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Simple Summary: Small-scale egg farmers in China face challenges related to a shortage of protein feed and environmental pollution caused by excessive nitrogen in manure. To address these problems, a sustainable feeding solution known as low-protein diets (LPDs) has been proposed. However, many farmers are unaware of this option, and some believe that more protein in feed is always better for egg production. This study aimed to understand farmers' awareness and attitudes toward LPDs and to evaluate its environmental and economic benefits. By surveying farmers in Quzhou County, the study found that most had never heard of LPDs, and that those who did typically did not use it. The study also used methods such as life-cycle assessment and cost analysis to show that adopting LPDs can reduce nitrogen pollution and lower feed costs. The findings suggest that more education and support are needed to encourage the use of LPDs, which could lead to more sustainable farming practices and better environmental outcomes. This research provides important insights into how science can help improve agricultural practices and support environmental protection. China, the world's largest egg producer, faces challenges of protein feed shortages and nitrogen pollution from manure. Low-protein diets (LPDs) offer potential solutions, but their adoption by small-scale farmers is uncertain. This study used surveys, meta-analysis, life-cycle assessment, and life-cost analysis to address these gaps. A field survey in Quzhou County (a typical representative of small- and medium-scale farmers in China's egg farming industry) found that 84% of egg farmers were unfamiliar with LPDs and believed higher protein levels were better. On average, pre-laying and late-laying diets exceeded national LPD recommendations by 0.3% and 0.5% crude protein (CP), respectively. The main barriers to LPD adoption were perceived low quality, lack of veterinary recommendations, and limited technical support. A meta-analysis of 30 studies (published before July 2024) showed that reducing CP by less than 1% did not compromise productivity. Local LPD demonstrations and training improved farmer confidence. Results indicated a 10% reduction in the nitrogen footprint and a 115% increase in earnings for LPD-demonstration farmers. The study suggests a coupled pathway integrating research and technology diffusion, highlighting the need for collaboration among scientists, feed companies, and technical experts to overcome misconceptions and promote LPD adoption. This integrated framework offers valuable insights for sustainable agricultural development in China and other resource-limited countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Biosecurity is essential for safeguarding the health and welfare of poultry flocks; however, its implementation may face many challenges. The challenges of implementing biosecurity measures in Italian poultry farms and the selection and validation of supporting measures (SMs) to improve compliance were addressed in this study. The methodology included stakeholder surveys, virtual farm tours, group discussions, and farmer coaching. While the level of biosecurity implementation was generally high, individual factors such as personality and behavior influenced its compliance. Virtual farm tours and group discussions proved effective in facilitating interaction and knowledge exchange among stakeholders. However, farmers' preferences for minor changes due to time and cost constraints were highlighted during coaching sessions. Alternative methodologies like virtual farm tours and coaching have shown to be promising in engaging farmers and stakeholders, but further research on personal traits and attitudes is necessary to optimize compliance. This paper describes the selection and validation of supporting measures (SMs) aimed at enhancing biosecurity compliance within Italian poultry farms. A tailored methodology, based on a stakeholders' survey involving farmers and advisors, included a virtual farm tour, group discussion, and farmer coaching. Virtual farm tours and group discussions were delivered during two meetings targeting meat and egg production stakeholders, separately. Coaching was validated in 26 pilot farms (PFs) by assessing farmers' attitudes towards change (i.e., ADKAR®) and farms' biosecurity score (i.e., Biocheck.UgentTM) before and after a minimum six-month period. A total of 20 out of 26 farmers agreed to implement at least one action plan (AP). Full implementation of the agreed APs was observed in ten farms, while others only partially implemented (n = 7) or did not implement (n = 3) the improvement. Most APs focused on enhancing house hygiene locks (n = 7), followed by bacterial auto-control after cleaning and disinfection (n = 4). Scoring tools indicated minimal or no variations in farmers' attitudes towards change and farm biosecurity. Virtual farm tours and group discussions were found to be effective in fostering interaction and facilitating the exchange of experiences and knowledge among farmers and stakeholders of poultry production. Coaching indicated that farmers might prefer implementing minor changes possibly influenced by time and cost constraints associated with structural interventions. These limitations could have also impacted the scores of the farmer/farm. The findings of this study provide a foundation for further application of SMs to improve biosecurity in Italian