# Attitudes Towards Animals and Calf Disbudding Techniques: A Mixed Methods Study Using the Animal Attitude Scale (AAS-10)

## TL;DR

This study explores public attitudes toward two calf disbudding techniques, finding that animal welfare concerns and perceived pain control strongly influence perceptions of their acceptability.

## Contribution

The study introduces a mixed methods approach to evaluate public perceptions of disbudding techniques, linking animal welfare attitudes to method acceptance.

## Key findings

- 62% of participants viewed caustic paste as more humane for disbudding calves.
- Animal welfare concern and justification for animal use were the strongest predictors of method acceptability.
- 43% of respondents reported limited knowledge about disbudding practices.

## Abstract

Calf disbudding is a routine practice in the dairy industry to prevent horn growth that later in life may compromise both human and animal safety, yet it often raises public animal welfare concerns. In this study, 511 Texas resident participants evaluated two common techniques for disbudding calves: hot iron and caustic paste, after viewing images and descriptions. This work revealed that most significant predictors of method acceptability were based on concerns for animal welfare and justification for animal use. Overall, 62% of participants perceived caustic paste as more humane, while 28% preferred hot iron when performed with proper pain control. Respondents with higher concern for animal welfare were more accepting of both methods, whereas those supportive of animal use in other contexts were less approving. A notable 43% reported limited knowledge about disbudding. The results also indicated that animal suffering, ethical concerns, and a widespread lack of public knowledge influence how consumers feel about commercial practices that have been identified by the livestock industry as necessary. This work highlights the need for public education and transparent communication from the dairy industry to foster informed opinions and trust.

Calf disbudding is a routine practice in the dairy industry to prevent horn growth and reduce the risk of injury to animals and handlers. However, growing public concern about animal welfare has raised questions about the acceptability of common disbudding methods. This study explored public perceptions of caustic paste and hot-iron disbudding using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative survey analyses captured measurable trends while iterative qualitative analysis explored the underlying reasons behind participant’s attitudes. A convenience sample with a total of 511 Texas resident participants completed a 44-item online survey that included demographic questions, the Animal Attitude Scale (AAS-10), and image-based evaluations of the two techniques. Quantitative analysis using factor analysis and multiple regression revealed that concern for animal welfare and justification for animal use were the most significant predictors (p < 0.001) of method acceptability, with caustic paste generally viewed as more humane. Qualitative responses reinforced these results, identifying themes of animal suffering, ethical concerns, and a widespread lack of public knowledge. While caustic paste was preferred, skepticism toward hot-iron disbudding was more pronounced among low-income participants. Nonetheless, when properly performed with pain control, hot-iron disbudding is often considered a more controlled and welfare-conscious method due to faster healing times and reduced risk of injury to other animals from paste exposure. These findings underscore the need for consumer education and transparent communication from the dairy industry.