Examining the Attitudes of Livestock Keepers within Animal Production Systems

Carla Sofia Marmelo

Abstract


It has been proven that the interactions or relationships established between humans and animals in livestock production significantly affect both. Therefore, it is extremely important that the quality of these interactions be positive and reflect a genuine sense of caring on the part of the people who deal directly with the animals. This study draws on some of the most important publications on the subject from 1986 to 2022 found in article databases; presents the main concepts used to understand the subject; lists the main reasons for what can be considered mistreatment of animals in animal husbandry (negative behaviours); and proposes solutions based on the literature and the author's experience. The purpose of this article is to help a) shift the paradigm and prioritise the definition of a personal profile that should work with animals, rather than focusing exclusively on the technical training of animal caregivers or on the common definition of “stockperson"; b) propose an analytical solution that can be applied during the recruitment process; and c) serve as a basis for the most relevant literature on the subject, given the already large number of publications, and d) encourage mutual reflection.

 

Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-04

Full Text: PDF


Keywords


Attitudes; Human-Animal Interactions; Handling; Stockmanship.

References


Kauppinen, T., Vesala, K. M., & Valros, A. (2012). Farmer attitude toward improvement of animal welfare is correlated with piglet production parameters. Livestock Science, 143(2–3), 142–150. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2011.09.011.

Sorge, U. S., Cherry, C., & Bender, J. B. (2014). Perception of the importance of human-animal interactions on cattle flow and worker safety on minnesota dairy farms. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(7), 4632–4638. doi:10.3168/jds.2014-7971.

Vicentini, F. V. R. V., Franchi, G. A., & Silva, I. J. O. da. (2017). Is worker well-being essential for animal well-being? Journal of Agroveterinary Sciences, 16(2), 183–189. doi:10.5965/223811711622017183. (In Portuguese).

Hemsworth, P. H., & Coleman, G. J. (2010). Human-livestock interactions: The stockperson and the productivity and welfare of intensively farmed animals, CABI, Preston, United Kingdom. doi:10.1079/9781845936730.0000.

Rault, J. L., Waiblinger, S., Boivin, X., & Hemsworth, P. (2020). The Power of a Positive Human–Animal Relationship for Animal Welfare. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.590867.

Albright, J.L. (1987). Human/Farm Animal Relationships. Advances in Animal Welfare Science 1986/87. Advances in Animal Welfare Science 1986/87, 3. Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands. doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3331-6_5.

Grandin, T. (1989). Behavioral Principles of Livestock Handling. The Professional Animal Scientist, 5(2), 1–11. doi:10.15232/s1080-7446(15)32304-4.

Grandin, T. (2000). Human-Cow Interactions. American Association of Bovine Practitioners Conference Proceedings, 75–77. doi:10.21423/aabppro20005364.

Hemsworth, P. (2007). Ethical Stockmanship. Australian Veterinary Journal, 85(5), 194–200. doi:10.1111/j.1751-0813.2007.00112.x.

Hemsworth, P., & Coleman, G. (2010). Managing Poultry: Human–Bird Interactions and Their Implications. The Welfare of Domestic Fowl and Other Captive Birds. Animal Welfare, vol 9, Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands. doi:10.1007/978-90-481-3650-6_9.

Serpell, J. (1996). In the company of animals: A study of human-animal relationships. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Paul, E. S., & Serpell, J. A. (1993). Childhood Pet Keeping and Humane Attitudes in Young Adulthood. Animal Welfare, 2(4), 321–337. doi:10.1017/s0962728600016109.

Mathews, S., & Herzog, H. A. (1997). Personality and attitudes toward the treatment of animals. Society and Animals, 5(2), 169–175. doi:10.1163/156853097X00060.

Herzog, H. (2002). Ethical Aspects of Relationships Between Humans and Research Animals. ILAR Journal, 43(1), 27–32. doi:10.1093/ilar.43.1.27.

Herzog, H. A. (2007). Gender Differences in Human–Animal Interactions: A Review. Anthrozoös, 20(1), 7–21. doi:10.2752/089279307780216687.

Rodriguez, K. E., Herzog, H., & Gee, N. R. (2021). Variability in Human-Animal Interaction Research. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.619600.

Boivin, X., & Braastad, B. O. (1996). Effects of handling during temporary isolation after early weaning on goat kids’ later response to humans. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 48(1–2), 61–71. doi:10.1016/0168-1591(95)01019-X.

Boivin, X., Lensink, J., Tallet, C., & Veissier, I. (2003). Stockmanship and farm animal welfare. Animal Welfare, 12(4), 479–492. doi:10.1017/s0962728600026075.

Lansade, L., Bertrand, M., Boivin, X., & Bouissou, M.-F. (2004). Effects of handling at weaning on manageability and reactivity of foals. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 87(1–2), 131–149. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2003.12.011.

Boivin, X., & Ruis, M. A. W. (2011). "Quality Handling" a training program to reduce fear and stress in farm animals. 4th Boehringer Ingelheim Expert Forum on farm animal well-being, 27 May, 2011, Seville, Spain.

