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Expert views on communicating genetic technology used in agriculture
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Hendricks, Jillian; Weary, Daniel; von Keyserlingk, Marina — 2024-03-04 The aim of the current study was to describe the views of experts working in agricultural genetics regarding how best to communicate genetic technology with a broader audience (e.g., clientele, the public). We recruited 10 experts working in roles that involve communication about genetic technology in agriculture. Using semi-structured interviews, we asked participants to describe how they discuss this technology, who they discuss it with, and their thoughts on the involvement of various stakeholders in these discussions. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis and participant responses were organized into three themes: 1) Communicating and framing genetic technology, including discussing risks, benefits, and applications, distinguishing technology from other similar technologies, and engaging in value-based discussions; 2) Challenges of public communication, including misinformation and opposing opinions, conflation with older technologies, and balancing information provision; and 3) Stakeholder involvement in discussions, which included views on how different groups (e.g., activists, farmers, and scientists) should be included in discussions, and who is best suited to discuss genetic technology with the public. We conclude that leaders in agricultural genetics engage in a variety of approaches to communicate genetic technology, using different frames that they feel are likely to appeal to their audience, and differ in their opinions of who should be involved in these discussions.
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Public Attitudes to Housing Systems for Pregnant Pigs
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Ryan, Erin; Fraser, David; Weary, Daniel — 2019-02-20 Understanding concerns about the welfare of farm animals is important for the development of socially sustainable practices. This study reports findings from an online survey used to test how views on group versus stall housing for pregnant sows varied when Canadian and US participants were provided information about these systems including access to scientific papers, YouTube videos, Google images, and a frequently-asked-questions page. Results are reported in a paper under review by PLOS One. Initial responses and changes in responses after accessing the information were analyzed from Likert scores of 242 participants and from their written comments. Participants were less willing to accept the use of gestation stalls after viewing information on sow housing. Qualitative analysis of comments showed that supporters of gestation stalls expressed concern about the spread of disease and aggression between animals in less confined systems, whereas supporters of group housing placed more emphasis on the sow's ability to interact socially and perform natural behaviors. Support for both systems was also influenced by misperceptions, for example that group housing commonly contains straw bedding. The data provided give qualitative and quantitative responses to two questions regarding level of support for either housing system (before (referred to in data set as 257) and after (439) the provision of additional information), demographic data, qualitative data on unique comments authored by specific participants, as well as data on which comments participants voted on to support their position. Data is also shared regarding self-reports of which types of information participants accessed and how this affected their attitudes.
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Replication Data for: Effects of lameness definition and assessment frequency on lameness incidence estimates in dairy cattle
Borealis
Eriksson, Hanna; Daros, Ruan; von Keyserlingk, Marina; Weary, Daniel — 2019-02-04 The objectives of the manuscript for which this data was used were to evaluate how (1) lameness definition, and (2) assessment frequency, affect identification and classification (mild or severe lameness) of new lameness cases in dairy cattle. Dairy cows (n = 262) were followed from the cessation of lactation until the next calving, and locomotion was assessed weekly. Two data set are available - one including all locomotion assessments for each cow, and one with the data summarised by animal.

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(Author: Weary, Daniel)

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