Livestock Veterinarians' Evolving Role in Enhancing Human Animal Interactions

Research on the quality of human-animal interactions (HAIs) supports that there are direct and indirect impacts to HAIs, which can exert positive or negative effects on ruminant behavior, productivity, reproduction, and welfare. Ensuring that positive HAIs are employed is critical to positively influence animal welfare and stockperson well-being. Veterinarians are regarded as highly influential educators and a key source of knowledge regarding animal health and welfare by stockpeople. Therefore, veterinarians have a unique opportunity to influence stockpeople attitudes, behaviors, and skills to strengthen positive HAIs, ultimately benefiting animals, stockpeople, and veterinarians, ensuring alignment with evolving societal expectations.