As animal scientists and producers, we truly believe that animal care is an essential part of our production systems, regardless of the animal species. In addition, animal handling and good production practices provide the cornerstone for the production of high-quality foods for human consumption; animal care and welfare for pet and companion animals are also needed for better human living conditions. Thus, this book is intended to provide current and updated information on several aspects of animal welfare and its impact, and, as such, animal welfare must be given its real importance accordingly.

This book is presented in two sections that cover several topics on two main aspects of Animal Welfare and Care: Section I, entitled Animal Production, Health and Welfare, and Section II, entitled Animal Care and Welfare. In Section I, several chapters on animal management, production, and health are presented. In contrast, Section II presents several chapters on basic aspects of animal care, laboratory species, and physiology.

As part of the Editorial Team of IntechOpen, we are fully aware that this book is not intended to present a comprehensive review of all aspects of animal welfare; instead, the authors of each chapter have provided a full, in-depth, and updated review of the current situation for each chapter topic. On behalf of the authors and the Editorial Team of IntechOpen, we believe this book will be a useful and practical reference for scientists, academics, students, and producers.