The quality of human-animal relationships on farms has a profound effect on animal welfare outcomes, with good stockmanship reducing fear and improving health across all species.
The relationship between farm animals and the people who care for them is a fundamental but often overlooked welfare determinant. Animals that fear their handlers experience chronic stress. Conversely, animals habituated to calm, positive human contact show better welfare indicators across physiological and behavioural measures. Stockmanship training is one of the most cost-effective welfare interventions available, yet it receives far less policy attention than housing or diet.