Exploring the Opinions of Irish Dairy Farmers Regarding Male Dairy Calves.

ABSTRACT: Background: There has been very little previous research in Ireland on the farmers' opinions regarding calf welfare issues. Calf welfare, particularly for male dairy calves, has assumed greater importance in Ireland in recent years due, in part, to an increase in the number of dairy cattle over the past decade. The objective of this study was to explore dairy farmers' views on a broad range of issues related to the expansion in the dairy herd. Methods: A survey was developed to capture the views of farmers regarding male dairy calves. The majority of questions were quantitative, and a final open-ended question collected qualitative data. The survey was distributed to ~2,900 dairy farmers via text message and 881 responses were received. Results: The sample was composed

SUBMITTER: Maher JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8093389 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature