Abstract:
The aim of this research was to investigate the stockmen’s intention and behavior toward animal welfare in Sirjan Township. The sample was selected through simple random sampling. A survey of stockmen’s (N= 144) was undertaken in Sirjan Township، Kerman province. The reliability and validity of the instrument were examined and approved، and then data was collected. The results of this study revealed that independent variables predicted nearly 0.46 and 0.39 variance of the stockmen’s intentions and behavior regarding animal welfare respectively. Moreover، outcome expectation was the most important variable in predicting the stockmen’s intentions and behavior regarding animal welfare. Finally، due to the positive effect of stockmen’s attitude on their intention، findings suggested that، by demonstrating educational films، using posters and visiting superlative dairy farms، it was possible to improve their attitude regarding their animal welfare. According to the impact of stockmen’s understanding of self-efficacy on achieving animal welfare، the study also suggested to simplify different aspects of animal welfare from perceptions of stockmen in order to see animal caring as easy. In this respect، Jihad-e-Keshavarzi organization and animal cooperation are two active institutes which can make this possible by providing different facilities and other possibilities for their members.
Machine summary:
The results of the research showed that the independent variables of the study explain 46 percent and 39 percent of the changes in the intention and behavior of farmers regarding livestock welfare, respectively.
Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, University of Zanjan Introduction In recent years, the livestock production industry has faced significant pressure from society to prevent unacceptable outcomes in animal husbandry (for example, cruel behavior in slaughterhouses in the United States and the ruthless destruction of chickens to control avian influenza in Indonesia) and to evaluate and improve production methods for animal welfare (Broom, 2010; Place and Mitloehne, 2014).
Theoretical Foundations (Factors affecting farmers' behavior in relation to livestock welfare) Researchers consider the primary factor for performing a behavior to be the individual's intention to perform that behavior (De Bruijn, 2010; Kaiser and Scheuthle, 2003; Yazdanpanah et al.
1. Self Identity (Refer to the page image) Research Method Given the important role of Sirjan County in the production of local and industrial livestock products for Kerman province and ultimately for the entire country, this research aims to study and examine the factors affecting the behavior of farmers in this county of Kerman province in relation to livestock welfare.
The variables of this research include behavior, intention, identity, attitude, self-efficacy, moral norm, and outcome expectation regarding livestock welfare.
Regression analysis of factors affecting farmers' behavior (Refer to the page image) Source: Research findings Conclusion and Recommendations Studies show that when the human-animal relationship improves, the level of animal welfare and productivity actually increases (Rushen et al.