Cattle welfare in Pakistan: Dr. Musadiq Idris in conversation with Prof. Clive Phillips

Abstract

Clive Phillips was Australia's first Professor of Animal Welfare, at the University of Queensland, and has written widely on the welfare of farm, zoo and companion animals. In early-mid 2020s, he conducted a series of recorded dialogues (Conversations With Clive) with senior animal welfare scientists and academic experts, including Dr. Musadiq Idris at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur in Pakistan. They share with Clive Phillips their thoughts and experience of farm animal welfare issues, including those in developing economies. Relevant academic publications and references are included at the end of the recording.Key topics of the 22-minute conversation from 2025: 1) Geography and traditional agriculture in the Cholistan Desert. 2) Nomadic and transhumant grazing systems. 3) Key livestock species: sheep, goats, camels, and cattle. 4) Impact of extreme heat and water scarcity on animal welfare. 5) Heat stress and limited access to shade and water. 6) Seasonal migration of herders and their animals. 7) Role of livestock in the regional economy. 8) Slaughter practices around the Eid-ul-Adha festival. 9) Transport conditions and related welfare risks. 10) Climate change impacts on livestock and agriculture. 11) Shift toward intensive dairy farming systems. 12) Welfare challenges for imported dairy breeds. 13) Use of local versus exotic breeds for heat resilience. 14) Low consumer awareness of animal welfare in Pakistan. 15) Socioeconomic conditions of nomadic herders. 16) Government and NGO initiatives (mobile vet services, water infrastructure). 17) Mitigation strategies for heat stress in animals. 18) Importance of public education and legal enforcement to support welfare