There is often a perceived conflict between animal welfare and sustainability. There is a belief that slower growing breeds are less efficient and so less sustainable; extensive systems have a decreased output per unit of environmental footprint so intensive systems are preferable; or that we should replace ruminants with monogastrics and apply intensification principles. In this session we will explore some of the misconceptions, trade offs and areas of positive practice that are being developed both in the research space and through on farm practice.