Euthanasia Practices Among Danish Dairy Farmers
Author Information
Author(s): Peter T. Thomsen, Jan Tind Sørensen
Primary Institution: University of Aarhus, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences
Hypothesis
Has the threshold for euthanasia of dairy cows among farmers changed over the years?
Conclusion
Farmers report a lower threshold for euthanasia, which may improve animal welfare by reducing suffering.
Supporting Evidence
- Mortality risk in Danish dairy cows has increased from 2% in 1990 to 5% in 2005.
- 55% of farmers reported a lower threshold for euthanasia in 2002 compared to 5 years earlier.
- 54% of farmers reported a lower threshold for euthanasia in 2006 compared to 5 years earlier.
Takeaway
Farmers are now more likely to put sick cows to sleep instead of letting them suffer, which is better for the cows.
Methodology
Interviews with 196 farmers in 2002 and 2006 about their practices regarding euthanasia.
Potential Biases
Possible recall bias regarding changes in euthanasia practices over time.
Limitations
Recall bias may affect farmers' memories of their past euthanasia practices.
Participant Demographics
Danish dairy farmers who reported dead cows to the Danish Cattle Database.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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