Western Canadian cow-calf producers' perspectives about cattle welfare, handling, and training in cattle handling: A thematic analysis

Abstract

Beef producers and handlers have critical roles in influencing the welfare of beef cattle through their handling practices. Similarly, cattle handling training opportunities are important to enhance animal welfare by improving handling skills, attitudes, and handler behaviour. In this study, 15 audio-recorded interviews were conducted with cow-calf producers from Western Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan) to gather their views on cattle welfare, handling, and training in cattle handling. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach that revealed seven major themes: (1) producers understand the complexity of animal welfare and its assessment; (2) public and consumer welfare concerns and producers' own sense of responsibility drive prioritization of welfare practices; (3) optimizing animal welfare enhances profitability; (4) cattle handling has a direct relationship with cattle welfare; (5) producers are highly motivated to adopt low-stress cattle handling practices, but acknowledge that implementation varies; (6) cattle handling training is a valuable learning experience that is linked with positive effects on the production system; and (7) effective handling training must reflect both on-farm settings and handling situations. In conclusion, participants had a strong understanding of animal welfare and its assessment. They highlighted the crucial role of handling practices in influencing welfare, as well as the connection between welfare improvement and operation profitability. Additionally, they recognized the value of cattle handling training in enhancing handling skills, insisting that such training should be conducted locally, at an affordable price, be practical, and reflect farm settings common for the majority of producers.