Awareness among Different Stakeholders Towards Dairy Animal Welfare

Abstract

Background: Animal welfare is a complex subject with scientific, ethical, economic, cultural and political dimensions. The ever-growing consumer interests in animal welfare have called for changes in farming practices. The aim of the study was to find out awareness among stakeholders towards dairy animal welfare. Methods: This study was conducted on four stakeholders viz; dairy farmers (160), traders (80), Veterinary Officers (40) and dairy product consumers (160) from two districts (Jaipur and Udaipur) of Rajasthan. A structured interview schedule duly pre-tested and validated was used to elicit information from the respondents. Result: The findings of the study revealed that most of the dairy farmers and consumers were having medium levels, while traders had low levels of awareness towards dairy animal welfare. Only Veterinary Officers were quite aware of welfare standards that should be followed while rearing the dairy animals and the dairy products got from them.