Veterinary perspectives on cattle welfare challenges and solutions

B. A. Ventura; D. M. Weary; A. S. Giovanetti; M. A.G. von Keyserlingk

doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2016.10.004

Veterinary perspectives on cattle welfare challenges and solutions

B. A. Ventura, D. M. Weary, A. S. Giovanetti, M. A.G. von Keyserlingk

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Livestock veterinarians have important roles in advancing animal welfare on farms. In the present study, focus groups were used to engage dairy and beef cattle veterinarians and veterinary researchers based primarily in Europe. Discussions were structured to elicit perceptions of welfare issues on cattle farms, as well as the challenges and desired solutions for change. Discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim and content analysis was used to identify participants’ views on animal welfare challenges and solutions. Participants held multi-dimensional conceptions of animal welfare that included animal health, pain and distress, and behaviour. When asked to discuss animal welfare challenges, participants focused on five primary themes: animal welfare definition and assessment, economic barriers, and farmer, veterinarian, and researcher-related challenges. Participants envisioned the following overarching solutions: 1) research to develop better animal welfare assessment, 2) motivating increased adherence to standards via either voluntary incentives or mandatory regulations, and 3) increased communication linkages between stakeholders, primarily in the form of education to farmers and veterinarians.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	95-102
Number of pages	8
Journal	Livestock Science
Volume	193
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2016.10.004
State	Published - Nov 1 2016
Externally published	Yes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We also extend our appreciation to our participants for sharing their time and thoughts so openly with us. We also thank Boehringer Ingelheim (Ingelheim, Germany) and the organizers of the Madrid conference, including Drs. Elke Abbeloos and Laurent Goby. Finally, we thank Drs. D. Fraser and H. Wittman, and C. Sumner for feedback on earlier versions of this manuscript. B.A. Ventura was supported through the University of British Columbia's Doctoral Fellowship Progra m.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier B.V.

Keywords

Beef cattle
Consultation
Dairy cow
Engagement
Farming
Sustainability

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.livsci.2016.10.004

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Veterinary perspectives on cattle welfare challenges and solutions

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

UN SDGs

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