MANAGEMENT PRACTICE AND ATTITUDES OF BROILER FARMERS TOWARDS ANIMAL WELFARE IN IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, IBADAN, OYO STATE

This study examined the management practices and attitudes of broiler farmers toward animal welfare in Ido Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State. The research was driven by the need to assess the extent of awareness, the degree of compliance with welfare-related practices, and the support systems required to improve broiler welfare in local production systems. The specific objectives were to assess the farmers’ awareness of animal welfare guidelines, evaluate the influence of their attitudes on implementation, and determine whether animal welfare is perceived as a cost burden or a productive investment. A structured questionnaire was administered to randomly selected broiler farmers within Ido Local Government. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, management practices, awareness levels, and perceived needs for animal welfare support. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and means were used to summarize the data, and results were presented in tabular format for clarity. Findings showed that 90.7% of the respondents were aware of animal welfare, largely through training workshops, the internet, and extension agents. Despite this high awareness, only 18% had knowledge of formal animal welfare standards, such as those provided by international or national bodies. Farm management practices varied across key welfare indicators: while most farmers consistently adjusted ventilation and treated sick birds, lower compliance was observed in areas such as waste disposal, adequate spacing, and recordkeeping. Attitudinally, many farmers demonstrated a positive disposition toward animal welfare but expressed limitations related to technical knowledge and economic constraints. Farmers identified access to veterinary services (14.7%), better infrastructure (12.0%), financial aid (11.3%), and targeted training (9.3%) as key support mechanisms for improving welfare practices. Many also emphasized the need for integrated, multi-sectoral support systems combining policy, training, and financial assistance. In conclusion, although there is a strong foundational awareness and willingness among broiler farmers to engage in welfare practices, the implementation remains hindered by infrastructural, economic, and knowledge-related barriers. The study recommends coordinated efforts to expand extension services, subsidize infrastructure upgrades, develop local welfare policies, and institutionalize farmer-led training. Such interventions will not only enhance broiler welfare but also support more ethical, sustainable, and productive poultry systems in the region. Keywords: Animal welfare, Broiler farmers, Management practices, Awareness, Attitudes, Poultry production, Ido Local Government, Oyo State, Veterinary services, Sustainable farming.