Knowledge, attitude, and implementation of animal welfare among duck farmers in West Kalimantan, Indonesia: The role of farmers' characteristics.

Background: Animal welfare (AW) encompasses all matters relating to the physical and mental conditions of animals based on their natural behaviors. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the AW status of duck farms (local laying ducks and Muscovy ducks) across three regencies in West Kalimantan Province: Bengkayang, Sambas, and Sanggau. Methods: A purposive sampling technique was applied, with 49 farmers as respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and observations. Non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Goodman and Kruskal's Gamma) were used due to the ordinal nature and non-normal distribution of variables. Results: Farmers' knowledge of AW was moderate (58.98 ± 11.07), with education showing a strong positive correlation with knowledge (Gamma = 0.576, p <; 0.01). Knowledge was also strongly associated with attitude (Gamma = 0.764, p = 0.011), but not with implementation (Gamma = 0.130, p = 0.622). Neither age nor farming experience had a significant effect on knowledge, attitude, or implementation. These findings indicate that while education enhances awareness and attitudes, structural and economic barriers may limit the translation of knowledge into practice. Conclusion: Farmers in West Kalimantan should enhance duck farming to meet AW requirements. Additional information and training on good farming practices are required to strengthen implementation.