Working towards a reduction in cattle lameness: 2. Understanding dairy farmers’ motivations

Leach, K. A., Whay, H. R., Maggs, C. M., Barker, Z. E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8512-0831, Paul, E. S., Bell, A. K. and Main, D. C. J. (2010) Working towards a reduction in cattle lameness: 2. Understanding dairy farmers’ motivations. Research in Veterinary Science, 89 (2). pp. 318-323. ISSN 0034-5288 doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.02.017

Abstract/Summary

Reducing lameness in dairy herds requires farmers to adapt or change existing practices or resources. Those who seek to improve animal welfare by influencing the actions of farmers need to understand farmers’ motivations. To investigate why farmers see lameness as a problem and what motivates their efforts to reduce lameness, a questionnaire was carried out with 222 UK dairy farmers. Farmers considered pain and suffering for the cows to be an important outcome of lameness, but reduced performance by lame cows was also seen as a considerable problem. The motivator most commonly given high importance was pride in a healthy herd. Factors incorporating accreditation issues, public image and costs of treatment were generally seen to be of some, but lesser importance. Advisors need to take all these areas into consideration when working to encourage farmers to act to reduce lameness and thereby improve animal welfare.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-pure-test.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/116698
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.02.017
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Animal Sciences Central Services
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