writes Jamie Harris, PA.
An app is being trialled which allows people to log emotionally expressive behaviour exhibited by dairy cows, veal calves, pigs, laying hens, broiler chickens and ducks.
The aim is to ensure animals enjoy a good and enriching life.
Farmers and field staff are presented with a list of about 20 key descriptive terms tailored to each species, which are a mix of positive and negative emotions.
A sliding scale will be provided to decide how strongly a statement applies.
The data is then sent off and integrated into a larger pattern to be matched against other farms.