Enabling Behaviour Change in Laying Hen Farmers Using Motivational Interviewing

Abstract

Laying hens with poor feather cover eat more feed, are less productive and have higher levels of morbidity and mortality. This welfare and sustainability issue is complex, requiring a proactive, multi-pronged approach. The aim of this UK study was to test a support approach for commercial implementation and uptake of evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing injurious pecking (IP) in 29 flocks of free range (FR), aviary and enriched cages (EC). This was accomplished by using Motivational Interviewing (MI) to facilitate farmer ownership over maintaining feather cover by co-developing bespoke Feather Cover Action Plans (FCAP). Recruitment included farmers with initial ranges of attitudes from not regarding IP as a priority, to engaged first adopters. The MI approach resulted in 80% of farmers making changes to their management and resource provision, with 90% of farmers of (FR) and half of those using (EC) making changes. Up to 9 actions were planned in their FCAP (average 3 on FR farms) and 67% of all planned changes had been achieved on average 9 months later. While some changes were inexpensive and durable, such as providing rope or plastic objects, others were capital investments like verandas, planting trees, renewing and strategically placing artificial shelters, frequently replenishing Lucerne or removing capped litter plus adding pecking rings in enriched cages. Reflecting on the value of their FCAP, farmers recognised that being part of the project not only raised their awareness of IP and the importance of maintaining good feather cover but also motivated them to make changes. They recognised the value of the facilitator and noted that successful outcomes gave incentive to make further progress. Half the farmers felt their FCAP had been successful in reducing IP within their flocks. This approach therefore has potential to improve both the sustainability of egg production and hen welfare.

Effects of Different-Sized Cages on the Production Performance, Serum Parameters, and Caecal Microbiota Composition of Laying Hens

“…Researchers continue to seek methods for improving the well-being of laying hens and evaluating the outcome of different rearing systems while maintaining production and profits at a high level [1]. Motivational interviewing has been used to encourage farmers to take ownership of hens' injurious pecking issues under different housing systems, which contributed to improving both the sustainability of egg production and hen welfare [2]. Cumulative mortality was found to be different between housing systems (free range system was supposed to have higher mortality than conventional cage system) through analysis of data from ten sources comprising 3851 flocks [3].…”

Small Animal Veterinarians' Communication With Dog Owners From a Motivational Interviewing Perspective

“…Today, MI has been used in many different contexts requiring lifestyle changes, such as treatment of substance misuse, weight loss, dental care, and medication adherence (13,(15)(16)(17). However, studies regarding MI in veterinary care are few (12,(18)(19)(20)(21), although promising results have been presented for communication between cattle farmers and veterinarians, where MI has been shown to increase adherence to veterinary recommendations for herd health management (19). In addition, training in MI improved veterinarians' communication skills and was considered by veterinarians as highly relevant and useful for their profession (18).…”