Calf-management practices and associations with herd-level associated morbidity and mortality on Australian dairy farms

Participant information sheet

Investigators:
Dr Angel Abuelo, BVSc, MRes, MSc(VetEd), PhD, DABVP (Dairy Practice), FHEA, MRCVS. Senior Lecturer Ruminant Health and Production
                                               Email aabuelo@csu.edu.au Ph 02 6933 4737
Dr Marta Hernandez-Jover, BVSc, MSc, PhD, MANZCVS. Senior Lecturer Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health
                                               Email mhernandez-jover@csu.edu.au   Ph 02 6933 2086
Mr Peter Havrlant, BAgSci. Dairy Development Officer
                                               Email peter.havrlant@dpi.nsw.gov.au Ph 02 6938 1806

You are invited to participate in a research study investigating current calf-management practices in dairy farms in Australia and how these impact calves’ health. Participants are required to be at least 18 years old and manage/own a dairy farm located in Australia.

The study is being conducted by Dr Angel Abuelo and Dr Marta Hernandez-Jover from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University, and Mr Peter Havrlant from NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Before you decide whether or not you wish to participate in this study, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.

What is the purpose of this study?
This study aims to investigate how dairy calves are currently managed across dairy farms in Australia and what the current level of calf diseases and associated calf mortality rate are present in Australian dairy farms to identify risk factors for calf health relevant to Australian dairy farms.

Why have I been invited to participate in this study?
For this study we are seeking the participation of dairy farmers across Australia. Please note that you may inadvertently receive notification about this questionnaire more than once. We have tried to minimise the chances of this occurring but apologise for any inconvenience should this happen. We ask that you only complete and submit the questionnaire once.

What does this study involve?
Participation in this study involves answering a short questionnaire, which should take approximately 25 minutes to complete.

Are there any risks and benefits to me in taking part in this study?
There are no identified risks associated with participating in the research

How is this study being paid for?
The project is being funded by the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, a collaborative alliance between Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Will taking part in this study (or travelling to) cost me anything, and will I be paid?
You will encounter no costs nor are there any payments associated with participating in the research. However, as an incentive for participating in the study, you will enter a draw of four Woolworth’s gift cards worth $50 each when you submit the questionnaire.

What if I don’t want to take part in this study?
Participation in this research is entirely your choice. By completing and submitting the questionnaire you are agreeing to freely volunteer to participate in this project. Whether or not you decide to participate is your decision and will not disadvantage you.

What if I participate and want to withdraw later?
You may withdraw from the project by not submitting a completed survey. By submitting the questionnaire you are indicating your agreement to participate in the project.

How will my confidentiality be protected?
Any information or personal details gathered in the course of this research are confidential and no identifying information will be used or published without your written permission.
Any information collected by the researchers which might identify you will be stored securely and only accessed by the researchers unless you consent otherwise, except as required by law. Data will be retained for at least 5 years at Charles Sturt University, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Wagga Wagga.

What will happen to the information that I give you?
It is the intention of the researchers to publish the outcomes of the study in an appropriate scientific journal. All data collected in this project will be fully anonymised and no participants or their situations will be identifiable in any publications that arise from this work.

What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before I decide?
If you would like further information please contact: Dr Angel Abuelo, Charles Sturt University, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Email: aabuelo@csu.edu.au Phone: 02 6933 4737

Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?
Charles Sturt University’s Faculty of Science Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this project. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Executive Officer.
    The Executive Officer
    Faculty of Science Minimal Risk Human Ethics Committee
    Tel: (02) 6885 7327
    Email: scienceFHEC@csu.edu.au

Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully and you will be informed of the outcome.

Thanks for taking the time to consider participating in this research.