| Research into the welfare of animals from ‘Gate to Plate’ has been undertaken at Langford since 1968. These investigations have largely been commissioned by MAFF (now DEFRA) to underpin legislative change or to seek practical solutions to problems faced by the livestock and meat industry within the UK and EU. The results from over 35 years of research have traditionally been reported as papers in scientific journals. About 15 years ago researchers within DFAS ( Steve Wotton and Paul Whittington ) developed the Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) training course as a proactive means of technology transfer directly to the industry. Since that time the effectiveness of these and additional courses have been proved by support from the Government (Codes of Practice), the retail industry (AWO/PWO certification is a prerequisite for their supply chain. Tesco Stores Ltd. have funded a Welfare Fellowship to encourage the initiative for technology transfer, etc.) and welfare organisations such as Humane Society International ( HSI ), World Society for the Protection of Animals ( WSPA ), have sponsored courses for the EU and International countries.
The Division of Farm Animal Science as part of the University's Department of Clinical Veterinary Science at the Vet School, Langford is regarded as a centre of excellence for research into Animal Welfare and Production Science. Over 35 years of research recognised throughout the world underpins DFAS's credentials and commitment to providing professional training to Veterinary Undergraduates, Vets, Meat Inspectors and Industry personnel both in UK, Europe and increasingly to worldwide audiences. The methods of delivery and content have been recognised as an example of excellence with respect to professional training and was presented at the World Congress of Food Production, The Hague, Netherlands. All the welfare courses are recognised as the ‘industry standard’ internationally and are written into retailer standards, legislation and Codes of Practice. All courses are residential, delivered by University of Bristol Research and Veterinary staff and promoted by the Meat Training Council.
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