poultry farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rodents threaten the one health approach in livestock farming. In the present observational case study, livestock farmers collaborated with a pest controller in a pilot project in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The objective was to evaluate factors influencing rodent-prevention potential on 24 livestock farms after 1.5 years project duration. Farmers' attitudes were surveyed at the project's start in March 2019. Potential for rodent prevention was assessed by an external expert in 2020. About half of the farms showed good potential for rodent prevention. Willingness to change at the project start played a central role for rodent-prevention potential. The study underscores the necessity of better informing farmers about rodent control and prevention, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures for long-term rodent control. It also highlights the need for improved advisory services for farmers. Rodents in livestock farming constitute a threat to the one health approach. In the present observational case study, livestock farmers worked together with a pest controller within a pilot project. The aim of the study was to assess determinants associated with rodent-prevention potential. The study started in March 2019 on 24 livestock farms in a municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany. At the beginning of the project a survey on the determinants expected to be related to prevention potential was conducted. To determine the potential for rodent prevention, an expert person, who was not involved in the project before, assessed the on-site conditions of the farms after 1.5 years of project duration in 2020. The potential for rodent prevention was good for about half of the farms. There were significant differences in the willingness to make changes at the project's start between farms with a high and a low potential for rodent prevention after 1.5 years. There is a general need for action to provide farmers with more practical information on rodent control. This is aggravated by the insufficient advisory services offered to farmers. This study confirms the importance of implementing preventive measures in the control of rodents to ensure that anticoagulant rodenticides are handled responsibly to reduce the impact on non-target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of broiler poultry farmers (BPF) in Nepal concerning the use of antimicrobials (AMU) and the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A total of 500 farmers from all seven provinces of Nepal, spanning 40 districts, participated in this study. The collected data, encompassing AMU, demographic distribution, and KAP regarding AMU and AMR among BPF, underwent descriptive statistic and logistic regression analysis. This study's results revealed that BPF possessed limited understanding and engagement in practices related to AMU and AMR, whereas they exhibited positive attitudes. This highlights the importance of implementing effective regulatory measures, improving veterinary services, and providing training and awareness programs to address the issue of AMR in the poultry farming sector. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to conduct a situational analysis, and second, to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of broiler poultry farmers (BPF) regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Data were collected from 500 BPF across 40 districts, representing 88.1% of Nepal's broiler poultry population. Among these farmers, 81.0% were male, 59.6% had up to 4 years of experience in poultry farming, and 50.8% had completed at least a high school education. The most used antimicrobials on the farms were doxycycline (23.5%), neomycin (17.1%), and colistin sulfate (9.6%) out of 27 reported antimicrobials. While the BPF exhibited limited knowledge (62.6%) and practice (55.5%) related to AMU and AMR, their overall attitude toward these issues was positive (91.6%). This study also identified significant factors influencing farmers' attitudes toward AMU and AMR. Farmers aged 31–40 showed a stronger inclination compared to other age groups (OR = 4.2, p = 0.02), and those using antimicrobials for preventive purposes had a more favorable attitude compared to those using them for other purposes (OR = 5.9, p = 0.02). In light of these findings, this study recommends the implementation of effective regulatory measures for drug usage, along with awareness programs addressing AMU and AMR to address the issue of AMR in poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Smart farming is a concept of agricultural innovation that combines technological, social, economic and institutional changes. It employs novel practices of technologies and farm management at various levels (specifically with a focus on the system perspective) and scales of agricultural production, helping the industry meet the challenges stemming from immense food production demands, environmental impact mitigation and reductions in the workforce. