Dairy Tool Box Talks: A Comprehensive Worker Training in Dairy Farming

Biosecurity Strategies for Optimization of Calf Health in North American Beef and Dairy Operations

As the operations we serve continue to evolve, it will be essential to safeguard calf health to optimize future productivity in the beef and dairy industries. Veterinarians serve a critical role of educating producers and overseeing worker training protocols by communicating consistent messaging on the importance of biosecurity. Managing biosecurity for calves within the beef industry will always be directly impacted by the pathogen exposure from new additions to the herd, shared grazing sites, fomites, and environmental factors. Effective quarantine strategies for new cattle and contact between cattle of various ages will be crucial for protecting future calf performance.

Expert Consultation: Factors Influencing End-of-Life Decision-Making for Dairy Cattle Across the United States Supply Chain

The end-of-life (i.e., on-farm euthanasia and culling, including fitness for transport to slaughter) of a dairy cow or calf is preceded by a series of decisions often influenced by many complex factors. The aim of this study was to utilize the opinions of experts with roles in the dairy supply chain to identify factors that influence end-of-life decision-making for dairy cattle. Twenty experts serving in supporting roles in the dairy supply chain participated in a survey containing 17 open-ended questions. Of the participants, 55% (n = 11) identified as veterinarians and the remaining 45% (n = 9) participated in other segments of the dairy supply chain. Twelve themes were identified in the qualitative analysis of survey responses. The themes included: Training and Resources, Cattle Health Management, Decision-Making Criteria, Company Culture, Personal Beliefs, Human Well-Being, Animal Welfare, Economics, Guidelines and Inspections, Consumer Perceptions, Supply Chain Considerations, and Communication. Experts indicated that training programs should address euthanasia or fitness-for-transport criteria, the knowledge of common health conditions, and information about what happens to cattle after leaving the dairy. Additional influencing factors included personal beliefs, economics, company culture, and supply chain considerations.

Impact of training dairy farm personnel on milking routine compliance, udder health, and milk quality

Among various farm procedures, an appropriate milking routine is crucial for reducing mastitis and enhancing milk safety and quality. However, inadequate compliance with milking routines remains a primary factor contributing to variability of milk quality among herds. Training farm workers is essential for ensuring compliance with milking routines, which directly impacts milk quality and udder health. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of a training session on dairy farm workers' understanding of the milking routine, behavioral changes during milking, and subsequent effects on milk quality and udder health. Farm workers (n = 112) from 16 commercial dairy farms in Michigan and Ohio participated in the project. The training session was delivered using an active learning approach prioritizing group discussions, and focused on the pathogenesis, identification, and risk factors for mastitis, and the rationale and importance of each step in the milking routine. Pre- and post-training evaluations were conducted to measure changes in knowledge, parlor evaluations were performed to determine behavioral change, and data from clinical mastitis cases and bulk tank somatic cell count were used to estimate udder health and milk quality. Segmented and linear mixed regression analyses were used to assess the impact of the training intervention. Participants were mostly milking technicians (61.1%) with 70% of them having less than 1 year of experience and a median tenure in their jobs of 9 mo. Knowledge of the milking routine increased from 49.3% to 67.6% of correct answers after training. Based on parlor evaluations, the pre-milking disinfectant contact time increased by 9 s per cow. The percentage of milkings with inadequate preparation time decreased from 69% (before training) to 48% (after training). The proportion of insufficient teat coverage during post-milking disinfection decreased from 9.8% (77 out of 782) before training to 5.9% (34 out of 572) after training. There was a significant increase in clinical mastitis cases during the immediate week after the training. Additionally, the upward trend in bulk tank somatic cell count was halted. Our results suggest an improvement in overall mastitis identification and milk quality, underscoring the importance of targeted training programs for farm workers in improving milking routine compliance, enhancing milk quality, and promoting better udder health.

Developing a model to promote caretaker confidence and communication in treatment decisions for dairy cattle through case studies

The significant role of dairy caretakers in maintaining animal welfare on dairy farms emphasizes the necessity of appropriate training and education to ensure the implementation of practices that promote good animal welfare. This study explored the potential of case-based learning as a novel approach to training for dairy caretakers by investigating dairy caretakers' perspectives on case study discussions. Additionally, this study sought to understand thoughts and feelings of caretakers during case study discussions to help identify information that caretakers use to evaluate cases and make decisions. Two case studies were developed and presented to participants, and thematic analysis of case study discussion transcripts was performed. Pre- and post-training questionnaires for 21 caretakers (n = 21) were summarized. The study found that caretaker reactions to case studies were generally positive. Thematic analysis revealed that caretakers use previous knowledge to make treatment decisions for cattle, and valued discussion with coworkers. The results of this study suggest the need for further investigation into the use of case studies and other activities that provide opportunities for critical thinking as training opportunities on dairy farms.

Dairy workers' attitudes toward dairy cattle euthanasia

Implementing timely and humane euthanasia in dairy farms remains a critical concern. One of the possible barriers for the implementation of timely euthanasia on-farm is dairy workers' attitudes toward the act. The objectives of this study were to investigate dairy workers' attitudes toward dairy cattle euthanasia and their association to individuals' demographic characteristics. A total of 81 workers from 30 dairy farms (ranging in size from less than 500 to more than 3,000 cows) participated in the survey and most participants were caretakers (n = 45; 55.6%) or farm managers (n = 16; 19.8%), with an average work experience of 14.8 years. Dairy workers' attitudes toward dairy cattle (empathy affect, empathy attribution, and negative attitudes about cattle), working environment (relying on others, perceived time constraints) and euthanasia decision-making (feeling comfortable with euthanasia, feeling confident, seeking knowledge, using different sources to obtain advice, having negative attitudes about euthanasia, having insufficient knowledge, having trouble deciding when to euthanize and avoiding if possible) were identified and used for cluster analyses. Cluster analyses identified 3 distinct clusters: (1) confident but uncomfortable with euthanasia (n = 40); (2) confident and comfortable with euthanasia (n = 32); and (3) unconfident, lacking knowledge and detached from cattle (n = 9). Dairy workers' demographic characteristics (age, sex, race and ethnicity, dairy experience, role on-farm, farm size, and previous euthanasia experience) were used as predictors for the risk factor analyses. The risk analysis demonstrated that there were no predictors for cluster 1, but White workers (P = 0.04) and caretakers that had previous euthanasia experience tended to be more likely to be members of cluster 2 (P = 0.07) whereas respondents that worked in farms with 501-1,000 cows were more likely to be grouped in cluster 3. This study provides vital information about variability in dairy workers' attitudes toward dairy euthanasia as well as its association with race and ethnicity, farm size, and previous euthanasia experience. This information can be used to implement appropriate training and euthanasia protocols to increase both human and dairy cattle welfare on-farm.

Antimicrobial stewardship on the dairy: Evaluating an on-farm framework for training farmworkers

Dairy farmworkers are commonly responsible for disease diagnosis and routine treatment decisions for cattle. This highlights the importance of farmworkers' knowledge and skills to successfully implement judicious use of antimicrobials in livestock production systems. The main objectives of this project were to develop and evaluate an on-farm educational program for farmworkers in antimicrobial stewardship in adult dairy cattle. A longitudinal quasi-experimental study design was used, by enrolling 12 conventional dairy farms in the United States (6 in California and 6 in Ohio). Farmworkers responsible for treatment decisions on the farm (n = 25) participated in a didactic and hands-on 12-wk antimicrobial stewardship training program led by the investigators. All antimicrobial stewardship training materials were available in Spanish and English. Interactive short videos with audio were developed to cover the learning objectives for each of the 6 teaching modules: antimicrobial resistance, treatment protocols, visual identification of sick animals, clinical mastitis, puerperal metritis, and lameness. Pre- and post-training assessments were administered using an online training assessment tool to evaluate changes in knowledge and attitudes about antimicrobial stewardship practices. Cluster analysis and multiple correspondence analyses were conducted to evaluate the association among categorical variables for participants' level of change in knowledge and its association with language, farm size, and state. A 32% average increase in knowledge was observed through an assessment conducted after completing the antimicrobial stewardship training, compared with the pre-training assessment. A significant improvement in 7 of 13 attitude questions related to antimicrobial stewardship practices on the farm was observed. Knowledge and attitude scores of participants on antimicrobial stewardship and identification of sick animals significantly improved after completing the antimicrobial stewardship training. The results observed in this study support the relevance of antimicrobial stewardship training programs targeting farmworkers to improve antimicrobial drug use knowledge and skills.

Perspectives of dairy employees at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of health risks and educational needs

Our objective was to understand dairy employees' perceptions and educational needs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bilingual (English and Spanish), anonymous survey targeted at dairy employees was circulated nationwide via university and allied industry media outlets. Responses (n = 63) from 11 states were received (May-Sep. 2020). Respondents worked in herds ranging from 50 to 40,000 animals in size. Dairy managers (33%) responded mostly to the English survey (52%), whereas entry-level workers (67%) chose the Spanish format (76%). Survey results highlighted different perspectives, educational needs, and preferred sources of information between English- and Spanish-speaking dairy workers. Overall, 83% of the respondents were somewhat concerned or very concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (51%) indicated that their main concern was "to bring the virus from work to home and make my family sick." Most dairy employees (83%) perceived that their employers were somewhat or very concerned about the pandemic. Respondents (65%) indicated that COVID-19 informative training was provided at the workplace, but training was more frequently undertaken among dairy managers (86%) than entry-level workers (53%). Most trainings (72%) were limited to posters on walls. The preferred means of information delivery was through in-person meetings at work (35%), with YouTube (29%) and on-demand videos (27%) as second and third options. The main source of information regarding the pandemic was social media (52%). Frequent handwashing (81%), limiting on-farm visits (70%), limiting agglomeration in break rooms (65%), hand sanitizer use (60%), and social distancing (60%) were the most common safety measures implemented at the workplace among the options given to respondents. Few respondents (38%) indicated that face-covering was required at work. Successful emergency plans on dairies should consider the outreach needs and preferences of dairy workers.

Predictors of Dairy Worker Pre-Test and Post-Test Performance on a Dairy Safety Knowledge Test: Impact of Education Level and Native Language

BACKGROUND

Efficacy-driven assessments of linguistically appropriate occupational health and safety training (OHS) for dairy workers remain uncommon. This study analyzes predictors of performance on a dairy safety knowledge test using pre-and-post knowledge assessments. The safety training course was delivered by iPad™ to Idahoan dairy workers, managers, and owners.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the predictors of safety knowledge scores among dairy worker course participants.

METHODS

Predictors of pre-test (baseline) scores and change in test scores of n = 1,336 participants were compared, and multivariate iterative linear regressions were used to predict test performance, adjusting for variables such as occupation, years of formal education, native language, and years in dairy work.

RESULTS

Test scores for Spanish and English speakers improved between pre-test and post-test. Years of formal education was the most predictive variable of higher baseline scores and change in test scores among dairy safety course participants, regardless of language.

CONCLUSION

Dairy worker safety training course results showed improvements in safety knowledge and test scores. Years of formal education of participants appears to be a key determinant of increases in safety knowledge, and therefore safety training programs need to address the learning needs of less educated workers.

Dairy farm worker milking equipment training with an E-learning system

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Milking equipment malfunctions, which milkers could detect, are common on dairy farms.

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Our results reaffirm the lack of communication between managers and employees, which restate the necessity to state objectives and goals on every training.

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Practical logistics of on-farm training are a limiting factor, so the use of online training is a reasonable alternative for dairy farms, increasing employees' confidence by providing more detailed training content.

