Document type: systematic review published in Journal of Dairy Research
Authors: Masi M, Dolfi E, Vecchio Y, Zambianchi L, Mammi LME.
Abstract in French (translation): The general public’s perception of animal welfare in dairy farming: an approach based on a systematic literature review animal welfare s in dairy farming are attracting keen public interest, driven by shifting societal values that prioritize ethical treatment and the expression of natural behaviors.
This systematic literature review aims to map how the public perceiv animal welfare s in dairy cow husbandry. Peer-reviewed publications addressing public perceptions of dairy cow well- were retrieved from the Scopus database (search conducted in May 2025), yielding 107 studies that were examined using bibliometric and network analyses. They were then classified, based on the perspective they addressed, into three stakeholder groups: experts (those directly involved in the production chain), citizens, and consumers.
A specific content analysis of 73 documents allowed for a more detailed examination of citizen and consumer groups across three time phases: (i) the “disconnect phase” (through 2012), marking the emergence of the topic in the scientific literature; (ii) the “natural phase” (2013–2019), characterized by a consistent emphasis on the right of dairy cows and calves to express natural behaviors; and (iii) the “deepening phase” (beginning in 2020), refining and broadening the previous themes.
Perceptions of animal welfare are intrinsically linked to the ability to engage in natural behaviors (e.g., access to pasture, prolonged contact between the cow and her calf), while common practices (e.g., early separation, the use of hormones, the slaughter of male calves) are generally viewed as a form of exploitation. On the consumer side, there is a willingness to pay a premium for products that guarantee animal welfare, but a gap remains between attitudes and behaviors, as citizens’ ethical stances do not always fully translate into purchasing decisions due to price sensitivity. It is particularly worth noting that animal welfare often takes precedence over environmental sustainability in consumers’ priorities, while evidence-based communication improves acceptance of innovations (e.g., genetic modifications to promote welfare).
Although based on a single database and excluding gray literature, this review nevertheless highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration, transparent labeling, and policy frameworks that align ethical expectations with the realities of livestock production, and advocates for targeted education to address knowledge gaps and support sustainable dairy systems.
Preview:
Animal welfare (AW) in dairy farming has garnered significant public attention, driven by evolving societal values that prioritize ethical treatment and the expression of natural behaviours.
This systematic literature review aims to map how the public perceives AW in dairy cow farming. Peer-reviewed publications addressing public perception of dairy cow welfare were retrieved from the Scopus database (searched in May 2025), yielding 107 studies that were examined through bibliometric and network analyses. They were then categorized, according to the perspective they addressed, into three stakeholder spheres: experts (those directly involved in the production chain), citizens and consumers.
A dedicated content analysis of 73 documents further examined the citizen and consumer groups across three temporal phases: (i) the ‘Lag phase’ (up to 2012), marking the topic’s emergence in scientific literature; (ii) the ‘Naturalness phase’ (2013–2019), characterized by consistent emphasis on dairy cows’ and calves’ right to express natural behaviours; and (iii) the ‘Detailed phase’ (from 2020), refining and broadening earlier themes.
AW perceptions are intrinsically linked to the enabling of natural behaviours (e.g. pasture access, prolonged cow–calf contact), whereas routine practices (e.g. early separation, hormone use, male calf culling) are generally viewed as exploitative. From the consumer’s side, a willingness to pay a premium for welfare-assured products emerges, yet an attitude–behaviour gap exists, as citizens’ ethical stances may not fully translate into purchasing decisions due to price sensitivity. Notably, AW frequently supersedes environmental sustainability in consumer priorities, while evidence-based communication improves the acceptance of innovations (e.g. genetic modifications for welfare).
Being based on a single database and excluding grey literature, the review nonetheless emphasizes the importance of stakeholder collaboration, transparent labelling and policy frameworks that align ethical expectations with farming realities and advocates targeted education to bridge knowledge gaps and support sustainable dairy systems.
