Perceptions of livestock information credibility available through internet

Abstract

Livestock farmers use the Internet as a resource for information, with a large proportion seeking technical information (breeding, feeding and health coverage). Research indicates that veterinary professionals do not author an extensive amount of technical information available on the Internet. This creates a possibility for false information, thereby potentially leading farmers away from proper care. One way to begin addressing this problem is to assess perceptions of credibility about information found online. The results in the study area depict that, majority of the livestock owners preferred mostly to access the information through Internet in local language and from bilingual web sites. The results prove that with the current pitfalls, the respondents that availed Internet services may not be in position to prove the good image and credibility of the source. In addition, results indicate that there is a possibility of making Internet communication better and that would contribute to the building up of credibility.

Keywords: Livestock information; veterinary; Internet; farmers; India

Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2 (3) 2006: pp. 144-147