Improving the attitude and behaviour of stockpersons towards pigs and the consequences on the behaviour and reproductive performance of commercial pigs

Abstract

This study examined firstly whether it is possible to improve the attitudinal and behavioural profiles of stockpersons towards pigs and, if successful, secondly the consequences of these attitudinal and behavioural changes on the behaviour and productivity of commercial breeding pigs. Two treatments were imposed: a modification treatment, consisting of a cognitive-behavioural intervention procedure designed to modify the behaviour of stockpersons towards pigs; a control treatment, where no intervention was attempted. Thirty-five commercial farms were selected for study on the basis of their suitability and 25 farms completed this 2 year study (13 modification and 12 control). The effectivene..