1. Utilize Tools for Continuous Improvement
Good Production Practice #10
Assuring Quality Care for Animals
Food Animal Quality Assurance
go.osu.edu/AQCA

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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