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) systems will help the industry meet consumer expectations for more environmentally and welfare-friendly production. However, the overwhelming majority of these new technologies originate from outside the farm sector. The adoption of new technologies is affected by the development, dissemination and application of new methodologies, technologies and regulations at the farm level, as well as quantified business models. Subsequently, the utilization of PLF in the pig and especially the poultry sectors should be advocated (the latter due to the foreseen increase in meat production). Therefore, more significant research efforts than those that currently exist are mainly required in the poultry industry. The investigation of farmers' attitudes and concerns about the acceptance of technological solutions in the livestock sector should be integrally incorporated into any technological development. More efficient livestock production systems are necessary, considering that only 41% of global meat demand will be met by 2050. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has clearly illustrated the necessity of building sustainable and stable agri-food systems. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) offers the continuous capacity of agriculture to contribute to overall human and animal welfare by providing sufficient goods and services through the application of technical innovations like digitalization. However, adopting new technologies is a challenging issue for farmers, extension services, agri-business and policymakers. We present a review of operational concepts and technological solutions in the pig and poultry sectors, as reflected in 41 and 16 European projects from the last decade, respectively. The European trend of increasing broiler-meat production, which is soon to outpace pork, stresses the need for more outstanding research efforts in the poultry industry. We further present a review of farmers' attitudes and obstacles to the acceptance of technological solutions in the pig and poultry sectors using examples and lessons learned from recent European projects. Despite the low resonance at the research level, the investigation of farmers' attitudes and concerns regarding the acceptance of technological solutions in the livestock sector should be incorporated into any technological development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Adaptation strategies developed by sheep breeders against climate change are essential for sustainable production. This study was designed to determine the effects of climate change on perception, the risks of sheep farmers and the actions taken to mitigate these impacts. Nearly all farmers in both production systems agreed on the increased use of drugs and chemicals in their farming activities due to the increase in unknown and known disease outbreaks. The current study showed that transhumance farmers focused mainly on selling livestock as an adaptive strategy. In contrast, semi-intensive farmers concentrated on modifying their farm management and feed operations. Our findings show that semi-intensive farmers do not take deliberated and consistent action against climate change but adapt spontaneously. Sheep farmers' perceptions of climate change and its impacts and the adaptation strategies they consider to address these risks are of great importance in ensuring the resilience of farming practice. This study focused on sheep farmers' perception of climate change and the risks and actions taken to mitigate these impacts. A total of 68 surveys were carried out among sheep farmers (39 transhumance and 29 semi-intensive farmers) by two different representative production systems in Türkiye. Variables regarding the socio-economic profile, climate change impacts, and adaptation strategies were identified and analyzed. Principal component analysis and a Pearson Chi-square test were used to evaluate the data. Both farmers' groups accepted and perceived climate change, showing good awareness and perception. The farmers' attitudes towards adaptation to climate change were associated with production systems. Transhumance farmers had limited adaptation and coping strategies compared to semi-intensive farmers. Transhumance farmers focused mainly on selling livestock (mostly to cope with degraded natural grassland/feed deficiency) as an adaptive strategy. In contrast, semi-intensive farmers focused on modifying their farm management and feed operations, such as changing the feed ratio and supplement use, improving water and feed storage, and considering crop feed production. The knowledge obtained from this study could be helpful for farmers and policymakers who develop long-term small ruminant production strategies that consider the effects of climate change and adapt them to different farming systems in the Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The producers in this study felt that the use of pain control was not necessary because animal suffering is brief and "young" calves (producers identified young calves as calves up to 8 months of age) felt less pain during the procedure. Pain Medication: B Aim b : to understand the real or perceived barriers that prevent producers from using pain control, their general perception of pain control, why they choose to use pain control and how they think their peers perceive pain control. Wikman et al. [[29]] found that producers who took disbudding pain more seriously and felt that disbudding calves without pain mitigation would be painful for the animal, had a higher sensitivity to pain caused by cattle diseases. Although all participants in this study used some form of pain mitigation for disbudding and dehorning, the producers in this study often mentioned farmer attitudes as a barrier towards other producers' use of pain control. