151. CANCELLED: Student Perceptions of Animal Experiences in Beef Production After an Experiential Learning Opportunity

Abstract Demographics and backgrounds of college students pursuing animal science degrees are shifting, likely contributing to disconnects in student perceptions of animal agriculture versus industry realities. Traditional lecture-style courses deliver second-hand experience of beef production, including key aspects of animal husbandry and welfare, which may be difficult to comprehend for students who lack experience in the industry. Experiential learning, a high-impact educational practice, embedded in animal science curriculum may bridge knowledge gaps as this pedagogical approach allows students to immerse themselves in real world settings, viewing and experiencing production aspects covered in courses. The objective of this study was to assess changes in student perceptions of animal experiences in the beef cattle industry as a result of an experiential learning opportunity. Students (n = 26) from Texas State University and Texas A&M University attended a 5-d beef industry field trip to the Texas Panhandle in May 2024. Students visited cow-calf operations, feedlots, a packing plant, and allied operations, providing opportunities to experience beef production and interact with industry representatives. Identical pre- and post-tests were administered immediately before and after the field trip and responses were scored on a 5-point Likert scale where 1=Strongly disagree and 5=Strongly agree. Data were analyzed via paired sample t-tests using SPSS v.26. After the trip, students more strongly agreed that cattle in the beef industry have positive interactions with humans (P < 0.01), a painless death (P = 0.01), sufficient and comfortable area to lie down (P = 0.03), and a life worth living (P = 0.05). Students also more strongly agreed that cattle have freedom from fear and distress (P = 0.01) as well as injury and disease (P = 0.02). There were no changes in student perception of cattle in the beef industry having room to move around, the ability to choose and control their environment, freedom to express normal behaviors, freedom from hunger, or freedom from thirst (P ≥ 0.07) as a result of the trip. All statements, except “cattle in the beef industry have the ability to choose and control their own environment” had high levels of agreement (≥3.65 on a 5.0 scale) on the pre-test, indicating students generally perceived cattle to have their physiological needs met in their production environment entering the field trip. These findings indicate that experiential learning opportunities for animal science college students positively impact their perceptions of animal experiences in the beef industry. We recommend implementing experiential learning in college courses to provide students accurate and practical insights into livestock production systems, which may positively impact their perceptions of animal welfare.