Evaluation of Western Canadian Cow-calf Producers’ Attitudes Toward Cattle Handling, Perspectives on Cattle Welfare and Handling Training, and the Relationship Between Handling Training and Attitudes- A Mixed Method Approach
Date
2024-11-28
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Abstract
Handlers' attitudes towards cattle and handling influence their handling behaviors. Among the best ways to improve handler’ attitudes and behaviours and positively influence cattle welfare and productivity is through cognitive-behavioural training. This thesis aimed to evaluate the attitudes and perspectives of Western Canadian cow-calf handlers regarding cattle handling and its impact on welfare. It also explored their involvement in handling training, perspectives on training, motivations and barriers to attendance, and how training influenced attitudes. The first study (Chapter 2) interviewed fifteen cow-calf handlers from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan to explore their views on cattle welfare, handling, and motivations to improve welfare. It also explored their perspectives on handling training and motivations and barriers to participation. Thematic analysis revealed seven themes: four related to cattle welfare, including their understanding of its complexity, the impact of handling on welfare, drivers for implementing welfare (public and consumer welfare concerns, sense of responsibility, and profitability); and three related to handling and training emphasizing the benefits of low-stress handling and the need for practical, farm-based training. The second study (Chapter 3) surveyed 118 cow-calf handlers to evaluate their handing attitudes, welfare assessment strategies, and participation in handling training. It also evaluated the influence of handling training on handlers’ attitudes. Respondents had a good attitude toward cattle and handling; they agreed on the importance of handling knowledge, patience, and proper handling techniques, and disagreed with aggressive handling practices. Key welfare assessment indicators were body condition score and general health. Economic returns and a sense of responsibility motivated welfare improvement. The relationship between handling training modality and handlers’ attitudes was inconsistent, with untrained respondents displaying positive and negative attitude indexes comparable to those of trained respondents. In conclusion, Western Canadian cow-calf handlers have a good understanding of animal welfare, hold positive attitudes toward handing, recognize the benefits of handing training, and are motivated to participate in such training. They prefer hands-on training that focuses on improving safety and addressing handling challenges. Training should emphasize the importance of patience and focus on modifying attitudes and behaviours. Furthermore, offering training locally at low cost can help increase handler participation.
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Keywords
Low-stress cattle handling, Cow-calf, welfare, Survey, Attitude, Qualitative research, Interview, Beef, Human-animal relationship
Citation
Lutevele, N. (2024). Evaluation of Western Canadian cow-calf producers’ attitudes toward cattle handling, perspectives on cattle welfare and handling training, and the relationship between handling training and attitudes- a mixed method approach (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.