The objective of this research was to assess the perception of agricultural science undergraduate students from Brazilian institutions on dairy farm sustainability indicators. The total number of survey respondents was 351. Undergraduate students from public institutions rated technical and environmental indicators as the most important. Students who had had previous contact with rural production gave lower scores (lower importance) to environmental indicators and higher scores (higher importance) to economic and technical indicators. Agricultural engineering students attributed lower importance (scores) to environmental indicators than agronomic engineering and veterinary medicine students. On the basis of these findings, the authors conclude that the plurality of students' perceptions on dairy farm sustainability indicators is mainly related to concrete on-farm experiences, differences in syllabus between agricultural science courses, and the public or private nature of the educational system.
TopIntroduction
Brazilian dairy farming, as well as other production sectors, has faced several challenges and criticisms in relation to technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects. Specifically, concerns have arisen about the need to preserve natural resources, minimize environmental impacts, optimize production, increase efficiency and economic viability, improve quality of life and working conditions, meet human needs, and supply food to the population without compromising future generations (Oudshoorn et al., 2012; WCED, 1987). For this, the importance of promoting production in a sustainable manner is increasingly recognized (Herrero et al., 2015; Olde et al., 2016).
Efficient development of livestock production necessitates a systemic and multidisciplinary approach. A systemic view allows to understand the interrelation between elements and factors involved in dairy production. From this perspective, the dairy farm is analyzed as a system composed of a set of interrelated activities and operations for the production of goods (milk, animals, and others) from specific resources (feed, animals, and others), which are influenced by internal and external factors (Batalha & Silva, 2010).
Dairy production can be analyzed by using groups of indicators. Indicators are of utmost importance for systemic analysis of the current situation of production systems and for the development of actions aimed at production sustainability (Gaudino et al., 2014; Lebacq et al., 2013; Olde et al., 2017; Bánkuti et al., 2020).
The development and use of indicators should take into account the dynamic and social context of production systems, with participation of the community associated with the activity. By examining the community's perspective of indicators, it is possible to determine whether these variables hold meaning and utility for those involved, thereby providing valuable insight for sustainability assessment (King et al., 2000; Marandure et al., 2017; Munyaneza et al., 2019; Okumah et al., 2018). Understanding the perception of professionals on indicators is essential for the adoption of such indicators in the field. Participation of the actors involved in dairy farming enables efficient planning, increases the probability of successful implementation of actions and strategies, and disseminates knowledge on the activity (Almeida et al., 2017).
Few studies have been conducted to investigate which indicators professionals and in-training individuals linked to dairy farming (i.e., researchers, professors, students, technicians, farmers, and stakeholders) deem important for sustainability assessment (Bélanger et al., 2012, 2015; Meul et al., 2008; Munyaneza et al., 2019; Van Calker et al., 2005). Silva and Gameiro (2022) analyzed the perceptions of Brazilian professionals, such as researchers, professors, advisers, farmers, and others, about the importance of using indicators. The purpose of their research was to examine the views of individuals with experience in dairy farming. However, there is a need for studies assessing the perception of future professionals, that is, students in the field of Agricultural Sciences (Agronomic Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences, and the like).
The level of knowledge and perception of individuals on indicators can influence the adoption and diffusion of assessment methods. Understanding students' views on dairy farm sustainability assessment may guide the implementation of lectures, subjects, and even courses to fill potential knowledge gaps. Thus, educational institutions and organizations will be able to introduce sustainable practices into their routines and create professionals who are equipped with the knowledge to produce milk in a more sustainable manner.