental impact of the total diet among omnivorous (OM), vegetarian (VG), and vegan (VN) children and adolescents from Germany.
Kuhl, L., Keller, V., Weder, S., Alexy, U., Fischer, M., Keller, M., Michalsen, A., Längler, A., Sputtek, A., & Gwozdz, W. (2024). The environmental impacts of omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan children and adolescents in Germany: Results of the Vechi Diet and Vechi Youth Studies. The 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023, 430.
Dietary change interventions
Adherence and eating experiences differ between participants following a flexitarian or vegetarian diet in a 10-week randomised dietary intervention trial
Abstract:
Flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets are increasingly popular, particularly amongst young adults. This is the first randomised dietary intervention to investigate the health, wellbeing, and behavioural implications of consuming a basal vegetarian diet that additionally includes low-to-moderate amounts of red meat compared to one containing plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) in young adults (NCT04869163)(1).
Gillies, N. A., Worthington, A., Li, L., Conner, T. S., Bermingham, E. N., Knowles, S. O., Cameron-Smith, D., Hannaford, R., & Braakhuis, A. (2024). Adherence and eating experiences differ between participants following a flexitarian or vegetarian diet in a 10-week randomised dietary intervention trial. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 83(OCE1).
A matter of identity: Promoting plant-based food among meat-eaters through a common identity priming
Abstract:
Meat production and consumption has been identified as a significant contributor to climate change, however its consumption is not declining. Through four experimental studies we propose an identity-based intervention to promote plant-based food among meat-eaters. In particular, we demonstrated that meat-eaters are more willing to buy plant-based food when it is primed through a common (vs. vegan) identity, because of lower meat-eaters identification and, in turn, lower identity threat. Our results contribute to the understanding of the identity-based…
Donato, C., Monsurrò, L., & Di Cioccio, M. (2024). A matter of identity: Promoting plant-based food among meat-eaters through a common identity priming. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 79, 103863.
Can environmental traffic light warning labels reduce meat meal selection? A randomised experimental study with UK meat consumers
Abstract:
An important area for tackling climate change and health improvement is reducing population meat consumption. Traffic light labelling has successfully been implemented to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks. The present research extends this work to meat selection. We tested 1,300 adult UK meat consumers (with quotas for age and gender to approximate a nationally representative sample). Participants were randomised into one of four experimental groups: (1) a red traffic light label with the text ‘High Climate…
Hughes, J. P., Weick, M., & Vasiljevic, M. (2024). Can environmental traffic light warning labels reduce meat meal selection? A randomised experimental study with UK meat consumers. Appetite, 107500.
Effectiveness of message framing in changing restaurant diners’ plant-based meat consumption
Abstract:
Drawing on regulatory fit theory, construal level theory, and means-end theory, this research examined the effects of message framing, message information, and message description on restaurant diners’ consumption intentions (CI) and the amount they would be willing to pay more ($WTP) for a plant-based diet. The study employed a mixed between-within-group methodology with a micro-longitudinal 2 (gain vs. loss framing) × 2 (health vs. environment information) × 2 (attribute-based vs. benefit-based description) scenario-based experimental design.
Lin, P. M. C., Lo, A., Au, W. C. W., & Wang, R. (2024). Effectiveness of message framing in changing restaurant diners’ plant-based meat consumption. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research.
Factors influencing willingness to reduce meat consumption among students in Universiti Putra Malaysia
Abstract:
Meat is one of the most consumed and nutritious foods, but excessive consumption is often associated with negative effects on the environment and human health. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), this study aims to understand the relationship between environmental attitude, health attitude, subjective norms and willingness to reduce meat consumption as well as the factors that influence willingness to reduce meat consumption. A total of 202 students of Universiti…
Kamal, N. A., & Leby, J. L. (2023). Factors influencing willingness to reduce meat consumption among students in Universiti Putra Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(18).
