Evaluating perception of animal welfare among owners of family farming units on dry tropical lands

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the perception of animal welfare (AB) in owners of family production units (UPF) and some management practices. A survey of 80 owners was used, applying a survey with demographic data, infrastructure, management, and use of preventive medicine. 92.5% belong to the male gender, 7.5% to the female gender. 51.25 % are over 60 years old, 36.25 % between 40 and 59 years old. More than 80% are between 20 and 40 years old and have been raising animals. 80% have no schooling, only 20% have between 4.3 ± 5 years of schooling. 47.5% raise sheep and goats, 52.5% cattle, in a complementary way all raise other species (pigs, poultry, equids, canines). 98.8% do not know the aspects of BA, 1.2% have an idea about BA. 100% have not received advice on BA. The diet is based on grazing in native grasses, and 80% supplement in the dry season with 1 to 4 kg of feed. The main source of water is the river, with 53% of which is used, and the following are the main sources of water.  followed by deep well 47%. 62.5% do not have management facilities, only 37.5% have facilities. The use of preventive medicine programs is used by 33%, 67% only care for their animals when they are sick. In the PUs there is no perception of the BA, it is considered necessary to provide advice and training that provides the necessary tools to improve the UPFs.