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

PTSDR Training Technique   PTSDR method may be used to train others. The steps below illustrate this technique: 1. Prepare 2. Tell 3. Show 4. Do 5. Review

1. Prepare 2. Tell 3. Show 4. Do 5. Review Step 1: Prepare   Prepare to train by focusing on the objectives and outcomes Determine time constraints needed for an individual to obtain a desired skill Identify activities to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals Gather materials needed to carry out program

Step 2: Tell Address key points needed to obtain knowledge and skills 1. Prepare 2. Tell 3. Show 4. Do 5. Review Step 2: Tell   Address key points needed to obtain knowledge and skills Share information needed to complete the task EXAMPLE: if teaching a session on animal handling, discuss an animal handling brochure applicable to the animals for which the caretaker is responsible.

Step 3: Show Demonstrate how to complete a specific task 1. Prepare 2. Tell 3. Show 4. Do 5. Review Step 3: Show   Demonstrate how to complete a specific task 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. Prepare 2. Tell 3. Show 4. Do 5. Review Step 4: Do   Enable the individuals to practice what they have already been told and what has been shown to them

1. Prepare 2. Tell 3. Show 4. Do 5. Review Step 5: Review   Evaluate the individual on his or her performance of a desired task Give individual feedback and recommendations for improvement

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

Alleyways, 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 Alleyways, 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