Health or environment? Understanding which informative message is more effective in replacing red meat with mushroom-based alternatives
Abstract:
Current concerns regarding the health and environmental consequences associated with excessive meat consumption have underscored the importance of guiding consumers towards more sustainable diets. Given this perspective, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored informative messages in shaping consumer behaviour, particularly within the framework of replacing meat with mushroom-based alternatives. Additionally, it explores the factors influencing informative message effectiveness. An experimental online survey was conducted…
De Cianni, R., Mancuso, T., Rizzo, G., & Migliore, G. (2024). Health or environment? Understanding which informative message is more effective in replacing red meat with mushroom-based alternatives. Appetite, 107405.
How may we effectively motivate people to reduce the consumption of meat? Results of a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Abstract:
Purpose
Excessive meat consumption (MC) is associated with multiple health risks. Additionally, it can undermine environmental sustainability and affect the potential improvement of animal welfare. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of literacy interventions (LIs) in reducing MC.
Methods
Studies assessing the efficacy of LIs addressing health risks…
Di Gennaro, G., Licata, F., Pujia, A., Montalcini, T., & Bianco, A. (2024). How may we effectively motivate people to reduce the consumption of meat? Results of a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Preventive Medicine, 108007.
Mitigating identity threat in health messaging: A social identity complexity perspective
Abstract:
Health messages aiming to reduce red meat consumption may threaten multiple social identities because people’s dietary choices are intertwined with personal, social, and cultural aspects of their lives. Leveraging social identity theory and the concept of social identity complexity, this experiment tested how identity-threatening messages affect people’s intention to reduce red meat consumption and how the effect of identity threat may be moderated by messages highlighting the relationships between multiple identities that define a person. Participants (N = 409) read messages that varied identity threat (i.e. the extent to which people…
Zhu, X., & Kim, Y. (2024). Mitigating identity threat in health messaging: A social identity complexity perspective. Health Communication, 1–12.
Shallow overview of institutional plant-based meal campaigns in the US and Western Europe
Abstract:
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This report provides a shallow overview of the potential for impactful opportunities from institutional plant-based meal campaigns in the U.S., France, Germany, UK, Spain, and Italy based on reviewing existing research and speaking with organizations conducting such campaigns.
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Campaigns that seek to make plant-based meals the default or set ambitious targets to reduce animal product purchases appear to offer potentially large effects. However, these campaigns may have lower chances of winning these changes and ensuring…
Dullaghan, N. (2024). Shallow overview of institutional plant-based meal campaigns in the US and Western Europe. Rethink Priorities.
Human-animal relations
Attributions of moral standing across six diverse cultures
Abstract:
Whose well-being and interests matter from a moral perspective? This question is at the center of many polarizing debates, for example, on the ethicality of abortion or meat consumption. People’s attributions of moral standing are guided by which mental capacities an entity is perceived to have. Specifically, perceived sentience (e.g., the capacity to feel pleasure and pain) is thought to be the primary determinant, rather than perceived agency (e.g., the capacity for intelligence) or other capacities. This has been described as a fundamental feature of human moral cognition, but evidence in favor of it is mixed and prior studies…
Jaeger, B., & Bosten, M. (2024). Attributions of moral standing across six diverse cultures. OSF Preprints.
Eating pigs, not Peppa Pig: The effect of identifiability on children’s propensity to humanize, befriend, and consume edible animals
Abstract:
This research aimed to provide experimental evidence on whether identifying an edible animal by a name and specific preferences encourages children to perceive the animal as more similar to humans, increases their willingness to befriend the animal, and makes them less willing to consume it. In two pre-registered studies involving 208 preschool children, participants were presented with pictures of pigs (Study 1) and chickens (Study 2). In the identifiability condition, one animal was depicted with individual qualities such as a name and personal preferences…
Rabinovitch, A., Myślińska-Szarek, K., Cantarero, K., & Byrka, K. (2024). Eating pigs, not Peppa Pig: The effect of identifiability on children’s propensity to humanize, befriend, and consume edible animals. Appetite, 107505.