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: A good relationship between humans (e.g., farmers, owners) and farm animals is vital for the well-being of both parties: on the one hand, people are satisfied with their work, which becomes less stressful and more profitable, and may receive social benefits in terms of education or animal-assisted therapy; on the other hand, animals are rewarded by the presence of humans and are not afraid of them. Goats have high cognitive and communicative abilities towards humans: recognising these abilities helps humans to work properly on the quality of this relationship that is built from the first hours of the goat kids' life, thanks to frequent and positive contacts (e.g., stroking, talking in a calm voice). Improving the quality of this relationship is an investment in the future of livestock farming and meets public demands for ethical and sustainable production. This review outlines the characteristics and predisposing factors for the establishment of a good human–goat relationship and for its evaluation. There is consensus that the quality of the human–animal relationship (HAR) is relevant to guarantee appropriate levels of animal welfare. Given the impact that HAR may have on both goats and human beings, the aim of the present review is to elucidate: (1) how humans and goats communicate; (2) which are the factors affecting human–goat interactions; (3) how we can measure the quality of this relationship. The systematic review led to the selection of 58 relevant articles. Effective human–goat communication takes place by means of visual, tactile and auditory stimuli and, to a less extent, via olfactory and gustative stimuli. Goats have well-developed socio-cognitive abilities and rely on humans to get relevant information. A deep knowledge of goats' communication means and socio-cognitive abilities may greatly help improving the human–goat relationship. Management practices (e.g., rearing methods, amount and quality of interactions), as well as genetic selection for suitable individual traits, may contribute to improving HAR. Several measures to assess the quality of HAR have been validated, including avoidance in the pen and at the feeding rack and latency to first contact. Finally, farmers' attitudes and empathy with goats, as well as their motivation to work with animals, should be improved through appropriate training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the last few years, the fourth industrial revolution has found its way into agriculture. Under the heading of smart farming, various so-called smart products are offered that can positively influence the daily work of farmers as well as animal welfare. These smart products can record data from the farming operation, extract essential information, and in some cases even make decisions autonomously. Particularly in Germany, where social criticism of intensive livestock farming has been raised, such smart products could make a significant contribution to improving animal welfare. However, a key prerequisite is the acceptance of the users, who are typically the livestock farmers themselves. There is so far hardly any knowledge about farmers' attitudes towards smart products in livestock farming. In this study, the attitudes of German livestock farmers towards smart products are evaluated by categorizing them into groups by a factor analysis and a cluster analysis. Based on the analysis of an online questionnaire, in which German livestock farmers (n = 422) participated, four clusters could be derived. The main distinguishing characteristics of the clusters are the influence of the social environment, the expected effort for implementation, the general trust in smart products, and the technology readiness of the farms. As a result, this study provides valuable insights, for technology providers of smart products for livestock farming, as well as for policymakers. In recent years, the fourth industrial revolution has found its way into agriculture. Under the term smart farming, various so-called smart products are offered that may positively influence both the daily work of farmers and animal welfare. These smart products can collect data from the farm, extract important information, and in some cases even make decisions independently. Particularly in Germany, where intensive livestock farming is criticized by society, such smart products could make a significant contribution to improving animal welfare. However, an important prerequisite is the acceptance of the users, who are usually the livestock farmers themselves. So far, there is little knowledge about farmers' attitudes towards smart products in livestock production. In this study, a factor analysis and a cluster analysis are conducted to evaluate the attitudes of German livestock farmers towards smart products. Based on the analysis of an online questionnaire in which German livestock farmers (n = 422) participated, four clusters could be derived. The main distinguishing characteristics of the clusters are the influence of the social environment, the expected effort for implementation, the general trust in smart products, and the technology readiness of the farms. As a result, this study provides valuable insights for technology providers of smart products for livestock farming as well as for policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Research has indicated that dairy farms often do not feed calves according to recommended best practice, despite legislation and industry advisory efforts. This study