ASSESSMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG LIVESTOCK FARMERS

M. Gunaseelan; R.V. Mervin Kennady; M. Mukilan

doi:10.56093/ijvasr.v55i5.183730

Authors

M. Gunaseelan Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Orathanadu - 614 625. Thanjavur
R.V. Mervin Kennady PG Scholar, ICAR - Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP - 243 122.
M. Mukilan PG Scholar, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala - 680 651

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijvasr.v55i5.183730

Keywords:

Animal welfare assessment, practices, livestock farmers, welfare index

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the extent of adoption of animal welfare practices among livestock farmers. For this purpose, six blocks from Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu were selected randomly. From each block, one focus group of livestock farmers was formed, and 10 farmers were selected from each focus group, resulting in a total sample of 60 respondents, comprising 30 dairy farmers and 30 sheep and goat farmers. The findings revealed that the overall Animal Welfare Index (AWI) of the livestock farmers was 65.09. Among the different animal welfare standards, appropriate animal behaviour recorded the highest Animal Welfare Index (79.72), followed by good housing (77.50), good feeding (59.83), and good health (49.16). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that education, experience in livestock farming, contact with extension agencies and participation in training programmes had a positive and highly significant influence (p < 0.01), while mass media exposure had a positive and significant influence (p < 0.05), on the adoption of animal welfare practices among livestock farmers. The findings highlight the need for focused training programmes and mass awareness campaigns on existing animal welfare standards to enhance animal wellbeing and promote sustainable livestock farming practices among farming communities.

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