Perceptions of ethical practices in youth livestock shows

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the perceptions of 4-H and FFA youth and their parents of the ethical nature of practices used in livestock shows. A questionnaire was designed to determine the ethical perceptions of 23 commonly used livestock practices. A purposeful population consisted of 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors from Pennsylvania and West Virginia. A total of 109 youth and 67 adults were included in the survey. Overall the population perceived the 23 practices unethical. This study found significant differences existed between whether or not participants attended an ethics training course, gender and age. Participants that attended and ethics training course found more practices to be unethical compared to participants that did not attend an ethics training course. I would not be writing this thesis so thanks to my parents I joined 4-H. I would like to thank my brothers, Jason, Matthew and Billy for being there, helping me and making me aware of my dream. I would like to also thank my sister, Laura. Overall, my family always let me do what I wanted and that has shaped me today. Through all the 4-H experiences I realized what gave me a heartbeat and what it took to make my heart beat. Thanks to my other half, Russell. Because of his encouragement I was able to complete my Bachelor's degree and now my Master's degree. He gave me the motivation and the support from the past, present and future.