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Title: Do Consumers Care About Early Calf-Mother Separation? An Application of Best Worst Scoring to Milk Choice

Citation Type: Miscellaneous

Publication Year: 2021

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Abstract: Although historically dairy farming has had higher social favorability as compared to other livestock species, this appears to be changing. Evidence from recent public surveys indicates that the majority of respondents in the U.S. were concerned about dairy cattle welfare (Wolf et al. 2016; Busch et al. 2017). Amongst the range of current issues, concerns about calf-dam separation at birth and calf housing are at the forefront. The former is a peculiar challenge for the dairy industry as it is unique to the industry (compared to other farmed mammals) (Costa, Von Keyserlingk and Weary 2016). The common practice in the management of other domestic livestock, such as beef and hogs, is to keep offspring with the mother for a longer period of time, making it seem like a more natural process. The practice of separating the calf from the cow has become commonplace since the 1950s. Proponents of this practice, mostly farmers and veterinarians, argue that: allowing the cow and calf to bond will result in greater separation distress when the separation does occur later; the calf may become infected from pathogens carried by the cow or her environment; the calf may become injured by adult cows/ barn equipment as farms are often not well designed for cow-calf pairs; and, reductions in the cow's milk yield. Others, mainly some members of the public, oppose this practice and argue that: calf-dam contact is an important element of natural behavior; early calfdam separation causes emotional distress to both calf and dam and that keeping them together is beneficial to both the dam and calf. There may be opportunities for farmers to meet consumers' concerns. However, this is predicated upon a proper understanding of consumer preferences. The range of options include free-dam contact, half-day contact, foster-cow system, and restricted calf-dam contact. These options differ in cost to farmers, milk productivity and impact on farm animal welfare (FAW). For example, farmes can reduce milk yield losses through a restricted calf-dam versus a foster cow system, calf-dam contact may be limited in the former1 . The latter may allow calves to stay bonded with a cow as well as develop social behaviors with fellow newborns. Further, it is also plausible that dairy farmers may ameliorate consumer concerns about calf separation by choosing housing methods that allow calves to interact with other calves once they are separated from their mothers. Previous research suggests that consumers prefer group housing to individual housing (Gaillard et al. 2014; Wormsbecher et al. 2017). The tradeoffs for increased animal welfare specific to calf management practices have not, however, been assessed. This paper examines consumer preferences for different calf retention practices in their milk purchase decision. Insights from this study are relevant to dairy industry stakeholders looking to effectively address calf welfare concerns on dairy farms and enhance the long term social and economic sustainability of the dairy industry. Indeed, there is a growing interest in the role of vertically differentiated process attributes, such as calf welfare practices on dairy farms, in consumer decision making with regards to the final product (milk). There is also the rise in ethical food behaviors. Added to this is the availability of plant-based alternative milk beverages often marketed as healthier, tastier, and more animal welfare friendly. These market dynamics have engaged the attention of academics, industry, and policy makers looking to identify points of convergence amongst multiple interest. The findings of this study can provide the basis for discussion on the provision of adequate calf welfare on dairy farms that balances consumer and farmer goals.

Url: https://ideas.repec.org/p/ags/aaea21/313991.html

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Authors: Boaitey, Albert; Lai, Yufeng; Kehoe, Sylvia

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Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Health, Natural Resource Management

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