A survey of dairy cattle veterinarians’ perspectives on timely management and euthanasia for common adult cow conditions

Abstract

Timely euthanasia of compromised animals on dairy farms can reduce the poor welfare outcomes when recovery is prolonged or impossible. However, little to now research exists regarding euthanasia decision-making. The veterinarian is often involved in euthanasia decision-making, but it is not clear if there is consensus amongst dairy veterinarians on which conditions warrant euthanasia or appropriate timelines. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine dairy veterinarians’ perspectives on euthanasia decisions in response to 13 common adult cow conditions, 2) to assess preferred timelines for euthanasia for each condition, and 3) determine if gender or age of the veterinarians influenced their decision-making.