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Tags: agricultural sciences, animal science, chore chart, chore charts, cooperative extension, current protocols, delegation, heinrichs, henning, jud, labor management, management system, pennsylvania state university, sops, supervision, timely manner, tozer, university park, university park pa,Pages: 9
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Created: Thursday, July 29, 1999 4:10:32 PM
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College of Agricultural Sciences · Cooperative Extension
Labor Management
for Heifer Rearing
Peter Tozer, Trent Schriefer, and Jud Heinrichs
Department of Dairy and Animal Science
The Pennsylvania State University
324 Henning Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-5491 · FAX (814) 865-7442
www.das.psu.edu/teamdairy/
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Topics Include:
Introduction
Chore chart for a labor management system
Summary of chore charts
___________________________________________________________________________________
DAS 99-13 IVE2d
INTRODUCTION
Good labor management is a key to There are four basic points to keep in
the success of the modern dairy mind when managing labor and ensuring
business. Labor management includes that SOPs are being followed. The first
the delegation of tasks, the supervision step is to meet with the employees and
of employees, and the completion of discuss how current protocols are being
tasks in an orderly and timely manner. In implemented. This can help to determine
addition, employees should be aware of if employees are following the SOPs, if
the consequences when there are lapses they have been trained properly or if the
in management and when tasks are done SOPs need to be updated.
incorrectly. A second point for SOPs that deal
When a manager delegates with everyday tasks is to list events step
responsibilities to employees, it implies by step. It is often the small details that
that the manager knows their skills and are assumed to be known which create
knows the standard operating procedures the major problems. A third recom-
(SOP) for the particular job. SOPs are mendation is that SOPs be written in the
important to maintaining a safe working most simplistic language so there are no
environment as well as optimizing misunderstandings on how, when, and
animal performance. It is unrealistic to where tasks should be preformed.
expect an employee who does not Lastly, all employees should be
possess the necessary skills or is poorly aware of the SOPs and they should be
trained to do a job correctly. posted in highly visible areas. This helps
Performing a task properly can be new employees as well as part-time help
defined by following the proper SOP for to perform tasks correctly.
the job being conducted. SOPs are SOPs should allow tasks to be
written procedures on how a particular completed in a timely and consistant
job is to be completed. Having this manner everyday. This can assist the
information in writing minimizes manager in making efficient use of all
miscommunications between the resources available, not only labor
employer, manager, and employees.
CHORE CHART FOR A LABOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
To ensure that managers and only. Its intention is to help employers
employees alike understand their duties and managers think of new and better
and responsibilities it is a good idea to ways to enhance the current labor
develop a chore assignment or management system. However, it
accountability system. A simple chore should be noted that an attempt was
chart idea has been developed to use made to model this after a typical
with each of the four logical dairy Pennsylvania dairy farm that is raising
heifer-growing periods. This chart is replacement heifers.
designed as an example of one farm
DAS 99-13 Labor management for heifer rearing 1
CHORE CHART, CONT.
In the spreadsheets, the frequency of for the task. A well-trained employee is
the chores is specified. The other factors one who the owner or manager believes
specified will vary and depend on the can do the task satisfactorily without
unique situation of each farm business. direct supervision or very limited
The outcomes and consequences are also supervision.
given as examples and will vary across
Time
individual businesses.
An approximation of the time to do
Chore
the task specified.
Chores will be self-explanatory in
Labor cost
most cases. The personnel and general
management chore for the owner or The cost of the time taken to do the
manager is to set aside time for task specified, based on the time taken
managing and training employees. It and the cost of the labor of the person
should also include an allowance for the doing the task.
owner or manager to undertake training
Responsibility factor (RF)
or self-education workshops as well.
(1 lowest 5 highest)
Examples of continuing education
include attending extension or industry The responsibility factor is a
workshops and farm visits. Time should measure of the importance of doing the
be allotted for reading journals, task correctly and in a timely manner. A
newspapers, magazines, or conducting high responsibility factor implies that the
Internet searches for information to consequences of not doing the task
improve the overall efficiency of the correctly can be extremely costly to the
dairy business. dairy farmer.
Daily, weekly or monthly Outcome
This is the number of occasions per The result of completing the task
time period that a particular chore should correctly or at the right time.
be done.
