H.K. Carroll

Perceptions of equid well being in South Dakota

ABSTRACT In South Dakota, the status of equid well being is relatively unknown. This study sought to (a) gain understanding about the current perceptions of nonhuman animal well being in South Dakota, with an emphasis on horses and other equids; (b) determine the level of care equids are reportedly receiving and the perceived challenges to equine well being in South Dakota, and (c) determine if people from diverse geographical locations (east or west of the Missouri River) have similar views on the well being of equids in South Dakota. Respondents indicated the current level of equid well being in South Dakota is sufficient, but there is room for improvement. Current challenges for the equid population of South Dakota were the high annual cost of horse care, poor horsemanship, dental problems, and whether caregivers understand basic equine care. Several significant associations arose between where a respondent lives (Western or Eastern South Dakota) and their level of agreement with various statements. The results provide a benchmark to gauge well being and help give direction for future educational needs that can continue to improve equid care.

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

Today’s dairies are growing rapidly, with increasing dependence on Latino immigrant workers. This requires new educational strategies for improving milk quality and introduction to state-of-the-art dairy farming practices. It also creates knowledge gaps pertaining to the health of animals and workers, mainly due to the lack of time and language barriers. Owners, managers, and herdsmen assign training duties to more experienced employees, which may not promote “best practices” and may perpetuate bad habits. A comprehensive and periodic training program administered by qualified personnel is currently needed and will enhance the sustainability of the dairy industry. Strategic management and employee satisfaction will be achieved through proper training in the employee’s language, typically Spanish. The training needs to address not only current industry standards but also social and cultural differences. An innovative training course was developed following the same structure used by the engineering and construction industries, giving farm workers basic understanding of animal care and handling, cow comfort, and personal safety. The “Dairy Tool Box Talks” program was conducted over a 10-week period with nine sessions according to farm’s various employee work shifts. Bulk milk bacterial counts and somatic cell counts were used to evaluate milk quality on the three dairy farms participating in the program. “Dairy Tool Box Talks” resulted in a general sense of employee satisfaction, significant learning outcomes, and enthusiasm about the topics covered. We conclude this article by highlighting the importance of educational programs aimed at improving overall cross-cultural training.

Evaluating Energy Use and Conservation on Dairies in the Northern Great Plains – Outreach Efforts and Needs for Periods of Heat Stress

Abstract. In the Northern Great Plains, dairy production systems must accommodate periods of intense heat and humidity. During periods of heat stress, ventilation and cooling systems are running at full capacity. The risk of inefficient use and management of environmental control systems (lights, ventilation, cooling systems) on dairies is increased energy usage and electricity costs, but also decreased milk production. Energy conservation during periods of heat stress does not accommodate simply turning equipment off; rather, making the most of the environmental control system to provide cow comfort and see the return through improved milk production is preferred. A series of four workshops were held on dairies in South Dakota and Minnesota to illustrate the importance of and self-assessment techniques for monitoring animal comfort and environmental control system performance. Equipment and assistance were also provided to producers interested in detailed assessments of temperature distribution in their barns. Change in knowledge as a result of the workshop was assessed through a post-workshop survey that 46% of the 101 workshop contacts (including producers, equipment suppliers and industry consultants) completed. On a scale of 1 (poor), 2 (fair), 3 (good), and 4 (excellent), the average level of understanding for the topics of temperature-humidity index, behavioral signs of heat stress, production impacts of heat stress, principles of air distribution, fan performance and evaporative cooling methods increased from approximately 2.4 to 3.4. Surveys indicated participants intended to adopt heat stress monitoring, airflow pattern detection ad fan maintenance procedures where there formally were none. Through open-ended survey questions and discussion with participants, knowledge gaps and outreach needs were identified in the areas of ventilation staging for mechanically-ventilated facilities, effectiveness of isolated cooling methods (i.e. in specific locations such as the holding barn), and the cost/benefit analysis for ventilation types and components. A dairy heat stress management and energy use planning guide was also developed.