A strong tendency related to food production that cannot fail to be addressed is the ability to guarantee "animal welfare." The significantly diverse cultural beliefs and values about the nature of animals influence the way they are treated. Cultures differ in the priority they give to various aspects of animal welfare, such as basic health and nutrition or the elimination of pain and suffering. However, the perception of animals as "sentient beings", backed by modern science, which is beginning to spread through the scientific and veterinary education, gives new impetus to animal welfare surveillance (FAO, 2009).
