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Swine welfare perceptions among future animal professionals in Latin America
Gustavo Donoso1, Andreia G Arruda2, Leonardo Klüppel3
1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Latin American students value swine welfare education differently, impacting their confidence in addressing pig welfare issues. Information sources significantly influence these perceptions, guiding future educational strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Education
Background:
- Growing emphasis on swine welfare in Latin America necessitates improved educational programs for future animal professionals.
- Limited research exists on students' perspectives regarding swine welfare education efficacy.
- Universities in Latin America are actively developing educational initiatives for animal welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore Latin American students' perceptions and attitudes toward swine welfare.
- To assess students' confidence in discussing and addressing pig-specific welfare issues.
- To identify factors influencing students' views on swine welfare education.
Main Methods:
- Online survey distributed to veterinary and animal science students in Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, and Honduras.
- Analysis of 216 participant responses using cluster analysis and risk factor analysis.
- Identification of distinct student groups based on their valuation of swine welfare education and confidence levels.
Main Results:
- Three distinct student clusters emerged, all recognizing animal welfare importance but differing in valuing swine welfare education.
- Significant variations were observed in students' confidence to communicate and address swine welfare issues across clusters.
- Students' primary sources of information were identified as a key predictor of cluster membership.
Conclusions:
- Student perspectives on swine welfare education vary, highlighting the need for tailored educational approaches.
- Confidence in addressing swine welfare issues is linked to educational experiences and information sources.
- Further research is recommended to enhance swine welfare education for future animal professionals in Latin America and globally.