Consequence
Personnel
The result of carrying out the job
The person who should do a incorrectly or not at the right time.
particular job or is primarily responsible
DAS 99-13 Labor management for heifer rearing 2
SUMMARY OF CHORE CHARTS
Calves from birth to weaning
Daily tasks related to feeding are the The other tasks are important, yet not
most frequently required tasks for this as critical to the day-to-day health and
age group, however the tasks of feed well being of the calves. The other tasks
preparation and equipment sanitation must be done occasionally as noted in
have the highest responsibility factor. order to maintain a controlled calf
They require a well-trained employee or raising operation.
the owner or manager handles these The degree of record keeping and
tasks. These items also have the highest personnel or general management will
potential consequence if they are done vary greatly with the size of operation
improperly. Health checks are also high and individual goals of the farm owner.
priority tasks and have great conse- Therefore, the time related to these tasks
quences in both time and economic loss. are not given.
Heifers from weaning age to 6 months
In this age group, proper feed success of the farm enterprise and
preparation, regular health checks, and animal well being.
personnel or general management are the Part of this record keeping is to
most important factors to accomplish. monitor the growth of the animals. This
Other than feeding and repairs (when should include weight (scale or heart
necessary), the other factors related to girth tape) and height of the heifer
this age of heifers are more flexible as to (wither height or hip height). These
when they are accomplished. Thus these monitors encompass a variety of items,
animals can serve as a time buffer for but they are most directly related to feed
some of the rest of the farm operation. quality, ration balance, and general
Record keeping however is of high health program.
relative importance and is critical to the
Heifers from 6 months of age to breeding
Tasks, relative importance, followed important. Long term poor animal
by outcomes and consequences are husbandry practices are of great
similar to the previous age group. Some consequence and management is still of
of the daily tasks are of slightly less top relative importance.
relative importance as the immediate During this time period heat
nature of the consequences is not as detection and breeding become factors
great. For example, if a ration is not of top importance. Time spent involved
accurately prepared on one day, the in these aspects can have a tremendous
consequence is trivial. If not prepared impact on overall heifer rearing costs
correctly for a week, it could be relative to herd average age at calving.
DAS 99-13 Labor management for heifer rearing 3
SUMMARY OF CHORE CHARTS
Heifers from breeding age to prefreshening
Similar to the previous heifer group, Management must have some degree
as heifers get older and larger, the day- of quality control to maintain proper and
to-day relative importance is less critical consistent growth rates in a cost-
to the outcome, however chronic weekly effective manner.
or monthly problems are important.
Making a custom chore chart
Some tasks and chores can be done animals as the feeding is being done.
in conjunction with each other, The calf feeder may need some training
providing the person doing the chore has to be able to identify animals that may
the training. An example of this is the be unwell or symptoms that indicate an
person responsible for feeding calves animal is unwell and can report to the
can also check the health of these person responsible for health checks.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with
the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Legislature. T. R. Alter, Director of Cooperative Extension,
The Pennsylvania State University.
DAS 99-13 Labor management for heifer rearing 4
SUMMARY OF CHORE CHARTS, CONT.
Calves from birth to weaning
Chore Daily Weekly Monthly Personnel time labor RF Outcome Consequence
FEEDING cost ($)
Mixing/Prep. 2X owner/manager 20 min minimal 5 properly mixed replacer poor nutrition
well trained employee maintained equipment scours
attention to inventory poor growth
reduced health costs disease transfer
less scours vet costs
wasted product
Sterilizing/Sanitation 2X owner/manager 15 min minimal 5 maintained equipment disease transfer
well trained employee clean equipment scours
reduced health costs reduced growth
less scours
Feeding 2X trained employee 2 min/hd 0.23/hd 3 properly feed calves underfed calves
well trained employee observed health status poor health
observed intake slow growth
observed growth poor environment
observed bedding vet costs
Inventory 1X owner/manager 20 min/wk 2 always stocked run out of product
well trained employee maintain product quality expensive substitute
cost effective products
CLEANING/BEDDING 1X 1X trained employee 1.5 min/hd 0.18/hd 2 clean environment unhealthy animals
healthy animals vet costs
maintained facilities maintenance costs
poor appearance
HEALTH CHECKS 1X 1X owner/manager 0.5 min/hd 0.06/hd 5 identify problems early unhealthy animals
scours well trained employee reduced vet costs costly problems
pneumonia healthy animals poor long term growth
general appearance labor cost treating sick animals
vaccinations
WEIGHT/GROWTH 1X well trained employee 3 determine calf growth unknown average gain
CHECKS identify health problems economic loss
identify poor doers
identify ration problems
develop workable animals
RECORD KEEPING 1X owner/manager 4 better management decisions poor decision-making
inventory well trained employee improved problem-solving loss of financial control
growth records better financial control management problems
health records better animal monitoring
employee records
facility records
REPAIRS & 1X 1X 1X owner/manager 3 well maintained facility poor facility
MAINTENANCE all employees pride in work environment poor working conditions
safe working environment high employee turn-over
safe for animals unsafe environment
maintain value loss of property value
PERSONNEL/GENERAL owner/manager 4 properly trained employees untrained employees
MANAGEMENT 1X 1X 1X all employees increased working knowledge chores done incorrectly
training team work environment large financial loss
advertising pride unproductive wages paid
communications attend workshops,seminars unsafe employees
better,smoother operation high employee turn-over
coordinated work efforts duplication of work efforts
management problems
DAS 99-13 Labor management for heifer rearing 5
SUMMARY OF CHORE CHARTS, CONT.
