Determination of Dairy Cattle Euthanasia Criteria and Analysis of Barriers to Humane Euthanasia in the United States: Dairy Producer Surveys and Focus Groups

Abstract

There are currently no clear guidelines in the US and some other countries regarding euthanasia decision making timelines for dairy cattle that become injured or ill to the extent that recovery is unlikely or impossible. Our study aimed to identify decision making criteria and the most common factors considered when making and carrying out euthanasia decisions. Dairy producers were recruited to participate in a mailed survey (Part I, 307 completed surveys were returned) or in one of three focus groups (Part II, 8-10 producers/group, n = 24). Part I (survey): Farm owners were most commonly responsible for on-farm euthanasia and most respondents would treat and monitor compromised cattle for a majority of 15 health conditions. Responses were highly variable; for example, 6.3% and 11.7% of respondents would never euthanize a non-ambulatory cow or calf, respectively. Part II (focus groups): Three main themes (animal, human, and farm operation) were identified from discussion which focused primarily on animal welfare (16% of the discussion) and human psychology (16%). Participants expressed a desire to eliminate animal suffering by euthanizing, alongside a wide range of emotional states. Development of specific standards for euthanasia is a critical next step and more research is needed to understand the human emotions surrounding euthanasia decision making.

Keywords: animal welfare; cow; euthanasia; producers; survey.

Figure 1

Responses of survey respondents who indicated that they were not the primary party responsible for making euthanasia decisions and were asked to specify the role of the individual who makes most of the euthanasia decisions.

Figure 2

Responses of survey respondents who indicated that they were not the primary party responsible for performing euthanasia and were asked to specify the role of the individual who performs euthanasia.

Figure 3

The percentage of respondents who, after choosing the T/M condition management option, indicated that they would never euthanize due to these conditions alone for adult cows, weaned heifers and pre-weaned calves. * These conditions (n = 6) were only included for adult cows. † These conditions (n = 2) were only included for weaned heifers and pre-weaned calves.