The welfare of dairy cattle: perspectives of industry stakeholders

摘要: The aim of the current study was to describe perspectives stakeholders within dairy industry on key issues affecting welfare cattle. A secondary examine if these believed that people outside should also have a voice in formulating solutions issues. Five heterogeneous focus groups were conducted during cattle meeting Guelph, Canada October 2012. Each group contained between 7–10 participants and consisted mix producers, veterinarians, researchers, students, specialists. 1-h facilitatorled discussions focused participants’ perceptions role different stakeholder addressing concerns. Discussions audio-recorded transcribed verbatim, resulting transcripts coded themes identified. Lameness uniformly recognized as most important issue facing cattle; cow comfort, painful procedures (like dehorning) production diseases mastitis) commonly discussed. Participants had mixed views roles solutions. Most felt producers others working (particularly veterinarians) be primarily responsible, but many acknowledged general public, consumers citizens, play an role. seemed two-fold knowledge deficit - first researchers second public agreed improved translation required develop These results indicate see value more inclusive engagement with non-industry about welfare. Future work will assess identify areas shared concern provide basis for policy better incorporate societal values.