Heifers from weaning age to 6 months
Chore Daily Weekly Monthly Personnel time labor RF Outcome Consequence
FEEDING cost ($)
Mixing/Prep. 1X owner/manager 20-30min 3.5 5 attention to ingredients poor nutrition
well trained employee maintained equipment poor growth
attention to inventory disease transfer
reduced health costs vet costs
attention to forage quality wasted product
attention to biosecurity
Feeding 2X owner/manager 1.5min/hd 0.23/hd 3 properly feed heifers inconsistently fed heifers
trained employee timely feed heifers poor health
observed health status slow growth
observed intake too rapid growth
observed bedding condition poor environment
continual inventory check vet costs
wasted product
Inventory 1X owner/manager 10 min 2 always stocked run out of product
well trained employee maintain product quality expensive substitute used
cost effective time lost looking
CLEANING/BEDDING 1X 1X trained employee 1 min/hd 3 clean environment unhealthy animals
healthy animals vet costs
maintained facilities maintenance costs
pleasant work environment poor appearance
WALK THROUGH 1X 1X owner/manager 5 identify problems early unhealthy animals
HEALTH CHECKS reduced vet costs costly problems
general appearance healthy animals slow growing animals
vaccinations reduced production
WEIGHT/GROWTH 1X owner/manager 3 determine heifer growth unidentified poor doers
CHECKS well trained employee identify health problems economic loss
identify poor doers unworkable animals
develop workable animals
RECORD KEEPING 1X owner/manager 4 stay current poor decision-making
inventory well trained employee better management decisions loss of financial control
growth records improved problem-solving management problems
health records better financial control
employee records better animal monitoring
facility records ration quality control
feed/forage sampling
REPAIRS & 1X 1X 1X owner/manager all well maintained facility poor facility
MAINTENANCE all employees pride in work environment poor working conditions
safe working environment high employee turn-over
safe for animals unsafe environment
maintain value loss of property value
PERSONNEL/GENERAL owner/manager 5 properly trained employees untrained employees
MANAGEMENT 1X 1X 1X all employees increased working knowledge chores done incorrectly
training team work environment large financial loss
advertising pride unproductive wages paid
communications attend workshops,seminars unsafe employees
better,smoother operation high employee turn-over
coordinated work efforts duplication of work efforts
management problems
DAS 99-13 Labor management for heifer rearing 6
SUMMARY OF CHORE CHARTS, CONT.