Reducing speciesism: An intervention to change people’s attitudes and behavioral intentions
Abstract:
Humans mistreating, exploiting, and abusing animals is a common problem in our society and is related to speciesism. Speciesism refers to when humans assign different worth to beings based on their species. A way used by animal activists to reduce harmful behaviors toward animals involves showing people illustrations of situations in which animals are harmed but where the roles of animals and humans are reversed. It is unclear, however, whether this intervention is successful in reducing speciesist attitudes and behaviors toward animals. As the intervention may increase awareness of the treatment of animals, perspective-taking, and feelings…
Banach, N., & Stel, M. (2024). Reducing speciesism: An intervention to change people’s attitudes and behavioral intentions. Anthrozoös, 1–14.
Movement research
Faunalytics Index – May 2024
Abstract:
This month’s Faunalytics Index provides facts and stats about monkeys used in research, the prevalence of in-ovo sexing in the E.U., cultivated meat in the U.K., and more.
Each month, our Faunalytics Index provides a round-up of data, statistics, and facts gleaned from the most recent research we’ve covered in our library. Our aim is to give you a quick overview of some of the most eye-catching and informative bits of data that could help you be more effective in your advocacy for animals.
If you want to know more about any given statistic, follow the…
Research methods
Development and validation of Japanese version of alternative food neophobia scale (J-FNS-A): Association with willingness to eat alternative protein foods
Abstract:
Introduction: Food neophobia (FN) is a psychological trait that inhibits one’s willingness to eat unfamiliar foods. It is related to the acceptance of insect foods and cultured meat, which are major protein alternatives to conventional meat, and is an important personality trait for understanding the near-future food industry. However, the factor structure of Pliner and Hobden’s FN scale (FNS) is unstable due to respondents’ cultural backgrounds. Thus, we aimed to develop a Japanese version…
Kamei, M., Nishibe, M., Horie, F., & Kusakabe, Y. (2024). Development and validation of Japanese version of alternative food neophobia scale (J-FNS-A): Association with willingness to eat alternative protein foods. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11.
Validity and reliability of the Persian version of food preferences questionnaire (Persian-FPQ) in Iranian adolescents
Abstract:
The assessment of dietary intakes and habits using reliable and youth-specific measurement tools during adolescence is essential. The aim of the present study was to culturally adapt and investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the food preferences questionnaire (Persian-FPQ) among Iranian adolescents. This methodological cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 Persian-speaking adolescents, living in Isfahan, Iran. Translation of the FPQ was performed using forward–backward method. Intra Class Correlation (ICC) and…
Heidari, Z., Feizi, A., & Haghighatdoost, F. (2024). Validity and reliability of the Persian version of food preferences questionnaire (Persian-FPQ) in Iranian adolescents. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 11493.
Politics, law, and social change
Citizens’ perceptions of agricultural policy goals: Evidence from Switzerland
Abstract:
Agricultural policy goals should be legitimised by the population, as agriculture is an important recipient of governmental support in Europe. Questions arise as to how people assess these policy goals, which factors affect the perception of agricultural policy goals and to what extent cultural differences influence this assessment. We address these questions by conducting an online survey among 1,542 respondents in the German-, French- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland. We find that the multifunctional role of agriculture is strongly…
El Benni, N., Irek, J., Finger, R., Mack, G., & Ammann, J. (2024). Citizens’ perceptions of agricultural policy goals: Evidence from Switzerland. Food Policy, 125, 102643.
Farm animal welfare in the UK: What does the British public want?
Abstract:
What do we mean by “animal welfare”, and what does the British public want for farmed animals? These are fundamental questions for Government Ministers, MPs, and civil servants. Given that farmed animals are sentient beings, society has a duty to ensure their welfare in return for the meat, eggs, and milk they provide and Government has a guardianship role as protector of farmed animals. What is a good life for farmed animals? Stakeholders all agree that farmed animals should be free from suffering. Beyond this, stakeholders can have different views on the meaning of welfare, as well as the conditions animals should be kept in.
