Abstract
The provision of pasture and outdoor access for dairy cattle differs around the globe. For example, in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, dairy farms are largely pasture based, whereas dairy farms in the United States and Canada are largely confinement based. There is a high level of public support for pasture and outdoor access for dairy cows, and the available evidence shows that dairy cattle are highly motivated to access pasture, especially at night. The decision as to whether to provide outdoor access is typically made by farmers, but little is known about dairy farmers' perspectives on this topic. We investigated perspectives of Western Canadian dairy farmers on outdoor access, as well as how they believe different stakeholders (i.e., the dairy industry, the dairy cows, and the general public) regard outdoor access for dairy cows. Data were collected via (1) 11 focus group discussions with a total of 50 Western Canadian dairy farmers, and (2) semi-structured individual interviews with an additional 6 dairy farmers of Hutterite colonies. Data were analyzed using template analysis. Although most participants in this study did not provide outdoor access on their farms, or only provided outdoor access to certain cow groups, participants generally mentioned that they enjoyed seeing cows on pasture or outdoors. However, participants shared that the Canadian supply management system (including processors) required a consistent flow of production, which was thought to be easier and more economically realized with indoor housing of lactating cows. Participants believed that pasture or outdoor access for dairy cows was desired by the public. Some participants believed that dairy cows prefer to spend time outside under favorable weather conditions, but others felt that cows preferred to stay indoors in modern, ventilated freestall barns. The results of this study describe the perspectives of dairy farmers regarding the views of dairy industry stakeholders as they relate to outdoor access, helping to inform conversations around the provision of outdoor access for dairy cattle.
Highlights
Provision of pasture or outdoor access differs largely between regions, likely due to a combination of cultural, economic, and climatic factors
A total of 14 farms provided pasture access to lactating cows. Participants shared their own thoughts on the provision of outdoor access as well as how they believed different stakeholders regarded this topic
The findings of this study describe how Western Canadian dairy farmers view outdoor access for dairy cows, and how they believe different stakeholders regard this topic
Summary
Provision of pasture or outdoor access differs largely between regions, likely due to a combination of cultural, economic, and climatic factors. Smid et al (2021) sought to understand why some Canadian farmers provide outdoor access and others do not. Understanding the views of dairy farmers is critical, as they are typically the decision makers on issues of animal care, including whether their cows have outdoor access (van den Pol-van Dasselaar et al, 2016, 2020). Farmer attitudes are influenced by the views of other social actors, including others in the dairy industry, the general public (not directly affiliated with the industry), and factors related to the cows themselves, such as cow health
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