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Public perception and market acceptance of pork from immunocastrates
Project
Project code: EIP-Agri-BW-2016-TVV01
Contract period: 01.01.2016
- 31.12.2019
Budget: 227,298 Euro
Purpose of research: Public relations
Keywords: animal husbandry, marketing/supply chain general
Surgical castration of boars without pain relief will be prohibited in Germany under the Protection of Animals Act after 2018. The production of entire males or immunocastrates as well as surgical castration under total anesthesia are currently discussed as alternatives. While each method has advantages and disadvantages, immunocastration seems to be the most promising alternative with regard to consumer protection and animal welfare. The acceptance of immunocastration is hampered by the fact that 1) vaccinations result in additional expenses and work for the farmers, and that 2) stakeholders within the pork production chain are concerned that the product may be refused by market and consumers due to unfounded health concerns. Thus the project aims to identify the different concerns of the various stakeholder groups about pork from immunocastrates and to develop knowledge-based communication strategies for each particular group, esp. farmers, retailers and consumers. Such a specially designed communication strategy is the prerequisite for a successful introduction of this specific product on the market.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Communication Sciences