Social housing for dairy calves: Farmer acceptance of Canadian industry-led requirements

Abstract

Research suggests that housing milk-fed calves in pairs or small groups from a young age can provide welfare benefits, leading some policymakers to encourage dairy farmers to adopt this practice. For example, Canada's industry-led Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Dairy Cattle requires social housing for indoor-housed calves, starting in 2031. We assessed acceptance of social housing and this new Code requirement by conducting 23 interviews with 13 farmers in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Interview questions were designed to evaluate 8 constructs (affective attitude, burden, ethicality, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness, self-efficacy, and trust in the Canadian Dairy Code development process) derived from the “Theoretical Framework of Acceptance.” Participant acceptance varied, with some appreciating the benefits of social housing, and others citing concerns about the need for the requirement. Farmers generally thought they would be able to adopt social housing. Most participants prioritized concerns about calf health, but also considered calf socialization beneficial. However, some farmers also expressed frustration with the new Canadian Dairy Code requirement and did not feel their interests were represented in the Code development process. These findings highlight the need to address farmer concerns with new policies and practices, for example, through events that support farmers and their advisers to share successful approaches to implementation. Further research is required to better understand farmer views on representation in the development of policies that govern on-farm practices.