Farmers' attitudes towards techniques for improving oestrus detection in dairy herds in South West England |
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Authors: | Chris Garforth Kevin McKemey Tahir Rehman Richard Tranter Richard Cooke Julian Park Peter Dorward Chris Yates |
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Affiliation: | aSchool of Agriculture, Policy and Development, The University of Reading, Agriculture Building, PO Box 237, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK |
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Abstract: | Unidentified heats contribute to declining fertility rates in English dairy herds. Several techniques have been advocated to improve heat detection rates. Despite demonstrable technical efficacy and cost-effectiveness, uptake is low. A study in South West England used the Theory of Reasoned Action (TORA) to explore dairy farmers' attitudes and beliefs towards heat detection techniques. Few farmers were convinced that following prescribed observation times, milk progesterone testing and using pedometers would fit their system or improve on their current heat detection practices. Perceived difficulty of using a technique was not a constraint on adoption. Without promotion that addresses identified barriers and drivers to adoption, little change in current practice can be expected. |
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Keywords: | Dairy herds Oestrus Farmer attitudes Adoption Theory of Reasoned Action England |
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