Farm Animal Welfare: Consumers’ Perception Toward Different Breeds of Animals in Italy

Farm animal welfare has become a key focus in contemporary discussions on ethical food production and sustainable agriculture. Public discourse and evolving consumer attitudes reflect a growing and increasingly sophisticated awareness of animal welfare issues. This study investigates how Italian consumers evaluate the welfare of different farm animals and how such evaluations are influenced by socio-demographic factors, personal attitudes, and the level of knowledge in livestock production systems. Using survey data from 391 respondents and applying regression analysis, the study highlights significant variation in perceived welfare across species. In general, attitudinal variables are the most consistent and significant predictors of perceived animal welfare across all animal categories. Moreover, respondents with professional experience in livestock production tend to view the welfare of cattle and swine more favorably. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to align animal welfare standards with public expectations and to promote more informed, ethical consumer choices.