Exploring farmer and advisor lameness management behaviours using the COM-B model

Objectives

Lameness in sheep and cattle is one of the top endemic health conditions, both in the UK and further afield. Previous research has highlighted improved knowledge of best practice in relation to lameness management and treatment, yet there are several barriers to on-farm implementation of this body of knowledge. This includes in relation to farmers’ and advisors’ behaviour, and their interactions in managing and responding to lameness. Existing research has sought to apply behaviour change theory to on-farm management practices. One such framework is the Behavioural Change Wheel (BCW), which focuses around the COM-B model of behaviour, and seeks to explore the role of capability, opportunity and motivation in a given behaviour. This research uses this model to explore: 1) farmer and advisor perceptions of lameness in sheep, beef and dairy cattle systems; 2) how capability, opportunity and motivation influence lameness management practices in these systems, and; 3) how interaction between farmers and their advisors influences lameness management in these systems.

Materials and methods

Ethical approval for the research was obtained from both research institutions prior to data being collected and all participants provided consent to take part. A qualitative approach was undertaken, specifically semi-structured interviews with farmers and their advisors. All farmer participants kept one or more of dairy cattle, beef cattle and/or sheep and were based in the north of England (UK). Their advisors were based in the north of England or operated at a national level. In total 29 farmers and 21 advisors took part. Interviews took place in person (n=13) prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and either online or over the phone (n=37) after Covid-19 restrictions were imposed. [...]