Heifers from 6 months of age to breeding
Chore Daily Weekly Monthly Personnel time labor RF Outcome Consequence
FEEDING cost ($)
Mixing/Prep. 1X owner/manager 20-30min 3.5 4 attention to ingredients poor nutrition
well trained employee maintained equipment poor growth
attention to inventory disease transfer
reduced health costs vet costs
attention to forage quality wasted product
attention to biosecurity inconsistent feed quality
Feeding 1 or 2X trained employee 1 min/hd 0.23/hd 3 properly feed heifers underfed heifers
timely feed heifers overfed heifers
observed health status inconsistently fed heifers
observed intake poor health
observed bedding condition slow growth
continual inventory check poor environment
vet costs
wasted product
Inventory 1X owner/manager 10 min 2 always stocked run out of product
maintain product quality expensive substitute used
cost effective time lost looking
CLEANING/BEDDING 1X 1X trained employee .5 min/hd 3 clean environment unhealthy animals
healthy animals vet costs
maintained facilities maintenance costs
pleasant work environment poor appearance
WALK THROUGH 1X 1X owner/manager 4 identify problems early unhealthy animals
HEALTH CHECKS well trained employee reduced vet costs costly problems
general appearance healthy animals poor long term doers
vaccinations personal knowledge of reduced production
animal
WEIGHT/GROWTH 1X owner/manager 3 determine calf growth unidentified poor doers
CHECKS well trained employee determine feeding rate economic loss
body condition scoring identify health problems
identify poor doers
identify poor quality rations
REPRODUCTION owner/manager 5 bred animals open heifers
heat checks well trained employee calving schedule unscheduled calving
breeding early bred animals late freshing heifers
pregnancy checks efficient use of animals feeding open animals
RECORD KEEPING 1X owner/manager 4 stay current out of touch
inventory well trained employee better management decisions poor decision-making
growth records improved problem-solving loss of financial control
health records better financial control management problems
employee records better animal monitoring
facility records ration quality control
reproduction records
feed/forage sampling
REPAIRS & 1X 1X 1X owner/manager all well maintained facility poor facility
MAINTENANCE all employees pride in work environment poor working conditions
safe working environment high employee turn-over
safe for animals unsafe environment
maintain value loss of property value
PERSONNEL/GENERAL 1X 1X 1X owner/manager 5 properly trained employees untrained employees
MANAGEMENT all employees increased working knowledge chores done incorrectly
training team work environment large financial loss
advertising pride unproductive wages paid
communications attend workshops,seminars unsafe employees
better,smoother operation high employee turn-over
coordinated work efforts duplication of work efforts
management problems
DAS 99-13 Labor management for heifer rearing 7
SUMMARY OF CHORE CHARTS, CONT.
Heifers from breeding age to prefreshening
Chore Daily Weekly Monthly Personnel time labor RF Outcome Consequence
FEEDING cost ($)
Mixing/Prep. 1X owner/manager 20-30min 3.5 5 attention to ingredients poor nutrition
well trained employee maintained equipment poor growth
attention to inventory disease transfer
reduced health costs vet costs
attention to forage quality wasted product
attention to biosecurity inconsistent feed quality
Feeding 1 or 2X trained employee 1 min/hd 0.23/hd 3 properly feed heifers underfed heifers
timely feed heifers overfed heifers
observed health status inconsistently fed heifers
observed intake poor health
monitored growth slow growth
observed bedding condition poor environment
continual inventory check vet costs
wasted product
Inventory 1X owner/manager 20min/wk 2 always stocked run out of product
well trained employee maintain product quality expensive substitute used
cost effective time lost looking
CLEANING/BEDDING 1X 1X trained employee .5 min/hd 3 clean environment unhealthy animals
healthy animals vet costs
maintained facilities maintenance costs
pleasant work environment poor appearance
WALK THROUGH 1X 1X owner/manager 4 identify problems early unhealthy animals
HEALTH CHECKS well trained employee reduced vet costs costly problems
general appearance healthy animals poor long term doers
vaccinations personal knowledge of reduced production
animal
WEIGHT/GROWTH 1X owner/manager 3 determine heifer growth unidentified poor doers
CHECKS well trained employee determine feeding rate economic loss
body condition scoring identify health problems unworkable animals
identify poor doers fat animals
identify poor quality rations
develop workable animals
catch over-conditioned
animals
RECORD KEEPING 1X owner/manager 4 better management decisions poor decision-making
inventory well trained employee improved problem-solving loss of financial control
growth records better financial control management problems
health records better animal monitoring
employee records ration quality control
facility records
feed/forage sampling
REPAIRS & 1X 1X 1X owner/manager all well maintained facility poor facility
MAINTENANCE all employees pride in work environment poor working conditions
safe working environment high employee turn-over
safe for animals unsafe environment
maintain value loss of property value
PERSONNEL/GENERAL owner/manager 5 properly trained employees untrained employees
MANAGEMENT 1X 1X 1X all employees increased working knowledge chores done incorrectly
training team work environment large financial loss
advertising pride unproductive wages paid
communications attend workshops,seminars unsafe employees
better,smoother operation high employee turn-over
coordinated work efforts duplication of work efforts
management problems
DAS 99-13 Labor management for heifer rearing 8