How the next generation of agricultural professionals balances ethical responsibilities with practical realities
What goes through the minds of the next generation of agricultural professionals as they prepare to enter an industry increasingly scrutinized for its treatment of animals?
The future of livestock farming doesn't just depend on new technologies or market demands—it hinges on the values and perceptions of the very people who will soon be managing our food systems. At the Costa Rica Institute of Technology, researchers set out to answer this compelling question, surveying agronomy students to uncover their perspectives on animal welfare in livestock production 1 4 .
How future professionals balance moral considerations with practical constraints in animal agriculture.
Understanding student perspectives is essential to building more sustainable livestock production.
Before delving into what the students think, it's important to understand what we mean by "animal welfare" in a scientific context. Animal welfare has evolved into a recognized scientific discipline that extends far beyond basic animal health 2 .
The Five Domains Model, developed in 1994 and continually refined since, provides a structured framework for assessing animal welfare holistically 1 4 .
Access to appropriate food and water
Physical conditions and safety
Physical condition and freedom from disease
Ability to express natural behaviors
Experiences of pleasure, comfort, and confidence
This scientific framework acknowledges that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing physical and emotional states, from suffering to contentment 1 4 .
The responsibility to ensure animal welfare is firmly rooted in recognizing that animals, like humans, experience pain and physical suffering.
To capture the perceptions of those who will shape the future of Costa Rican agriculture, researchers designed a comprehensive survey administered to agronomy engineering students at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology 1 4 .
The study, conducted between May and July 2023, collected data from 144 students through in-person surveys after obtaining informed consent 1 .
The questionnaire was structured around four key areas:
| Sample Size | 144 agronomy engineering students |
|---|---|
| Data Collection Period | May-July 2023 |
| Method | In-person surveys |
| Statistical Analysis | R software |
| Key Focus Areas | Sociodemographics, ethical perspectives, bioethical considerations, legal frameworks |
The statistical analysis, performed using R software, delved into associations between participants' characteristics and their perspectives on animal welfare, revealing intriguing patterns that highlight how personal backgrounds shape ethical viewpoints 1 .
The survey results reveal that most agronomy students recognize the importance of animal welfare within production systems and view causing unnecessary suffering to animals as ethically questionable 1 4 . But digging deeper into the data uncovers fascinating nuances in how different groups of students perceive these issues.
Statistical analysis identified significant associations between sociodemographic factors and ethical perspectives related to animal welfare 1 . These patterns emerged across three key demographic dimensions:
As students progressed through their academic career, their understanding of animal welfare evolved, reflecting the integration of more complex ethical considerations into their thinking 1 .
| Demographic Factor | Influence on Animal Welfare Perceptions |
|---|---|
| Gender | Women showed greater concern for animal welfare across multiple contexts |
| Upbringing Environment | Rural students had more practical perspectives; urban students more theoretical |
| Educational Level | Advanced students integrated more complex ethical considerations |
| Career Path | Veterinary nursing students emphasized resource-based measures and client education 2 |
The bioethical component of the survey revealed distinctive disparities based on gender and education in several critical areas:
When asked to rate their level of concern for animal welfare, most students expressed significant concern, though the intensity varied based on their demographic backgrounds and personal experiences with animals 1 . This finding is particularly relevant for educators designing animal welfare curricula, as it suggests the need to address diverse starting points in student knowledge and concern.
The research situates these student perceptions within broader ethical theories that shape our understanding of obligations toward animals 1 . Two philosophical approaches prove particularly relevant:
Advocates maximizing pleasure and minimizing suffering for all sentient beings, forming the basis of many contemporary ethical obligations toward animals 1 4 .
This approach is common among professionals working with animals, aiming to prevent suffering and enhance animal welfare in livestock production 1 .
Suggests avoiding animal cruelty by recognizing the harm caused, considering both animal and human interests 1 .
This perspective acknowledges the interconnectedness of human and animal well-being, particularly important in agricultural contexts where human livelihoods depend on animal production.
These ethical frameworks help explain why causing unjustified suffering, such as in entertainment involving cruelty or conditions contrary to animals' physiological and behavioral needs, is increasingly viewed as morally unacceptable across demographic groups 1 .
The perceptions uncovered in this study have real-world implications for how we educate future agricultural professionals and shape the livestock industry. Understanding agronomy students' perspectives provides the necessary foundation to improve and update study programs related to animal production systems 1 . This should be paramount in training future professionals who will manage animal welfare issues as part of their careers.
The findings suggest that animal welfare education must account for diverse student backgrounds and perspectives. As one parallel study noted, "Notions of what constitutes good animal welfare appeared to be mediated by prospective career paths" 2 . This means educators might need to tailor their approaches based on whether students are preparing for roles in veterinary services, production management, policy development, or other agricultural sectors.
| Concept/Tool | Function in Animal Welfare Research |
|---|---|
| Five Domains Model | Holistic framework assessing nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state |
| Ethical Frameworks | Provide philosophical basis for human obligations toward animals |
| Sociodemographic Analysis | Reveals how background factors shape perceptions and attitudes |
| Behavioral Observation | Primary method for practical welfare assessment in animals |
For Costa Rica specifically, this research comes at a pivotal time in the nation's relationship with animals. While famous for its wildlife protection efforts, the country has historically faced challenges in addressing domestic animal welfare 8 .
The 2017 Animal Welfare Bill represented significant progress, creating a dialogue about animal abuse and establishing a system that ensures consequences for what is now considered a criminal offense 8 .
The perceptions of Costa Rican agronomy students about animal welfare matter well beyond university classrooms. These future professionals will soon be making daily decisions that affect the lives of countless animals in production systems. How they balance ethical considerations with practical constraints will significantly influence the sustainability and humanity of our food supply.
What emerges most strongly from this research is that animal welfare cannot be reduced to a simple checklist of physical conditions. Instead, it represents a complex interplay of scientific understanding, ethical reasoning, and personal values—all shaped by individual backgrounds and experiences. As one study of undergraduate attitudes noted, students overwhelmingly defined animal welfare in terms of health, but those from rural backgrounds more often perceived 'naturalness' as important 2 .
The good news from Costa Rica is that the next generation of agricultural professionals appears to recognize the importance of animal welfare. The challenge for educators and the industry is to nurture this awareness into informed, practical expertise that can transform livestock production into a more ethical enterprise without compromising productivity.
As the researchers conclude, "It is crucial to distinguish between animal welfare and the ethical considerations arising from coexisting with sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering" 1 .