Animal welfare and integrative medicines

Abstract

Currently, animal welfare has a significant impact on animal production, whether in the economic or social aspect, as it is increasingly in importance in public opinion. It can be defined as the state of an individual in the face of its attempts to adapt to the environment in which it is inserted, being quite complex and individualized for each species, breeds and production systems. This definition also extends to companion animals, which are currently experiencing the effects of domestication and anthropomorphization, and it reflects in behavioral problems. In this context, complementary medicines emerge as allies, adding benefits to different species. They aim to restore and maintain health, addressing the individual as a whole, and taking into account the environment in which they live, their food, their interaction with other animals and with tutors. Within this scenario, it is expected that knowledge and practices related to animal welfare and complementary medicines will grow together, towards a better quality of life for animals in production and domestic environments.