used interviews with dairy farmers and their advisors to investigate why farmers feed calves the way they do. Various calf feeding practices were used by participating farmers, largely based on perceived convenience and calf performance. Advisors were concerned that calves were commonly underfed, which may be partly due to farmers receiving inadequate instructions for calf feeding. Our results highlight the need for more consistent and effective recommendations for farmers regarding calf feeding and weaning. Standard guidelines for calf milk replacers should be improved to ensure that calves are fed enough to support basic biological functions and growth. Further research is needed to establish best practices for weaning calves whilst supporting rumen development, health and weight gain. All recommendations for calf feeding should facilitate the achievement of standard industry targets including rearing replacement dairy heifers to calve by 24 months of age. Dairy calves must be fed appropriately to meet their nutritional needs, supporting optimal growth and development to achieve the recommended target age at first calving (AFC) of 24 months. Traditional restricted milk feeding practices suppress growth, contribute to negative welfare states and may result in malnutrition and immunosuppression. Despite more recent recommendations to increase milk allowances for pre-weaned calves, restricted feeding remains a common practice. This study explored the rationales behind the calf feeding protocols used by dairy farmers in England. Forty qualitative interviews (26 farmers, 14 advisors) were conducted between May 2016 and June 2017, transcribed in full, then coded into themes. Results indicate that a variety of calf feeding regimes are used on farms, largely determined by farmers' attitudes regarding ease of management and the wellbeing of calves. Advisors were concerned about widespread underfeeding of calves, which may be partially due to insufficiently clear recommendations for calf milk replacer (CMR) feeding rates. There was also evidence of uncertainty regarding best practices for weaning calves. Collaboration between academic research and industry is essential to establish a consensus on calf feeding standards which support physiological function, facilitate weaning, support growth targets and ensure calf health and welfare is protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Positive animal welfare is a relatively new concept which promotes the welfare benefits of providing animals with greater opportunities for positive experiences, in addition to minimising negative experiences. However, little is known about farmers' attitudes towards this, and their knowledge of positive welfare. This presents a significant hurdle for the promotion of positive welfare indicators on-farm, where their effective implementation may depend on their acceptance by farmers. In response, this study uses qualitative interviews to explore farmers' positive welfare perspectives. It finds that several aspects, reflective of the literature on positive welfare indicators, are evident in farmers' positive welfare-related discussions. These include animal autonomy, play, positive affect, positive human–animal relationships, social interaction and appropriate genetic selection. Such findings provide insights into what farmers consider are relevant to, and indicative of, positive welfare. In addition, this paper explores how farmers see their role in the provision of positive welfare. It finds that farmers largely consider their inputs should be focused on making sure their animals' needs (e.g., resources) are met and negative experiences are reduced, and that positive welfare will arise naturally, or indirectly, out of this. The implications of these findings and their overlaps with the positive welfare literature are discussed. To support the furtherance of positive animal welfare, there is a need to develop meaningful and practical positive welfare indicators for on-farm welfare assessment. Considering the perspectives of farmers is arguably critical in this regard. Doing so helps ensure positive welfare indicators reflect farmers' existing welfare norms and attitudes and, are thus, of practical relevance to them. However, a key issue for such development is the dearth of knowledge on farmers' perspectives of positive welfare. To address this, this study uses qualitative interviews to directly examine livestock farmers' perspectives of positive welfare. Findings reveal that farmers describe elements of positive welfare which are broadly in line with indicators suggested in the positive welfare literature. These elements include animal autonomy, play, positive affect, positive human-animal relationships, social interaction, and appropriate genetic selection. Additionally, this study finds that farmers construct the reduction of negative aspects of welfare as their primary management concern and mostly construct positive welfare as arising indirectly from this. Insights into the importance that farmers of different sectors and systems give to different aspects of positive welfare indicators are also explored. The implications of these findings and the similitudes between farmers' perspectives and the positive welfare literature are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lameness is a pressing issue in dairy production. Dairy farmers are primarily responsible for the welfare of their cows and decision-making regarding lameness