Projected effect of alternative management strategies on profit and animal welfare in extensive sheep production systems in Great Britain

Recent reform of agricultural policies may lead to adjustments to the inputs of extensive sheep farming systems. Such adjustments may have consequences for animal welfare. These consequences must be understood so that they can be incorporated in the decision-making process. This will help farmers and policy makers meet consumer demands for higher standards of animal welfare. However, identifying and quantifying the different elements of animal welfare in systems of different intensity are difficult. To address this issue, we used adaptive conjoint analysis (a market research technique) to rank alternative management practices for extensive sheep farming systems of Great Britain by their perceived effect on animal welfare. Scores were obtained by asking sheep farmers to compare alternative policies defined by five attributes (labour, housing, veterinary treatment, feeding, and gathering). The financial impact of these policies was assessed. Feeding attribute had the greatest impact on welfare. Labour was also important for welfare but had a detrimental financial impact. Labour management is therefore likely to be critical for sustainable extensive sheep farm systems. It was concluded that welfare could be improved within the context of viable farm business management by careful choice between strategies that fit individual farm circumstances.