Publikationsdatenbank

Optimization of work processes on dairy farms considering calf management (2020)

Art

Hochschulschrift

Autor

Hesse, Anne (WE 19)

Quelle

Berlin: Mensch und Buch Verlag Berlin, 2020 — 72 Seiten

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://refubium.fu-berlin.de/handle/fub188/28202

Kontakt

Tierklinik für Fortpflanzung

Königsweg 65
Haus 27
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 62618
fortpflanzungsklinik@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

The objectives of this thesis were 1) to gain insight into the organization of work processes and employee training on German dairy farms, 2) to identify the most important challenges in SOP implementation and 3) to determine if online microlearning courses were beneficial for teaching dairy personnel to successfully perform tasks related to dairy calf health. The German dairy industry is undergoing a trend towards larger farms with more employees and a higher percentage of non-family labor. Farm owners and herdspersons need to expand their management skills towards managing work force and ensuring quality employee performance. To gain insight into the organization of work processes and employee training on German dairy farms, farmers were invited to complete a comprehensive questionnaire that consisted of 16 questions and 9 statements focusing on general farm data; the generation, implementation, and handling of SOP; and assessment of challenges in handling work processes on the farm. A total of 248 questionnaires was included into the analysis. Categorizing farms based on cow numbers 23% of the farms were small (up to 100 cows; mean ± SE = 75.4 ± 2.7), 52% were medium (101–500 cows; mean ± SE = 265.8 ± 10.4), and 23% were large (>500 cows; mean ± SE = 935.9 ± 55.9), respectively. The majority of respondents (82%) indicated that SOP existed on their farm. Farm size had a significant influence on the existence of SOP, such that medium and large farms were 2.11 (95% CI = 1.04–4.29; P = 0.039) and 5.63 (95% CI = 1.78–17.83; P = 0.003) times more likely to have SOP than small farms. Standard operating procedures most frequently existed for feeding (73%), milking (73%), calf handling (64%), and management of fresh cows (54%). Interestingly, merely half of the respondents (54%) stated that their SOP were available in writing and on 48% of the farms, the employees did not have free access to the SOP at all times. Whether the SOP were written down depended on farm size (P = 0.002) such that medium and large farms were 2.08 times (95% CI = 1.08–4.03; P = 0.030) and 7.24 times (95% CI = 3.21–16.32; P < 0.001) more likely to write down their SOP, respectively, compared to small farms. Almost all respondents (98%) saw the need for improving certain areas on their farm and 66% percent of the participants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that various employees handled the same tasks differently. Consistent work performance, monitoring of work processes and improvement of animal health were considered potential benefits of SOP by 86%, 49% and 39% of the respondents, respectively. However, many farmers lacked the time (41%) or ability (42%) to create SOP to provide the employees with detailed instructions on how to perform a specific task. The majority of respondents (59%) were interested in using ready-made SOP that could be adjusted to their farm. The objective of the second study was to determine whether an SOP embedded into an online microlearning course was accessed by dairy personnel and whether it could improve selfestimated performance of tasks related to dairy calf health. Our working hypothesis was that such microlearning courses were effective at creating feelings of confidence and accuracy in work performance. Three online microlearning courses addressing colostrum management as a fundamental basis of dairy calf health (i.e., tube feeding colostrum, bottle feeding colostrum, measuring colostrum quality) were developed with a cloud-based authoring software (Gomo Learning, Brighton, UK). The courses were accessible online and could be accessed at any time and repeatedly. A 12-item survey form was embedded into each course that provided data on course perception and feedback. Two questions covered the time of course completion (i.e., whether the course was accessed during work or leisure time). Learner experiences such as access, page visits, total time spent, completion, and quiz scores were observed with the learning management system (Gomo Learning). Quantitative data were collected with 5-point Likert scales and reported as frequencies and percentages. For all 3 courses (i.e. tube feeding colostrum, bottle feeding colostrum, measuring colostrum quality) combined, 243 invitations were mailed out and 117 participants (48%) launched the courses. The SOP represented one part within the course and was accessed by almost all participants (i.e., 92, 90, and 96% in the first, second, and third course, respectively). Overall, 59% (22/37) launched the course in their leisure time and 80% stated that they were convinced to work more accurately after having taken the course. Most employees underestimated the time spent in the course (76%), accessed background information (89%), or provided feedback (55%). These observations are indicative of high engagement. Overall, 78% of employees felt more confident in correct task completion after the training. After the second and third courses, 76 and 83% of participants, respectively, strongly agreed that repetition of such knowledge was worthwhile. Overall, the 3 courses were rated as very good or good by 89% of the participants. The participants were eager to gain knowledge and were willing to use their leisure time for their training. The high level of motivation was substantiated by the underestimation of the time spent on the courses. Clearly, the courses were effective at creating a feeling of confidence and accuracy in work performance, as most people were convinced to work more accurately after having taken the courses. Overall, the results of this thesis show that there is a need for standardization of work processes on German dairy farms. Farmers oftentimes lack the time and know-how of SOP implementation and they appreciate the allocation of ready-made SOP and background information. This poses an opportunity for veterinarians and consultants to support the farmers and improve employee management and work processes on the farm.