Human-livestock interactions - the stockperson and the productivity and welfare of intensively farmed animals, P.H. Hemsworth and G.C. Coleman : book review

Abstract

2nd ed. Human-animal interactions have a profound effect on farm animals and stockpeople alike. Training of stockpeople can improve livestock welfare and in turn productivity, and is a principle area of focus after improvements in genetics, nutrition, reproduction, health and housing have been addressed extensively. This volume explores new information on human-livestock relationships, their effects on both animals and handlers and the application of this knowledge particularly in relation to dairy cows, veal calves and poultry. Developments in knowledge of the relationships and their effects post-far. Introduction: the stockperson as a professional: skills, knowledge and status -- Farm animal welfare: assessment, issues and implications -- Human-animal interactions and animal productivity and welfare -- Attitudes of stockpeople -- Stockperson behaviour and animal behaviour -- A model of stockperson-animal interactions and their implications for livestock -- Changing stockperson attitudes and behaviour -- Conclusion: current and future opportunities to improve human-animal interactions in livestock production.