Abstract

The cornerstone of any system of livestock production is the stockpeople responsible for the welfare and productivity of the animals they work with. Nevertheless, it has been suggested that the industrialization of livestock production is breaking down the traditional relationship between stockpeople and their animals. Commercial livestock production creates a situation of structurally induced ambivalence for those working in these contexts. Besides, the scientific literature on stockpeople is limited, dispersed and specially focused on animals. Whereby, a review of current knowledge about the compatibilities, contradictions, and unresolved ethical dilemmas faced by stockpeople in their daily work and their implications on farm animals’ welfare was carried out. The topics reviewed included: Attitudes and personality; Empathy towards animals; Workplace well-being; One-health issues; and Sustainability challenges. Understanding the stockpeople emotional relationship with animals, gender, ethnicity, occupational roles, educational backgrounds, culture, and generational differences can be valuable for technicians, advisors, scientists, consultants, and owners when developing training for sustainability programs.