Positive attitudes, positive outcomes: The relationship between farmer attitudes, management behaviour and sheep welfare.

ABSTRACT: This study examined the relationships between the attitudes and the management behaviour of the farmer and the on-farm welfare of their ewes. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating these relationships in extensive sheep farming systems. Thirty-two sheep farmers and 6200 ewes were sampled across Victoria, Australia. Questionnaire interviews and on-farm animal welfare assessments were conducted. The ewes were assessed at two-time points, mid-pregnancy and weaning. To examine relationships between farmer and ewe variables, categorical principal component analyses, correlations and logistic regressions were used. The main findings of this study indicate relationships between farmer attitudes and management behaviour, consistent with findings from other more intensive livestock

SUBMITTER: Munoz CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6668801 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature