Standardized performance analysis

This article covers the methodology used for calculating reproduction and production performance for the Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) reports. Computation, limitations, and interpretations of each measurement are discussed.

NCA-IRM desk record

Cost of production will remain the primary focus for the cattle industry for years to come. Having accurate detailed records to generate this information will improve the decision-making process for managers. Certainly, the statement "if you do not measure it, you cannot manage it" will be more evident in the future. Providing good tools to record the measurements will be important to the industry. The IRM will continue to work to fill this need.

Fatal farm injuries: a five-year study utilizing a unique surveillance approach to investigate the concordance of reporting between two data sources

The agricultural industry has been ranked among the most hazardous. Yet, it has been alleged that occupational injuries and fatalities are seriously underreported. Access to quality agricultural injury data poses a special problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the concordance of reporting of fatal agricultural injuries between death certificate data and the Newspaper Clipping Service data in the state of Minnesota, utilizing a surveillance system developed by the University of Minnesota. Between September 1, 1981, and August 31, 1986, a total of 350 agricultural fatalities were identified in Minnesota; 82% were identified through death certificate data and 67% through the Newspaper Clipping Service. Differences in reporting between the two data sources were noted for gender, age, injury type, anatomical site, source, mechanism of injury, and multiple versus single injury. If only death certificates had been utilized, 18% of the fatalities would have been missed. Although it is apparent that death certificate data have an advantage over the Newspaper Clipping Service data for fatality reporting of specific variables, this study revealed that death certificate surveillance alone will miss mortality data and detection of certain potential risk factors. Suggestions for improving surveillance of agricultural fatalities are identified. However, until relevant changes are made, it will be essential to use a combination of data sources that include the Newspaper Clipping Service to identify agricultural injury fatalities accurately.

Injury mortality among Iowa farmers, 1980-1988: comparison of PMR and SMR approaches

State and provincial proportional mortality studies in the United States and Canada have found increased ratios of overall injury mortality among farmers, including occupational injuries and other unintentional injuries, such as those from motor vehicle crashes and fires, as well as suicides. In contrast, Scandinavian standardized mortality (morbidity) studies have found no increase in the injury fatality or morbidity ratios of farmers in comparison with the rest of the population. This study reviews the injury mortality of Iowa farmers for the years 1980-1988. Among white male farmers, we found an increased proportional mortality ratio for all injuries of 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.31). In part, this was a result of the increased proportional mortality ratio for at-work injuries of 3.77 (95% CI 3.35-4.24), but there were also elevated proportional mortality ratios for such nonoccupational injuries as suicides, 1.20 (95% CI 1.09-1.32), motor vehicle crashes, 1.23 (95% CI 1.12-1.34), and electrocutions, 1.78 (95% CI 1.08-2.95). For younger farmers aged 20-64 years, we calculated standardized mortality ratios as well. The standardized mortality ratios were generally within 10% of the proportional mortality ratios, which suggests that the differences between North America and Scandinavia are not the result of methodological differences, but are more likely related to differences in environmental exposures and safety practices.

[The effect of the multiyear agricultural use of animal husbandry wastes on the infectious morbidity of the local population]

The report presents results of study of relationship between the longterm practice of utilization of waste matter from livestock industry (solid, liquid portions of manure, redundant active silt) in the crop-growing of the steppe, forest-steppe zones as well as of those of woodlands in Ukraine, on the incidence of acute infective diseases of the intestine in the community. The soil of farm lands was found out to be affected by an extensive bacterial contamination due to the above wastes being utilized on a wide scale. The degrees of risk of acute intestinal infection morbility in population areas located in those zones having utilization fields, are significantly higher than beyond their bounderies. Significant direct relationship between the size of the utilization fields and the incidence of acute intestinal infection in the community was established.

Work-related fatalities in the agricultural production and services sectors, 1980-1989

A total of 6,727 workers died of work-related injuries in the agricultural production and agricultural services sectors between 1980 and 1989, as established by data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system. The agricultural production sector accounted for the higher fatality rate (22.9 deaths per 100,000 workers), due largely to deaths caused by machinery and motor vehicles. The leading cause of death in the agricultural services sector was being struck by falling objects, primarily trees. Fatality rates were highest in the East South Central United States and lowest in the New England states. Blacks had the highest fatality rate (26.4 deaths per 100,000 workers) while workers other than white or black had the lowest rate (18.9 per 100,000 workers). Males were at higher risk of death than females, with the 65 years of age and older male group having the highest rate (60.5 deaths per 100,000 workers). Males 16-24 years of age exhibited the largest decrease in their average annual fatality rate during the 10-year period, down to 7.2 from 20.6 deaths per 100,000 workers. Possible reasons for this decrease are suggested.

Survey of exposure to violence among the children of migrant and seasonal farm workers

Numerous children of migrant and seasonal farm workers live in rural areas of our country. The lifestyles and living conditions of farm workers place the children of these families at high risk for many health problems. However, few studies have focused on the emotional and behavioral well-being of these children. This study extends past research by examining the emotional and behavioral health of the children of farm workers in relation to a potentially risky environmental exposure, namely, exposure to violence. In this descriptive study, the extent of violence exposure, including being a witness to and a victim of violence, is examined among 8-11-year-old children of migrant and seasonal farm workers. Potential relationships between sociodemographic factors and violence exposure are examined, and associations between violence exposure and children's emotional and behavioral problems, and weapon carrying behavior are investigated. The results show that more than half of the study children had been exposed to violence, with 46 percent having witnessed violence among others and 19 percent having been the direct victims of violence. There was a fair degree of overlap between having witnessed violence and having been a victim of violence; 13 percent of all study children both witnessed and had been victims of violence, 33 percent only had witnessed violence, and 6 percent only had been victims of violence. Violence exposure was positively related to children's emotional problems, behavioral problems, and weapon carrying behavior. Compared to non exposed children, violence exposed children were eight times more likely to evidence internalizing problems, were six times more likely to evidence externalizing problems, and were four times more likely to carry weapons (specifically, knives or guns).These findings suggest that there is a need for further research on this high-risk population, as well as the need to develop and implement innovative public health interventions for rural children.

PMR study of mortality among Alabama workers and farmers

Computerized records of all Alabama deaths occurring to persons 16 years of age and over for the 5-year period 1984-1988 were obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Using proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) methodology and death certificate occupation, cause-specific mortality patterns were examined for all Alabama decedents (N = 182,178), for all Alabama workers (N = 125,369), and for the occupational group of "farm operators and managers" (N = 11,691). In comparison with the U.S. general population, little difference was found between cause-specific PMR results for the total Alabama population and those for all workers, suggesting the absence of a generalized "healthy worker effect." In comparison with the U.S. population, PMR results for farmers suggested lowered mortality from all malignant neoplasms and all heart disease, and elevated mortality from all external causes of death. In comparison with the Alabama population, PMR results for farmers continued to suggest lowered mortality from all malignant neoplasms, specifically for cancers of the respiratory, digestive and lymphopoietic systems. However, significantly elevated PMRs for external causes of death appeared only among nonwhite female farmers. Further investigation of these deaths suggested that this finding was more likely attributable to an increased risk of housefire deaths associated with rural lifestyle than with occupational factors.

Hyperendemicity of diarrhea in a valley area, Asir Region, southwestern Saudi Arabia

A random sample of 781 subjects living around a valley in Shebaa area, southwestern Saudi Arabia, and 1284 subjects from the rest of Shebaa, along with a sample of 1095 from a nearby urban community in Abha city have been studied following a notification of a suggestive increase of diarrhea in the valley. This was to determine whether the prevalence of diarrhea was high in the valley and to formulate hypotheses about possible implicated factors. The family head was interviewed about episodes of diarrhea among family members during the 2-week period preceding the interview, about source of drinking water, and about some demographic variables. Observations were made and data were collected on presence and frequency of flies in the house, methods of excreta and refuse disposal, valley and wells water, and the nearby agricultural farms. The 2-week diarrhea episode rate per subject was significantly (p<0.0001) highest in the valley (0.20), was 0.09 in the rest of Shebaa, and was lowest in the urban community area. (0.05). The rate decreased by age (p<0.001) and increased by frequency of flies in the house (p<0.0001), particularly in the valley. Drinking only from the desalinated water was associated with diarrhea episode rate of 0.12 as compared to 0.05 for drinking only from bottled water or from any other combination of sources (p<0.01). The valley and wells water was grossly polluted and was regularly used for irrigating and washing fresh fruits and vegetables from nearby farms. Hypotheses for the factors possibly contributing to this hyperendemicity of diarrhea in the valley include inadequate excreta and refuse disposal, contamination of the valley and wells water, contamination of the desalinated water during transportation or storage and abundance of flies.

Body mass index defines the risk of seasonal energy stress in the Third World

A method has been devised to quantify the effect of seasonal environmental stress on nutritional well-being and to estimate the proportion of Third World populations at risk of functional deterioration. An Index of Agro-Climatic Seasonality, IACS--a measure of potential agricultural biomass availability--has been developed from agro-climatic data. IACS was found to be highly correlated with the seasonal weight loss of adults in rural Third World communities. This relationship was then used to predict the existence and severity of seasonal energy stress incurred by the adult population of Third World countries at any given body mass index (BMI). The average weight loss recorded in all seasonality studies was calculated; this value was used to specify, in combination with BMI, a condition of moderate seasonal energy stress. This grade of energy stress involved a loss of about 2% fat-free mass. The risk of greater energy stress, with larger losses of lean tissue, was specified as severe when predicted weight changes exceeded the maximum losses of weight recorded--at any given BMI--in Third World rural communities. The global dimensions of seasonality were then calculated by enumerating the individuals who--by the combined criteria of the BMI and the IACS of the habitat--fell into the categories of moderate and severe seasonality risk. On this basis, 65% of the rural adult population in the Third World run the risk of at least moderate seasonal energy stress, while 45% fall into the severe stress category. Of these 25% qualify as true seasonal 'casualties' because their body weight loss shifts their BMI from the normal range of nutritional status into the category of chronic energy deficiency.

Cancer and noncancer risk to women in agriculture and pest control: the Agricultural Health Study

The Agricultural Health Study is a collaborative effort involving the National Cancer Institute, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. A goal of this investigation is to establish a large cohort of men and women that can be followed prospectively for 10 years or more to evaluate the role of agricultural exposures in the development of cancer, neurologic disease, reproductive difficulties, childhood developmental problems, and other chronic diseases. The study also will provide an opportunity to assess the role that diet, cooking methods, and other lifestyle factors have on the cause of cancer and other diseases. The cohort will be composed of approximately 112,000 adult study subjects, including 42,000 women, making this one of the largest cohorts of women ever assembled for an epidemiologic investigation of environmental and occupational exposures. Children of farm families also will be enrolled. The study will be conducted in Iowa and North Carolina. Enrollment will begin in December 1993 and continue for 3 years.

Sustaining nutrition security in Africa under changing socio-economic condition

The adoption and implementation of the structural adjustment programme (SAP) in the 1980's by many African countries as a strategy for economic recovery has increased the magnitude of hunger and protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency and anaemia. In addition population growth rate has continued to outstrip the food supply at a time when real income value has fallen, thereby diminishing further the access of the poor to nutritious food. Even though Africa's present food supply situation is inadequate and in some cases unsustainable it is reassuring to note that Africa can feed itself provided the potential of doing so is mobilized and sustained. This paper proposes and highlights strategies for the development of a nutrition strategy and nutrition education programmes with emphasis on nutrition programmes which benefit the vulnerables. The paper further proposes that specific policies should be targeted at the poor while instituting food subsidies schemes for those who are most at risk nutritionally.

Farm accidents involving power take-off devices

Primary prevention represents the optimum method of virtually abolishing the factors that lead to this injury scenario. Cooperative effort is required on the part of manufacturers, health education authorities and the user. The present situation is unsatisfactory.

Pregnancy wastage in two tribal communities (Gujars and Bazigars) of Punjab, India

The present report is an attempt to secure adequate data about pregnancy wastage in Gujar and Bazigar females of Punjab. Gujars in general are primarily cattle breeders and shepherds but Gujars of Punjab are farmers, too. In Punjab they mostly occupy the submountainous regions and riverline lowlands. Bazigar is a persian word meaning "he who does Bazi" or any sort of game or play but it is applied only to jugglers and acrobats. Bazigars are a gypsy tribe of vagrant habits. Most of them are now settled in the vicinity of large villages or towns. Analysis of reproductive histories of 250 Gujar females and 360 Bazigar females reveals that in the maternal age group 25-29 years, mothers experienced the least number of abortions and stillbirths. However, beyond this, the risk of pregnancy wastage increases with age. An overall rate of pregnancy wastage is 140.55 and 130.09 per 1000 pregnancies among Gujars and Bazigars of Punjab, respectively.

[An analysis of traumatism with fatal outcome in the agricultural industry]

The authors state a high rate of mortality due to accidents in agroindustrial production, with the maximum death rate observed in construction. Accidents with lethal outcomes most frequently occurred due to causes of a private nature and violation of regulations. Men become victims of such accidents 23 times more frequently than women. Alcoholic intoxication of the victim was a frequent cause of death, responsible for 41.2% of lethal outcomes. Transport means were the immediate cause of occupational injuries with a lethal outcome in 57.7% of cases, other frequent causes were drowning and electric current exposure. Mechanical traumas with multiple injuries and injuries to the head predominated in the structure of lethal outcomes.

A study of the relationship of rice cultivation and annual parasite incidence of malaria in India

Twenty one year data (1963-1983) of 25 states/UTs of India on area under rice cultivation and annual parasite incidence was analysed using correlation and regression analysis to evaluate the relationship of irrigated area under rice cultivation and the statewise annual parasite incidence of malaria. In 23 states either the correlation is negative or non-significant whereas in Punjab and Nagaland significant positive correlation is observed. Study showed that in India at the macro level (i.e. data pooled at the state level both for rice cultivation and (API) rice cultivation by and large had poor relationship to API.

Change of occupation and retirement among Swedish farmers and farm workers in relation to those in other occupations. A study of "elimination" from farming during the period 1970-1988

A number of studies carried out in different countries have shown that farmers have a low morbidity and mortality in comparison to those in other occupations. However, this has been questioned on the basis that some type of selective process may be operating, in that persons having health problems will avoid farming, or are forced to leave farming for other occupations. To determine the occurrence of a so-called 'healthy worker effect', this postal survey of 'elimination' from farming and farming-associated occupations has been carried out. A total of 1283 male farmers and 334 male farm workers born in 1935 and active in Sweden in 1970 were taken as the study group. As controls, a similar number of occupationally active men of the same age and living in the same municipalities were randomly chosen. The results showed that farmers changed occupation or retired early less often than those in other occupations did, whereas more farm workers changed occupation and retired than did other workers of the same age. Among the different reasons given for work change/retirement, low income/poor earning capacity was more common among the farmers and farm workers than among the controls. Illness was less common among farmers but tended to be more common among farm workers as cause of work change. Few farmers changed their occupation because they were offered other work, in comparison to those in other occupations. Allergic disease more often led to an occupation change among farmers, while they less often gave cardiac disease and locomotor problems as a reason for change of occupation, this was probably also true for the farm workers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Use of prostaglandin products by dairy cattle owners, beef cattle owners, and veterinarians

Questionnaires regarding the use of prostaglandin F2 alpha and its analogues (hereafter referred to as PG) were sent to 332 Alabama beef cattle owners and to 279 Alabama dairy cattle owners after attempting to contact them by telephone to request their participation in the survey. Questionnaires concerning the use of PG in their clients' herds were likewise sent to 147 food animal and mixed animal practitioners in Alabama after attempting telephone contact. Response among beef cattle owners, dairy cattle owners, and veterinarians to whom questionnaires were mailed was 64.5, 61.6, and 75.5%, respectively. Only 7.4% (13 of 175) of respondent beef cattle owners reported use of PG in their herds, and this use was predominantly for artificial insemination and embryo transfer. In contrast, 66.5% (109 of 164) of respondent dairy cattle owners reported use of PG, generally with satisfactory results, for some of the following conditions: unobserved estrus (n = 77), uterine infections (n = 74), retained placenta (n = 65), cystic ovaries (n = 56), estrus synchronization (n = 45), and induction of parturition (n = 13). Although 94.9% of respondent veterinarians treated cattle with PG, those attending beef herds thought that more important strategies were available for improvement of beef cattle productivity than increased use of PG. Among these strategies were shorter calving seasons, improved nutrition, better record keeping, more frequent herd health visits, improved animal identification, and increased use of bull breeding soundness examinations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The health problems associated with irrigation with wastewater in Mexico]

Over 85,000 hectares in the Mezquital Valley of central Mexico are irrigated with wastewater. The main crops are fodder and cereal crops. A two cross-sectional survey was carried out to test the impact of exposure to raw wastewater and from storage of that wastewater in reservoirs. The main outcomes were diarrhoeal disease and parasitic infections in farmworkers and their families. The total study population in the dry season included 2,049 households. The study population was classified in households where the farmworker is exposed to untreated wastewater (exposed group), households exposed to reservoir water (semi-exposed group), and households where the farmworker practices rain-fed agriculture (control group). Preliminary analysis of the data has been carried out. Current information indicates that the risk of Ascaris lumbricoides infection is much higher in the exposed group than in the control group (95% CL = 4.0-67.3 and 4.7-78.8). According to the procedures employed, exposed children from exposed households were at higher risks of diarrhoeal disease than controls (95% CL = 1.03-2.03). The final results of this study are expected to aid decisions within the reuse programmes in developing countries.