In many farms, the logistics of on-farm training are a limiting factor due to communication challenges in the workplace (i.e., cultural differences, language barriers, impaired listening skills) and limited access to industry professionals. The use of E-learning systems may help to improve communication and can be sensitive to cultural challenges. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify how many of the high-priority problems in the milking parlor relate to milker training in the areas of milking equipment and milking routine, (2) design and test an E-learning training system for dairy farm milkers related to milking equipment, and (3) gain feedback targeted to improve subsequent E-learning training modules. An interactive online training course on basic checks of the milking equipment was developed with a cloud-based authoring software. A total of 95 dairy farm workers on 15 commercial dairy farms in northern New York State (USA) were trained and participated in the study. Milk quality professionals performed an initial evaluation of 3 main areas: equipment analysis, milker assessment, and cow assessment. The 3 most important risk factors for mastitis were summarized for each farm. A training event was scheduled with milkers guided by a bilingual (English and Spanish) professional in milk quality. Over 50% of the farms (8/15) had one or more of the top 3 priorities involving problems with milking equipment, which milkers could have detected and reported to management. All participants completed the module, 95% stated that they felt capable of checking the equipment before milking, and 86% felt more confident in reporting equipment problems to the manager after having taken the course. There were also differences between managers' and milkers' statements on how and whether milking equipment training was offered or not on the farm. This can be explained due to the lack of or secondary to poor communication between managers and employees on training objectives and goals on the farm. Our results also show that milking equipment issues which milkers could detect and report are common on dairy farms and reinforces the need for additional milker training in this area.

Understanding the Awareness, Knowledge, and Opinion of Dairy Cattle Welfare among Dairy Farmers in Keningau, Sabah

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and opinions about DCW among dairy cattle farmers in Keningau, Sabah. A questionnaire was developed, validated, and administered by hand to 30 farmers. The data collected include farmers' and farm demographics, and opinions regarding the criteria and indicators of DCW. Only 17 respondents (57%) had heard of "dairy cattle welfare" before this study. Nine farmers (30.0%) had poor knowledge about DCW criteria, whereas 13 (43.7%) and 8 (26.7%) farmers had satisfactory and good knowledge, respectively. Farmers with higher education, larger herd size, high production level, and exotic cattle breeds showed a better understanding. Farmers understood most of the indicators; however, opinions regarding cattle behavior during milking, their physical appearance and their lying down behaviour need to be improved. Nevertheless, 28 respondents ranked their animals' welfare as either good or satisfactory, which further reflects a poor implementation of DCW measures. The main factors suggested by farmers to influence DCW in their herds were facilities, worker issues, management practices, and animal well-being. In conclusion, guidance from veterinarians and animal welfare specialists may be needed to improve the farmers' understanding and practices of DCW.

Identifying Safety Training Resource Needs in the Cattle Feeding Industry in the Midwestern United States

Cattle feedyards are a high-risk environment. They are characterized by high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses. As such, there is a clear need to address the health and safety of cattle feedyard workers. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore safety training practices and preferences in the cattle feeding industry. A survey of feedyard managers, feedyard safety trainers, and feedyard operators was conducted (n = 28). We found that only half of respondents had dedicated safety personnel; however, there was interest in a safety training program, conducted through short hands-on and in-person methods with materials available in English and Spanish. The majority of participants were also interested in a feedyard safety certification program. Participants reaffirmed the importance of partnering with industry and other stakeholders when conducting these types of programs. The results of this Phase 1-type translational research study will be used to guide the development of feedyard safety trainings and a corresponding recognition program for feedyards and feedyard workers as part of the “Improving Safety and Health of Cattle Feedyard Workers” project.

A Preliminary Analysis of Immigrant Cattle Feedyard Worker Perspectives on Job-Related Safety Training

Immigrants comprise a large percentage of the agricultural labor force in the United States. They are a vulnerable worker population and often have fewer occupational and social protections. Latino immigrant cattle feedyard workers (N = 68; 59 men; mean age = 38.7 years) in the central Midwest reported on their perceptions and preferences for job-related safety training and practices. Preliminary findings indicate that approximately 40% of workers reported that they had not received any health or safety training from their current employer, and only about 13% had ever participated in any Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety training program. In-person training, videos, or shadowing another worker were the most frequent methods of safety training reported by those who had received training. More than 90% were interested in receiving more information about health and safety related to their job. Workers preferred that safety information be provided through in-person training at the job site, videos (particularly those accessible through media sources such as YouTube), and written materials. Specific topics that workers were interested in obtaining more information about included zoonoses, low-stress cattle handling, injury prevention, hazard and injury reporting, chemical and equipment safety, and teamwork. Furthermore, a majority of participants preferred to receive information in Spanish. Results may help guide the development of future materials and training strategies to better suit the needs of the growing immigrant workforce in production agriculture.