The relationship between beliefs, attitudes and observed behaviours of abattoir personnel in the pig industry

Previous research has indicated that frequent use of aversive pig handling techniques by stockpeople prior to slaughter, in particular the use of an electric prod, results in poorer welfare and reduced meat quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of attitudes in the prediction of behaviour of abattoir stockpeople. Twenty-four male employees at a large commercial piggery, working in the lairage area where pigs are slaughtered, participated in the study. Stockperson attitudes and personality were assessed using self-report questionnaires, and behaviour was assessed directly with the use of trained observers. A key finding of this study was that positive attitudes, both general and behavioural, were associated with use of an electric prod with the power turned off (NPROD) while negative attitudes were associated with use of the prod with the power on (PROD). This suggests that NPROD is actually intended to be a benign interaction by the stockperson when there is a need to move a pig but the stockperson wishes to avoid aversive interactions. On the other hand, PRODs can be interpreted as intended negative interactions. It was concluded that a simplified model based on Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour applies in this situation because neither perceived control nor normative beliefs moderate the relationship between attitudes and behaviour in this context. The investigation of the role of personality factors in predicting abattoir stockperson behaviour yielded one significant factor: tough-mindedness. If it can be shown that modifying stockperson attitudes and behaviour leads to improved meat quality, then there is an opportunity to develop training programs to improve stockperson attitudes and behaviour in abattoirs, with subsequent improved pig welfare and meat quality. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.