Abstract
Simple SummaryMaking and carrying out euthanasia decisions is a complex, multi-factorial process and effective on-farm euthanasia training tools are needed to increase consistency throughout the dairy industry. This two-part study evaluated the main factors influencing euthanasia practices on dairy farms across the United States using dairy producer surveys (Part I) and focus groups (Part II). Survey results suggest that farm owners are most commonly responsible for making and carrying out euthanasia decisions on-farm and most dairy farmers treat and monitor compromised cattle for a variety of health conditions. Non-ambulatory cattle represent a severely compromised subpopulation of animals; however, they were selected to never be euthanized by 6.3% and 11.7% of survey respondents, respectively. Focus group discussions identified three main themes and 15 subthemes including animal, human and farm operation factors. Animal welfare and health status were frequently discussed and participants readily recognized the multi-factorial nature of on-farm euthanasia. Dairy producers are nuanced in their thinking about euthanasia decision making. However, the high variability in euthanasia timelines represents a significant animal welfare challenge. Training programs that focus on implementing specific standards for euthanasia is a critical next step and more research is needed to understand the factors influencing producer psychological perspectives regarding euthanasia decision making.There are currently no clear guidelines in the US and some other countries regarding euthanasia decision making timelines for dairy cattle that become injured or ill to the extent that recovery is unlikely or impossible. Our study aimed to identify decision making criteria and the most common factors considered when making and carrying out euthanasia decisions. Dairy producers were recruited to participate in a mailed survey (Part I, 307 completed surveys were returned) or in one of three focus groups (Part II, 8–10 producers/group, n = 24). Part I (survey): Farm owners were most commonly responsible for on-farm euthanasia and most respondents would treat and monitor compromised cattle for a majority of 15 health conditions. Responses were highly variable; for example, 6.3% and 11.7% of respondents would never euthanize a non-ambulatory cow or calf, respectively. Part II (focus groups): Three main themes (animal, human, and farm operation) were identified from discussion which focused primarily on animal welfare (16% of the discussion) and human psychology (16%). Participants expressed a desire to eliminate animal suffering by euthanizing, alongside a wide range of emotional states. Development of specific standards for euthanasia is a critical next step and more research is needed to understand the human emotions surrounding euthanasia decision making.
Highlights
Euthanasia is a necessary act for any operation raising animals and performing euthanasia in a timely manner is critical to reducing poor welfare outcomes [1,2]
A survey was developed utilizing methods described by Habing et al [8] and adapted from a previously published survey specific to swine euthanasia developed by Mullins et al [4]
Health conditions listed within the survey were based on and adapted from a 2014 USDA report identifying the most common health problems reported by US dairy producers as well as from co-authors [9]
Summary
Euthanasia is a necessary act for any operation raising animals and performing euthanasia in a timely manner is critical to reducing poor welfare outcomes [1,2]. Dairy producers in the US have access to euthanasia guidelines through associations such as the National Milk Producer’s Federation [3] and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners [4] These guidelines only provide basic information on euthanasia techniques and include limited information regarding euthanasia decision making. We have terminology to describe the emotional strain experienced by individuals tasked with euthanizing animals, such as “caring-killing paradox” [5,6] and “compassion fatigue” [7], little work has been done to date to identify the specific emotional factors at play within the dairy industry Identifying such factors is vital to addressing the needs of producers and caretakers and facilitating confidence to increase overall willingness and ability to perform euthanasia when cattle become compromised
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