Understanding the Awareness, Knowledge, and Opinion of Dairy Cattle Welfare among Dairy Farmers in Keningau, Sabah

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Animal welfare is an important aspect that affects the health and productivity of dairy animals. This study reports the knowledge and opinion of dairy cattle farmers regarding dairy cattle welfare (DCW) in Keningau, Sabah. A total of 30 dairy farmers participated in the survey and the information collected includes their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and opinions regarding DCW. Seventy per cent of the farmers (n = 21) had satisfactory-to-good knowledge of the DCW criteria, but their opinions differed regarding indicators of poor animal welfare. The understanding of DCW differed among farmers depending on the production level, educational status, herd size, and cattle breeds kept on the farm. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and opinions about DCW among dairy cattle farmers in Keningau, Sabah. A questionnaire was developed, validated, and administered by hand to 30 farmers. The data collected include farmers’ and farm demographics, and opinions regarding the criteria and indicators of DCW. Only 17 respondents (57%) had heard of “dairy cattle welfare” before this study. Nine farmers (30.0%) had poor knowledge about DCW criteria, whereas 13 (43.7%) and 8 (26.7%) farmers had satisfactory and good knowledge, respectively. Farmers with higher education, larger herd size, high production level, and exotic cattle breeds showed a better understanding. Farmers understood most of the indicators; however, opinions regarding cattle behavior during milking, their physical appearance and their lying down behaviour need to be improved. Nevertheless, 28 respondents ranked their animals’ welfare as either good or satisfactory, which further reflects a poor implementation of DCW measures. The main factors suggested by farmers to influence DCW in their herds were facilities, worker issues, management practices, and animal well-being. In conclusion, guidance from veterinarians and animal welfare specialists may be needed to improve the farmers’ understanding and practices of DCW.