Boivin, X., Bensoussan, S., L’hotellier, N., Bignon, L., Brives, H., Brule, A., Godet, J., Grannec, M. L., Hausberger, M., Kling-Eveillard, F., Tallet, C., & Courboulay, V. (2012). Men and farm animals at work: towards a multidisciplinary approach to relational practices. INRAE Animal Productions, 25(2), 159–168. doi:10.20870/productions-animales.2012.25.2.3205. (In French).

Waiblinger, S., Boivin, X., Pedersen, V., Tosi, M. V., Janczak, A. M., Visser, E. K., & Jones, R. B. (2006). Assessing the human-animal relationship in farmed species: A critical review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 101(3–4), 185–242. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2006.02.001.

Heleski, C. R., Mertig, A. G., & Zanella, A. J. (2006). Stakeholder attitudes toward farm animal welfare. Anthrozoös, 19(4), 290–307. doi:10.2752/089279306785415439.

Rushen, J., & de Passillé, M. (2020). The importance of good stockmanship and its benefits to animals. Improving Animal Welfare: A Practical Approach, CABI, Preston, United Kingdom. doi:10.1079/9781789245219.0145.

Zulkifli, I. (2013). Review of human-animal interactions and their impact on animal productivity and welfare. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 4(1). doi:10.1186/2049-1891-4-25.

Hurley, K. B. (2014). Development and Human-Animal Interaction. Human Development, 57(1), 30–34. doi:10.1159/000357795.

Mueller, M. K. (2014). The relationship between types of human–animal interaction and attitudes about animals: An exploratory study. Anthrozoos, 27(2), 295–308. doi:10.2752/175303714X13903827487728.

Adler, F., Christley, R., & Campe, A. (2019). Invited review: Examining farmers’ personalities and attitudes as possible risk factors for dairy cattle health, welfare, productivity, and farm management: A systematic scoping review. Journal of Dairy Science, 102(5), 3805–3824. doi:10.3168/jds.2018-15037.

Nigro, J., Balda, A., & Saenz, C. (2020). Emotional Communication between Man and Non-Human Animal. Biosphere Encyclopedia, 17(34). doi:10.18677/encibio_2020d45.

Wang, C., Chen, Y., Bi, Y., Zhao, P., Sun, H., Li, J., Liu, H., Zhang, R., Li, X., & Bao, J. (2020). Effects of Long-Term Gentle Handling on Behavioral Responses, Production Performance, and Meat Quality of Pigs. Animals, 10(2), 330. doi:10.3390/ani10020330.

Kling-Eveillard, F., Allain, C., Boivin, X., Courboulay, V., Créach, P., Philibert, A., Ramonet, Y., & Hostiou, N. (2020). Farmers’ representations of the effects of precision livestock farming on human-animal relationships. Livestock Science, 238. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104057.

Napolitano, F., Bragaglio, A., Sabia, E., Serrapica, F., Braghieri, A., & De Rosa, G. (2020). The human-animal relationship in dairy animals. Journal of Dairy Research, 87(S1), 47–52. doi:10.1017/S0022029920000606.

Losada-Espinosa, N., Miranda-De la Lama, G. C., & Estévez-Moreno, L. X. (2020). Stockpeople and Animal Welfare: Compatibilities, Contradictions, and Unresolved Ethical Dilemmas. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 33(1), 71–92. doi:10.1007/s10806-019-09813-z.

Hayes, M. E., Hemsworth, L. M., Morrison, R. S., Tilbrook, A. J., & Hemsworth, P. H. (2021). Positive human contact and housing systems impact the responses of piglets to various stressors. Animals, 11(6). doi:10.3390/ani11061619.

Cooke, S. (2021). The Ethics of Touch and the Importance of Nonhuman Relationships in Animal Agriculture. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 34(2). doi:10.1007/s10806-021-09852-5.

Creamer, M., & Horback, K. (2021). Researching Human-Cattle Interaction on Rangelands: Challenges and Potential Solutions. Animals, 11(3), 725. doi:10.3390/ani11030725.

Pol, F., Kling-Eveillard, F., Champigneulle, F., Fresnay, E., Ducrocq, M., & Courboulay, V. (2021). Human–animal relationship influences husbandry practices, animal welfare and productivity in pig farming. Animal, 15(2). doi:10.1016/j.animal.2020.100103.

Fernandes, J. N., Hemsworth, P. H., Coleman, G. J., & Tilbrook, A. J. (2021). Costs and benefits of improving farm animal welfare. Agriculture (Switzerland), 11(2), 1–14. doi:10.3390/agriculture11020104.

Tallberg, L., García-Rosell, J. C., & Haanpää, M. (2022). Human–Animal Relations in Business and Society: Advancing the Feminist Interpretation of Stakeholder Theory. Journal of Business Ethics, 180(1), 1–16. doi:10.1007/s10551-021-04840-1.

França, J. (2021). Human – Non-Human Animal Interaction. Dialogues at LAE. Laboratory of Socioeconomic Analysis and Science Animal FMVZ USP, São Paulo, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

Néstor, C. (2021). Ethical reflections on the human-animal bond in the professional practice of veterinarians and zootechnicians. Animal ethics meeting. Conselho Regional de Medicina Veterinária do Estado do Paraná; Ética Animal, Curitiba, Brazil. (In Portuguese).

