The aim of this research was to investigate the stockmen’ s intention and behavior toward animal welfare in Sirjan Township. The sample was selected through simple random sampling. A survey of stockmen’ s (N= 144) was undertaken in Sirjan Township, Kerman province. The reliability and validity of the instrument were examined and approved, and then data was collected. The results of this study revealed that independent variables predicted nearly 0. 46 and 0. 39 variance of the stockmen’ s intentions and behavior regarding animal welfare respectively. Moreover, outcome expectation was the most important variable in predicting the stockmen’ s intentions and behavior regarding animal welfare. Finally, due to the positive effect of stockmen’ s attitude on their intention, findings suggested that, by demonstrating educational films, using posters and visiting superlative dairy farms, it was possible to improve their attitude regarding their animal welfare. According to the impact of stockmen’ s understanding of self-efficacy on achieving animal welfare, the study also suggested to simplify different aspects of animal welfare from perceptions of stockmen in order to see animal caring as easy. In this respect, Jihad-e-Keshavarzi organization and animal cooperation are two active institutes which can make this possible by providing different facilities and other possibilities for their members.

Background and objectives: Pastoralism, as a fundamental pillar of livelihood -particularly among nomadic and rural communities-plays a vital role in ensuring economic stability and nutritional security. This livelihood largely depends on rangelands and their forage resources. However, challenges related to generational succession and employment remain significant threats to the long-term sustainability of this sector. This study aims to investigate the causes underlying generational transition and assess the job satisfaction of pastoralists, with the goal of identifying effective solutions to support the continuity of pastoral activities, preserve this valuable industry, and contribute to sustainable development. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted in Khaf County, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. A researcher-designed questionnaire was developed, whose content validity was confirmed by field experts. Reliability analysis using Cronbach’s alpha yielded a coefficient of 0.80, indicating acceptable internal consistency. For data collection, cluster sampling was employed: nine rangeland units were selected from a total of 52, and questionnaires were randomly administered to members within these units. The required sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, resulting in 52 respondents. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, utilizing descriptive statistics including frequency distributions and percentages. Results: The majority of pastoralists in the study region held an elementary-level education (21.6%), and a significant proportion (43.1%) reported 30 to 40 years of pastoral experience. Livestock farming was inherited from parents in 100% of respondents’ cases. The interest of pastoralists’ children in continuing the profession ranged from moderate to high: 29.4% of respondents perceived moderate interest, while 54.9% reported high interest. Educational and extension programs provided by relevant organizations were generally assessed as weak. Nonetheless, pastoralists demonstrated a strong willingness to transmit their knowledge and experience to younger generations. Job satisfaction measures indicated an overall moderate level of satisfaction in Khaf; 45.1% of respondents expressed a positive outlook toward pastoralism, and an equal proportion were satisfied with the social status of the profession. Statistical analysis revealed a positive and significant correlation between the heritability of livestock farming and the willingness to transfer experiences to the next generation (correlation coefficient = 0.433, p < 0.05), suggesting that stronger familial inheritance is associated with a greater propensity for knowledge sharing. Furthermore, favorable societal attitudes towards livestock farming significantly influenced pastoralists’ willingness to share knowledge (correlation coefficient = 0.507, p < 0.01). Collectively, both heritability and societal perceptions play critical roles in promoting continued knowledge transfer within pastoral communities. Conclusion: Although the younger generation exhibits moderate to high interest in continuing pastoralism, insufficient infrastructure and economic challenges constitute major obstacles to sustained engagement in the profession. Therefore, strategic planning by relevant institutions should prioritize the provision of essential welfare services and the enhancement of job and income security for pastoralists. Additionally, implementing targeted training and extension programs for youth, alongside initiatives to encourage young individuals to pursue pastoral livelihoods, could further support generational continuity and the sustainable development of this sector.

Educational courses are the practical ways to improve knowledge and skills of farmers. The contents of educational courses based on real needs of participants could enhance production and improve their life quality. The purpose of this research is evaluation of educational courses that implemented for stock mans. The CIPP model was used for evaluation of context and input of those educational courses. A survey research and questionnaire was conducted. Therefore, 150 stock mans from Qaemshahr whom attended in educational courses that presented by Mazandaran Agricultural Jihad Organization, were randomly interviewed. The results indicate that the stock mans believed the necessity of the educational courses and that the courses related to cattle diseases are the most important needs for them. The respondents said that the contents of courses are easy to understand, and goals of the courses are suitable for their information and educational needs. Also, they satisfied and interested to attending these courses. They believe that length of the courses is not sufficient and must be increased. Finally, to improve courses, some recommendations have been proposed.

The area of rangelands and dependency of livestock to this resources leads to select a suitable property size which allows scientific range management based on relationship between human, rangeland and animal to achieve higher income and sustainable utilization. So the objective of the present study was determination of minimum property size for pastoralism`s family in Semnan province. Due to different grazing capacity based on ecological condition in each climate zone; various rangeland areas need to keep the same number of animal to cover living cost. In seven climatic zones of Semnan province living cost of a family with the average size of 5.4 person was 9644 thousand rials according to year 1999 economic condition. The net income of a herd with 100 sheep and for herd with 100 goats were 6288 and 4683 thousand rials respectively. So 800-1000 hectares rangeland is required to feed animal required for covering living cost of each family in arid areas. This will be 715 to 895 and 282 to 325 hectares in lowland and highland regions of dry desert areas, 370 to 465 and 571 to 715 hectares in highland and lowland of semi-arid areas, 247-310 hectares in Meditaration Zones, 255-316 hectares in semi-humid areas and 202 to 252 hectares in humid areas and 277 to 285 hectares in very humid areas for grazing period of 4 months.