Selected Employee Attributes And Perceptions Regarding Methods And Animal Welfare Concerns Associated With Swine Euthanasia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between selected employee attributes and employees' perceptions regarding swine euthanasia, and to explore employees' animal welfare concerns associated with swine euthanasia. This study establishes the most prevalent personality types among swine workers in Eastern North Carolina. The majority of the respondents have a personality type of ESTJ based on the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II. The following independent factors were used to determine an employee's willingness to perform euthanasia and attitude toward euthanasia. These factors include socio-demographic factors, socio-psychological factors, farm factors, and euthanasia methods. The information was obtained by visiting 47 swine farms in eastern North Carolina, where a total of 388 surveys were administered with a 100% return rate.

The results of the survey concluded that ethnic background and gender affect the employee's attitude toward euthanasia. Females, Spanish-speaking employees, and employees with an SJ temperament type have a more negative attitude toward euthanizing pigs. Regardless of their age, gender, or ethnic background, employees prefer a method of euthanasia that is perceived as less painful to the pig.

Most of the employees did not feel stressed by having to perform euthanasia as long as the animal appeared sick. Most of the employees perceived euthanasia of a sick pig as a humane alternative to letting the animal die naturally. A majority of employees perceived blunt trauma to be the safest current method for the 1- to 12-pound pig; however, carbon dioxide gas is perceived to be safer than blunt trauma or the bolt gun method of euthanasia. Most respondents did not have a problem performing euthanasia as a part of their daily job functions, but the longer an employee euthanizes pigs, the less willing he or she is to euthanize. Employees viewed euthanasia training as beneficial. Employees requested more euthanasia training and preferred the training be completed on the farm by a company trainer or farm manager.