Ceballos, M. C. (2021). How to improve human-animal interaction in production systems? XXII Congress of Animal Science, Portuguese Association of Zootechnical Engineering. (In Portuguese).

Isbrandt, R., Wiegard, M., Meemken, D., & Langkabel, N. (2022). Impact of Procedures and Human-Animal Interactions during Transport and Slaughter on Animal Welfare of Pigs: A Systematic Literature Review. Animals, 12(23), 3391. doi:10.3390/ani12233391.

Celozzi, S., Battini, M., Prato-Previde, E., & Mattiello, S. (2022). Humans and Goats: Improving Knowledge for a Better Relationship. Animals, 12(6), 774. doi:10.3390/ani12060774.

Doyle, S. B., Lindner, E. E., Gingerich, K. N., & Miller-Cushon, E. K. (2022). Development of human-directed behavior in dairy calves reared individually or in pairs. Journal of Dairy Science, 105(10), 8387–8400. doi:10.3168/jds.2022-21921.

Wilhelmsson, S., Andersson, M., Hemsworth, P. H., Yngvesson, J., & Hultgren, J. (2022). Human-animal interactions during on-farm truck loading of finishing pigs for slaughter transport. Livestock Science, 267. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2022.105150.

Chan, M. C.-H., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Binfet, J.-T. (2022). Human–Animal Interactions and the Promotion of Social and Emotional Competencies: A Scoping Review. Anthrozoös, 35(5), 647–692. doi:10.1080/08927936.2022.2042080.

Acharya, R. Y., Hemsworth, P. H., Coleman, G. J., & Kinder, J. E. (2022). The Animal-Human Interface in Farm Animal Production: Animal Fear, Stress, Reproduction and Welfare. Animals, 12(4). doi:10.3390/ani12040487.

Gorman, R., & Cacciatore, J. (2022). Exploring the Effects of the Human–Animal Relationship on Care-Farms in the Context of Trauma Histories. In Anthrozoos. doi:10.1080/08927936.2022.2084995.

Porcher, J. (2004). “You care too much about feelings” “Animal welfare”, repression of affectivity, suffering of cattle ranchers. Production, 14(3), 35–44. doi:10.1590/s0103-65132004000300005. (In Portuguese).

Porcher, J. (2011). The Relationship Between Workers and Animals in the Pork Industry: A Shared Suffering. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 24(1), 3–17. doi:10.1007/s10806-010-9232-z.

Porcher, J. (2012). Zootecnia. Laboreal, 8(1). doi:10.4000/laboreal.7442.

Porcher, J. (2017). The ethics of animal labor: A collaborative utopia. Springer, Cham, Switzerland. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-49070-0.

Hosey, G., & Melfi, V. (2014). Human-Animal Interactions, Relationships and Bonds: A Review and Analysis of the Literature. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 27(1). doi:10.46867/ijcp.2014.27.01.01.

Videla, M. D. (2020). Human-animal bond What kind of love is that?. Calidad de vida y salud, 13(Especial), 2-32. (In Spanish).

Herzog Jr, H. A., Betchart, N. S., & Pittman, R. B. (1991). Gender, sex role orientation, and attitudes toward animals. Anthrozoös, 4(3), 184-191. doi:10.2752/089279391787057170.

Hemsworth, P. (2015). The effects of stockperson education and training on farm animal welfare. International Conference on Pig Welfare, 29-30 April, 2015, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Prato-Previde, E., Basso Ricci, E., & Colombo, E. S. (2022). The Complexity of the Human–Animal Bond: Empathy, Attachment and Anthropomorphism in Human–Animal Relationships and Animal Hoarding. Animals, 12(20). doi:10.3390/ani12202835.

Guthrie, M. F., Marshall, P. H., Hendrick, S. S., Hendrick, C., & Logue, E. (2018). Human Love Styles and Attitudes toward Pets. Anthrozoos, 31(1), 41–60. doi:10.1080/08927936.2018.1406200.

Paul, E. S. (2000). Empathy with Animals and with Humans: Are They Linked? Anthrozoös, 13(4), 194–202. doi:10.2752/089279300786999699.

Mota-Rojas, D., Broom, D. M., Orihuela, A., Velarde, A., Napolitano, F., & Alonso-Spilsbury, M. (2020). Effects of human-animal relationship on animal productivity and welfare. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 8(3), 196–205. doi:10.31893/JABB.20026.

Buxadé Carbó, C., & López Montes, D. (2005). Animal welfare and pigs: Myths and realities. Grupo Euroganadería, Spain. (In Spanish).

Maslow, A. H. (1954). Motivation and personality. Harper, New York, United States.

Herzog, H., Grayson, S., & McCord, D. (2015). Brief Measures of the Animal Attitude Scale. Anthrozoös, 28(1), 145–152. doi:10.2752/089279315x14129350721894.


Full Text: PDF

DOI: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2022-04-03-04

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2022 Carla Sofia Marmelo