Original scientific paper

Opinions of veterinary students regarding the welfare of miniature pet pigs

Marijana Čarapović
Mario Ostović orcid.org/0000-0002-0253-0000 ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Sven Menčik ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Sabolek ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Aneta Piplica ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Željka Mesić ; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the opinions of veterinary students in Croatia regarding the welfare of miniature pet pigs. Students of all years of the integrated undergraduate and graduate studies at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, participated in the study, with first-year students answering the survey questionnaire twice, before and after the course on animal welfare. This yielded overall response rates of 88% (n=596) and 87% (n=589), respectively. Students’ opinions were assessed by calculating the mean responses to particular statements according to a five-point Likert scale. Study results showed that students considered miniature pigs capable of thinking and having emotions. Students also considered biological functioning, emotional states and the ability to express natural behaviour to be important for the welfare of miniature pet pigs. However, they found their welfare compromised and were not sure whether miniature pigs were acceptable as pets, and whether their owners were sufficiently informed about them and their needs before purchasing. It may be concluded that Croatian veterinary students have positive opinions regarding the welfare of miniature pet pigs. The study results also suggest that education had a positive impact on their opinions.

Keywords

survey questionnaire; veterinary students; Croatia; miniature pigs; pet animals; animal welfare

Hrčak ID:

250461

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/250461

Publication date:

13.11.2020.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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