Measuring farmers' attitude towards breeding tools: the Livestock Breeding Attitude Scale

Under-use of genetic improvement tools and low participation in breeding programmes are key drivers under-performance. Both aspects heavily influenced by farmers attitudes which, to date, have not been analysed an objective systematic manner. A factor constraining the implementation attitudinal studies towards livestock is lack a reference scale for measuring attitudes. In this research, we provide sector with such measure. We developed following standardized psychometric methodologies statistical tools. Then, as case study, used explore beef dairy sheep Australia, New Zealand Spain farmer farming system factors related those Fourteen breed associations facilitated survey 547 farmers, generating data that was evaluation. The relationship between using generalized linear models across within breeds. results suggest 8-item definitive appropriate measure found two components; i) traditional selection ii) genomic combined. This means positive phenotypic do necessarily imply negative attitude Farmer varied greatly only studied breeds, species countries, but also them. High-educated business-oriented farms tend most selection. However, could be linked these factors. Finally, raised had large effect on attitude. These findings may help evolution identifying both inclined uptake innovations early stages its establishment who would more reluctant participate programmes, thus informing where focus extension efforts.