Understanding sheep lameness management in relation to culling and the UK five-point plan

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Welfare
• Agricultural Behavioural Science

Background:

• Lameness is a significant welfare issue in UK sheep flocks.
• The five-point plan (5PP) is a recommended practice for lameness management but is not consistently or effectively implemented, especially regarding culling.
• Understanding farmer decision-making is crucial for improving lameness control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore on-farm lameness management practices in UK sheep flocks.
• To investigate the application of the five-point plan (5PP), with a focus on culling behaviour.
• To analyze these behaviours through the lens of the Behaviour Change Wheel's capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) model.

Main Methods:

• Conducted five online focus groups with UK sheep farmers (n=19).
• Included one online focus group with veterinarians (n=4).
• Utilized thematic analysis to identify patterns in farmer and veterinarian responses related to COM-B and the 5PP.

Main Results:

• Culling and prompt treatment were universally employed by participants, yet culling adherence to recommended practices varied.
• Farmer behaviours were influenced by internal factors (e.g., record-keeping), external constraints (e.g., available space), and market influences.
• The capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) framework provided insights into adherence to the five-point plan (5PP), particularly concerning culling decisions.

Conclusions:

• Interventions should focus on enhancing farmer capability (e.g., record-keeping), creating opportunities for better management, and addressing motivational factors.
• Collective industry action and strengthened veterinarian-farmer interactions are recommended to combat sheep lameness.
• Improving lameness management through behaviour change strategies is essential for enhancing sheep health and welfare in the UK.