McCulloch, S. (2024). Farm animal welfare in the UK: What does the British public want? Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.
Veg*ns and advocates
Attitude-based self-regulation: An experience sampling study on the role of attitudes in the experience and resolution of self-control conflicts in the context of vegetarians
Abstract:
The regulation of self-control conflicts is integral to exerting self-control and pursuing (long-term) goals. Nonetheless, prevailing conceptualizations of self-control conflict have been overly broad and rarely tested empirically. In the present research, we therefore propose that self-control conflicts originate in accessible ambivalent attitudes. To examine our attitudinal perspective on self-control and self-regulation, we investigated how (ambivalent) attitudes influence self-control conflicts and how addressing these attitudes may help people exert self-control…
Buttlar, B., Pauer, S., Scherrer, V., & Hofmann, W. (2024). Attitude-based self-regulation: An experience sampling study on the role of attitudes in the experience and resolution of self-control conflicts in the context of vegetarians. OSF Preprints.
Beyond gender: Exploring sexual orientation, race and motivations among Brazilian flexitarians
Abstract:
In this study, we analyzed 989 Brazilian individuals identified as flexitarians to explore the relationship between gender, sexual orientation, and meat consumption reduction behavior, while evaluating the impact of motivations driving individuals towards this dietary model. To achieve this goal, we tested the following hypotheses: women consume less meat than men; LGBT women consume less meat than heterosexual women; LGBT men consume less meat than heterosexual men; and women are more motivated by the environmental impact of meat.
Teixeira, C. D., Gomes, S. M., & Medeiros Jacob, M. C. (2024). Beyond gender: Exploring sexual orientation, race and motivations among Brazilian flexitarians. Appetite, 107396.
Bringing identities to the table: Exploring conversational practices of vegetarians and vegans at flashpoints in interaction with meat-eaters
Abstract:
Although vegetarian and vegan (veg*an) diets can have various health, environmental and animal welfare benefits, they remain socially contentious. Despite the fundamentally social nature of eating, in situ investigations of the social-interactional elements of dietary identities have so far been lacking. Using a recently developed remotely-moderated focus group design, we explore (across 25 discussions involving 122 participants) the discursive management of veg*an ‘identity flashpoints’ during discussion…
Fordonnell, M., Prosser, A., & Kurz, T. (2024). Bringing identities to the table: Exploring conversational practices of vegetarians and vegans at flashpoints in interaction with meat-eaters. Qualitative Research in Psychology.
Dietary habits and self-reported health outcomes in a cross-sectional survey of health-conscious adults eating a plant-based diet
Abstract:
Background
Given the growing popularity of plant-based diets, this study investigated the dietary habits and self-reported health outcomes of health-conscious adults consuming plant-based diets.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey (n = 315) was distributed to members…
Sadler, I., Bauer, A., & Kassam, S. (2024). Dietary habits and self-reported health outcomes in a cross-sectional survey of health-conscious adults eating a plant-based diet. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics : The Official Journal of the British Dietetic Association.
From pixels to palate: Communication around #vegan on instagram and its relation with eating intentions
Abstract:
Social media is an increasingly important yet understudied context for eating behaviors in general and veganism in particular. In four studies, we first explored and described the information environment the platform Instagram presents related to veganism. Second, we examined how engaging with this environment is associated with offline eating intentions via psychological mechanisms. We scraped datasets of Instagram posts tagged with #vegan (44,316 posts in total) and employed network analysis with their hashtags (Study 1), as well as clustering with images…
Kadel, P., Heist, N., Paulheim, H., & Mata, J. (2024). From pixels to palate: Communication around #vegan on instagram and its relation with eating intentions. Appetite, 107518.
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Sentience Institute reports
May 2024
by Rana Ejtehadian - 1 minute read