The objectives of this study were to identify caretakers’ perceptions and stressors related to performing on-farm euthanasia as well as potential ideas for intervention strategies to alleviate negative effects of performing euthanasia on caretaker well-being. Additionally, we aimed to determine how euthanasia methods, procedures, and training correlate with dairy caretakers’ attitudes toward performing on-farm euthanasia and their job satisfaction and sense of well-being. Thirty-eight dairy caretakers (19 workers, 15 supervisors, 3 owners, 1 veterinarian) participated in focus groups or interviews conducted and recorded on five Northern Colorado dairies. Thematic analysis of focus group and interview transcripts revealed seven recurring themes. Variation in available training and euthanasia protocols among dairy farms was evident. There was a lack of awareness regarding available mental health resources and little communication between farm personnel about euthanasia-related stress. Training was correlated with caretaker knowledge about euthanasia procedures and the language used to refer to euthanasia. Human-animal bonds and empathy toward animals were evident in participants regardless of training, job position, or dairy experience. Interventions such as training programs, mental health resources, and other support systems should be tested for effectiveness in addressing euthanasia-related stressors, improving euthanasia decision-making and practice, and increasing animal wellbeing on dairy farms.

中文翻译：

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乳业看守者认为安乐死是其工作的重要组成部分

这项研究的目的是确定护理人员与实施农场安乐死相关的观念和压力源，以及减轻实施安乐死对看护人幸福的负面影响的干预策略的潜在思路。此外，我们的目标是确定安乐死的方法，程序和培训如何与奶牛看护者对执行农场安乐死的态度以及他们的工作满意度和幸福感相关联。38名乳业护理人员（19名工人，15名主管，3名所有者，1名兽医）参加了焦点小组或访谈，并记录了北科罗拉多州5家奶牛场的情况。对焦点小组和访谈记录的主题分析揭示了七个重复主题。奶牛场中可用培训和安乐死方案的差异很明显。缺乏对可用精神卫生资源的认识，农场工作人员之间几乎没有关于安乐死相关压力的交流。培训与看管人有关安乐死程序的知识以及用于指称安乐死的语言相关。无论培训，工作岗位或牛奶店工作经验如何，参与者之间的动物与动物之间的联系和同情心都很明显。应测试诸如培训计划，精神卫生资源和其他支持系统之类的干预措施的有效性，以解决与安乐死相关的压力源，改善安乐死的决策和实践，以及增加奶牛场的动物福祉。培训与看管人有关安乐死程序的知识以及用于指称安乐死的语言相关。无论培训，工作岗位或牛奶店工作经验如何，参与者之间的动物与动物之间的联系和同情心都很明显。应测试诸如培训计划，精神卫生资源和其他支持系统之类的干预措施的有效性，以解决与安乐死相关的压力源，改善安乐死的决策和实践，以及增加奶牛场的动物福祉。培训与看管人有关安乐死程序的知识以及用于指称安乐死的语言相关。无论培训，工作岗位或牛奶店工作经验如何，参与者之间的动物与动物之间的联系和同情心都很明显。应测试诸如培训计划，精神卫生资源和其他支持系统之类的干预措施的有效性，以解决与安乐死相关的压力源，改善安乐死的决策和实践，以及增加奶牛场的动物福祉。