management. However, there are concerns regarding the communication of the importance of lameness to farmers and their motivation towards proper management. A review of the literature indicates that various factors influence farmers' perceptions about lameness, their adoption of recommended measures and whether or not they end up treating a lame cow. This review summarizes these related issues in consideration of the welfare and economic implications of farmers' decisions. The information herein is vital to the identification of measures on how to motivate dairy farmers towards appropriate lameness management. Lameness continues to be a welfare and economic issue for dairy cows. However, the consequences of lameness seem to be better understood by veterinarians and related personnel in comparison to dairy farmers. Prompt detection and treatment of lame cows is essential in reducing its negative impact on milk processing systems. To that end, understanding farmers' perceptions regarding the significance of lameness to dairy cows is vital. One fundamental aspect is the underestimation of lameness prevalence by dairy farmers, which is as a result of different understanding of the problem. The same applies to their decision to treat lame cows and to adopt various detection and management practices. All of these shortcomings contribute to poor cattle welfare and economic losses in dairy production. This review summarizes the results of studies that have investigated dairy farmers' perceptions of lameness and the associated implications on the wellbeing and productivity of dairy cows. Factors associated with farmers' attitudes toward claw health and lameness management are also presented. Additionally, economic observations relating to lameness prevention, treatment and the adoption of lameness detection systems are also highlighted. To strengthen these points, interventional programmes requiring farmers' participation are discussed as a promising approach in answering some of these challenges. A review of the literature indicates both the opportunities and barriers inherent in the tackling the lameness issue from the farmers' perspectives. Such knowledge is crucial in identifying measures on how to motivate dairy farmers towards proper lameness management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pecking-related problems are common in intensive egg production, diminishing hen welfare and production performance, and negatively affecting sustainability. Beak trimming is a common practice to control these problems, but in Finland beak trimming is prohibited. Finnish egg producers have decades-long experience of egg production with intact-beaked hens. This experience, and their management of pecking-related problems, could benefit producers in other countries. The online questionnaire aimed to gather information about Finnish farmers' attitudes towards beak trimming, their estimation of the seriousness of pecking problems in their laying hen flocks, common risk factors and the best practices to prevent attendant problems. The questionnaire received 35 responses. Finnish egg producers appeared strongly to support a policy of not trimming beaks. Motivation against beak trimming was explained by considering it to be unnecessary and unethical. Most respondents did not regard pecking-related problems as being very severe in their flocks. Lighting, feeding and flock management problems represented the most important risk factors regarding pecking problems. Generally, the same topics were highlighted as being the most important intervention measures for managing an on-going pecking problem. The study indicates that it is possible to incorporate a non-beak-trimming policy as a component of sustainable egg production. Pecking-related problems are common in intensive egg production, compromising hen welfare, causing farmers economic losses and negatively affecting sustainability. These problems are often controlled by beak trimming, which in Finland is prohibited. An online questionnaire aimed to collect information from farmers about pecking-related problems in Finnish laying hen flocks, important risk factors and the best experiences to prevent the problems. Additionally, the farmers' attitudes towards beak trimming were examined. We received 35 responses, which represents about 13% of all Finnish laying hen farms with ≥300 laying hens. The majority of respondents stated that a maximum of 5–7% incidence of feather pecking or 1–2% incidence of cannibalism would be tolerable. The majority of respondents (74%) expressed that they would definitely not use beak-trimmed hens. Only two respondents indicated that they would probably use beak-trimmed hens were the practice permitted. Among risk factors, light intensity earned the highest mean (6.3), on a scale from 1 (not important) to 7 (extremely important). Other important problems included those that occurred during rearing, feeding, flock management and problems with drinking water equipment (mean 5.9, each). The most important intervention measures included optimal lighting and feeding, flock management, and removing the pecker and victim. Concluding, Finnish farmers had strong negative attitudes towards beak trimming. The study underlines the importance of flock management, especially lighting and feeding, in preventing pecking problems and indicates that it is possible to incorporate a non-beak-trimming policy into sustainable egg production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]