ohio state university extension utilize tools for continuous improvement good production practice...

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Utilize Tools for Continuous Improvement

Good Production Practice #10

Assuring Quality Care for Animals

Food Animal Quality Assurance

go.osu.edu/AQCA


Utilize Tools for Continuous Improvement

• Foundation of Youth Quality Assurance program

• All new animal caretakers must be trained in their duties, whether caring for one or 100+ animals


Utilize Tools for Continuous Improvement• Conduct site assessments on a regular basis to

benchmark animal care practices and measure well-being

• Three core areas to evaluate when measuring and benchmarking:

• Records • Facilities• Animal observations


Training Animal Caretakers

• All caretakers, regardless of age, should be engaged in training and education

• Training programs vital to understand and implement the Good Production Practices (GPPs) for promoting food safety while improving animal production efficiency

• Essential for caretakers’ safety and assuring humane care of animals that will not jeopardize the safety of the food product


1. Prepare 2. Tell 3. Show 4. Do 5. Review

PTSDR Training Technique

• PTSDR method may be used to train others. The steps below illustrate this technique:


1. Prepare to train by focusing on the objectives and outcomes

2. Determine time constraints needed for an individual to obtain a desired skill

3. Identify activities to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals

4. Gather materials needed to carry out program


Step 1: Prepare


1. Address key points needed to obtain knowledge and skills

2. Share information needed to complete the task


Step 2: Tell

EXAMPLE: if teaching a session on animal handling, discuss an animal handling brochure applicable to the animals for which the caretaker is responsible.


1. Demonstrate how to complete a specific task


Step 3: Show

EXAMPLE: demonstrate how to properly handle or move animals for which the caretaker is responsible. This may take place in the barn with the animals.


1. Enable the individuals to practice what they have already been told and what has been shown to them


Step 4: Do


1. Evaluate the individual on his or her performance of a desired task

2. Give individual feedback and recommendations for improvement


Step 5: Review


Documentation of Training

• Regardless of the program for caretakers - formal or informal training - document that they have had training

• Training records should include:• Names of trainees and trainers

• Topics covered

• Date of training


Conducting Animal Well-Being

Assessments• Conduct site assessments on a regular basis to benchmark animal care practices and measure the animals’ well-being

• Be aware of animals’ well-being every day• This will help detect changes in environment that

could negatively affect your animals


Well-Being Assessments

• Check for the following items during well-being assessments:

• Water

• Feed

• Facilities, barns, pens, lots, cages

• Aisle-ways, loading chutes

• Animal observation


Water

• Clean, cool water available at least twice daily and in a quantity sufficient to fully satisfy the animals, if not provided free choice

• Where there are several animals in a pen, should be enough waterers or a large enough watering source to decrease competition


Feed

• Adequate amounts should be available to the animals, based on daily feeding schedule

• Kept in a safe and secure area to maintain cleanliness

• Record on a calendar all changes in feed


Facilities, Barns, Pens, Lots, Cages

• Review facilities, barns, pens and cages for objects protruding from fences, gates, and walls that could cause cuts, bruises, or skin lesions

• Look for broken boards, slats, and other flooring that could contribute to lameness or other injuries


Aisle-Ways, Loading Chutes

• Remove or repair:• Sharp, protruding, or otherwise injurious items

• Broken or missing cleats

• Inspect moving parts such as cables, pulleys and hinges regularly and maintain as necessary

• Aisle-ways, ramps, chutes should be kept free of potential distractions


Animal Observation

• Animals should have enough space to move around and lay freely

• Evaluate environment to ensure temperature and air quality are correct for specific production phase

• Observe animals:• For signs of sickness or injury• Sleeping, eating, and drinking


Site Assessments

• Useful resource when developing and implementing a corrective action plan

• Discuss results of site assessments to develop and implement an action plan for problem areas

• File documentation of assessments and corrective actions for future review and comparison


Develop and Implement an Action Plan

• Develop and implement a corrective action plan after conducting a site assessment

• Documents actions that have been or will be taken to correct the issue(s) identified


Develop and Implement an Action Plan

• Demonstrates the exhibitor’s commitment to continuous improvement to the industry, industry partners, customers, and general public

• Involve veterinarian, 4-H and FFA advisors to provide ideas or advice on how an issue may be corrected or who to connect with for help