Perception of Brazilian Agricultural Sciences Students on Animal Welfare: A Profile-based Approach

ABSTRACT

The agricultural professionals are ethically obligated to provide good care for the animals under their care. We analysed Brazilian agricultural science students’ profiles based on their perceptions of animal welfare (AW). The survey included 239 students from agronomy, animal science, and veterinary courses in 44 universities. A factor analysis and a cluster analysis identified four students’ profiles. “The farm animal stewards” group (n= 79) focused their perceptions of AW on basic health and functioning as a basis for meat, wool, egg, and dairy production, while the “the industrial view” group (n= 15), in the profitability and economic factors. “The animal rights position” (n= 76), in the face of conflicting interests (animals vs. owners), perceive that the animal’s interest should prevail and give an equal treatment for all species. ”The balanced” group (n= 69) incorporates concepts from animal and human to explain their perceptions. The students’ perception of AW is multifaceted and influenced by value-based ideas about what is important or desirable for animals and all stakeholders. Scientific fields focusing on AW need to be emphasized within agricultural science curriculum.

KEYWORDS:

• Attitudes
• curriculum
• ethics
• teaching
• perception

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all of the students who took the time to fill out the questionnaire.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (MEAC) upon reasonable request ([email protected]).

Notes

1. Exchange rate at the time of the study US$1.00 ≈ R$5.33.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.