Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Farmers' and veterinary surgeons' knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards cattle abortion investigations in the UK.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Clothier, Georgiana et al.
- Affiliation:
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science · United Kingdom
Plain-English summary
Cattle abortion can lead to significant losses for farmers, both in beef and dairy production. A survey of 379 farmers and 134 veterinarians in the UK and Ireland found that veterinarians often underestimate how much farmers are willing to pay for investigations into cattle abortions. While many farmers are ready to pay more than veterinarians expect, there is a difference in how both groups view the seriousness of the issue, with farmers generally wanting to investigate at lower rates of abortion. Both veterinarians and farmers agree on what constitutes an abortion, but better communication about costs and expectations could help improve the investigation process. Overall, the study suggests that veterinarians should be more proactive in discussing these issues with farmers to enhance outcomes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cattle abortion can significantly affect farm productivity and be an important cause of economic loss on beef and dairy farms. METHOD: A questionnaire-based survey, completed by 379 farmers and 134 veterinary surgeons from the UK and Ireland, investigated motivators and barriers towards abortion investigations and perceptions of cattle abortion. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. RESULTS: Veterinary surgeons underestimated farmers' willingness to pay for an abortion investigation; 54 per cent of veterinary surgeons expected farmers to pay under 100£/€, compared with 46 per cent of farmers. Most farmers (27 per cent) were willing to pay 101-250£/€ and 12 per cent above 500£/€. The incidence threshold warranting abortion investigation was 4 per cent for veterinary surgeons and lower for farmers at 2 per cent, especially beef farmers, where 48 per cent indicated a 1 per cent incidence required attention. Seventy-five per cent of dairy farmers used more than 2 per cent as their threshold. Eighty-four per cent of veterinary surgeons and 95 per cent of farmers agreed on the same abortion definition. CONCLUSION: Veterinary surgeons and farmers agree on the definition of abortion; however, veterinary surgeons underestimate the willingness of farmers to engage with and pay for abortion investigations. A more proactive approach from veterinary surgeons, including improved communication and transparency around costs, expectations and clients' goals can improve abortion investigation outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33055288/