Citizens’ Perception of Recent Livestock Production Systems in Germany

Abstract

In this study, we examine citizens’ perceptions of recent livestock production in Germany. Thereby, we focus against the backdrop of seven animal species-specific guidelines written by Scientific Advisory Board on Agricultural Policy, Food and Consumer Health Protection at the Federal Minis-try (WBA, 2015). We combine a qualitative study with focus group discussions about pig, cattle and poultry production systems and a quantitative online survey with factor analysis. Based upon the findings of the exploratory factor analysis, a clus-ter analysis was conducted to assign respondents to groups. The results provide an overview of citi-zens’ recent perceptions and attitudes, show differ-ences and commonalities with regard to the three main livestock production systems pig, cattle and poultry production. We sum up our qualitative results as thesis for each animal species. Further-more, we show relevant factors for respondents and divide them into clusters. We discuss these results against the background of the guidelines stated by the WBA.