@conference {41553,
	title = {Animal welfare in large dairy herds: a survey of current practices},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {65},
	year = {2005},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {127-131},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {To gain insight into the farm practices and animal welfare issues on large dairy herds, we conducted a postal survey (n = 132). The questionnaire covered four areas: demographics, stand-off practices, management during extreme weather, and races. Respondents managed 910 {\textpm} 466 (mean {\textpm} SD) milking cows during the 2003 season. When asked to identify the most important animal welfare problem on their farm, 73\% of the respondents named one of the following: lameness, disease, or nutrition/growth. Fifty-one percent of respondents used some form of stand-off area during periods of inclement weather. There are several management practices used with stand-off areas that are relevant to animal welfare including: provision of feed, shelter, space allowance, and surface type. During extreme winter and summer weather, a range of practices was used to manage cows, including changes in grazing patterns. For example, 61\% of respondents used paddocks closer to the milking shed and 40\% used sprinklers at the shed during hot weather. Finally, on average, cows walked 1.9 {\textpm} 0.8 km to the milking shed, and walking distance increased with the number of cows/farm. Farmers demonstrated awareness of animal welfare issues and implemented management practices that likely improve the well-being of their stock.
KEYWORDS: animal welfare; dairy cattle; herd size; management practices. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tucker CB and Verkerk GA and Small BH and Tarbotton IS and Webster JR}
}
@conference {41501,
	title = {Understanding shepherding within lambing, and organic farming systems through acknowledging cultural, community and individual influences},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {64},
	year = {2004},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {183-187},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {The way we farm depends on the species farmed, the environment, and on our beliefs, prejudices and expectations. A model was developed to consider cultural influences, community ethics, and individual goals to help understand shepherding and organic farming. Assisting sheep at lambing is reinforced by cultural expectations of what shepherds should do. Different management strategies are used depending on the sheep, their environment, and the costs and practicalities of supervision. Finally, the weight given to different factors may depend on the motivation of individuals in deciding to "live with the flock" or find better ways of managing lambing. Reflecting the different goals of agriculture, individuals were motivated to convert to organic farming by economic returns, the environment, chemical use, food safety and quality, animal health and welfare, and a desire to maintain rural communities. The safety of chemicals, food quality, and the environment are central to understanding the value of organics to the community. Finally, organic farming is informed by stories of {\textquotedblleft}being at one with nature{\textquotedblright} An understanding of the different beliefs that inform us of the way farming is, or should be, may result in a greater shared understanding of complex issues, and more equitable farming practices. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Fisher MW and Small BH and Mackay AD and Kenny GJ and Jerebine BC and Parminter TG}
}
@conference {41344,
	title = {Genetic engineering and the public: Attitudes, beliefs, ethics and cows},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {62},
	year = {2002},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {179-182},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {A postal survey (n = 1682, margin of error 3\%) used a hypothetical milk product with medical benefits produced by genetically engineered (GE) cows as a stimulus to examine New Zealanders{\textquoteleft} support and attitudes towards GE for food and medicine. Beliefs about proposed benefits of GE, ethical issues associated with GE, and ethical perceptions about the status and treatment of cows were canvassed. Ten times as many respondents totally opposed GE food as totally supported it. Medical applications (15.6\%) received significantly more total support than GE food production (3.4\%). A majority of respondents were prepared to support GE under some circumstances (medicine 61.8\%, food 51.7\%) - implying their need for case-by-case analysis. Respondents disagreed GE will: cure the world{\textquoteleft}s major diseases, solve the world{\textquoteleft}s food problems, improve the quality of animal lives, be environmentally benign, or that the spread of GE organisms can be controlled. GE did not fit with respondents{\textquoteright} cultural and spiritual beliefs or basic principles. Although agreeing the instrumental use of cows by humans was acceptable, respondents strongly disagreed genetic modification of cows for human benefit was acceptable. Consistent significant differences were found between males and females on all the above issues. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Small BH and Peddersen JA and Wilson JA and Parminter TG}
}
