Neurobiology of Animal Welfare Volume 1

This volume, part of a 2 volume set, presents an integrated framework linking brain function, behavior, and welfare science to assess animals' internal states. It emphasizes objective tools like biomarkers, neural circuits, and cognitive indicators to enable evidence-based welfare evaluation beyond subjective observation.

Animal welfare research is shifting from behavioral observation to affective neuroscience and physiological regulation. Discoveries of conserved neural pathways for pain, reward, and stress now support more precise interpretation of animal emotions, positioning neurobiology at the center of welfare science and ethical debate.

Chapters cover neurobiological foundations, animal ethics, and the 3Rs principle, alongside cognition, emotional states, and stress physiology including HPA axis regulation. The volume further explores coping mechanisms, neuroethology, behavioral indicators, environmental enrichment, human-animal interactions, and welfare-focused management in farm and laboratory settings.

This volume targets animal welfare scientists, neuroscientists, veterinarians, and advanced students, as well as policymakers, ethics committees, and practitioners seeking scientifically grounded frameworks for welfare assessment and decision-making.