35.068 dairy cattle production and management

1. 35.068 Dairy Cattle Production and Management

3. Working Safely With Dairy Cattle Dairy cattle are generally more nervous than other animals Use a gentle approach to avoid startling them When moved to the milking stalls allow them to adapt to the new environment before the operation

4. Safely Approach to Cattle Large animals can see at wide angles But there is a blind spot any movement in this area makes the animal uneasy and nervous Announce your approach touching the animal�s front or side Most large animals will kick in an arch beginning toward the front and moving toward the back Avoid this kicking region when approaching the animal

5. Separate Cattle Safely A large cow weights 1500 lbs It�s not a good idea to separate it manually They may run you over It is safer to use proper handling facilities Use a chute that has minimal distractions

6. Leave Yourself An Out If you are inside a handling facility or milking lane Leave a way to get out Avoid entering a small enclosed area with large animals Use it only if equipped with an easily accessed mangate

7. Be Careful Around Sick /Hurt Animals Protect yourself from any animal borne disease Undulant fever Tetanus Rabies wear personal protective equipment or clothing practice good hygiene wash your hands and face after handling animals

8. Practice Good House Keeping Keep the work area clean and free of debris Eliminate any sharp corners in walkways Ensure that all latches and levers cannot fly open easily Clean concrete floors and ramps regularly prevents slips and trips Store properly out of the way pitch forks and other sharp tools

9. Maintain Even Lighting Shadows mixed with light spots inside handling facilities Increase the animal�s fear tension

10. Safety with Livestock About a quarter of all accidents on the farm are livestock related 1/3 result in serious injury lengthy hospital stay or death Serious accidents occur when: crushing against walls and fittings in buildings particularly by bulls or cows at calving time loading animals onto trailers or releasing trapped animals goring bulls in fields

11. Farm injuries sustained by livestock

12. Cattle PsychologyHow cattle sense and reacts to the world around them

13. 1. Sense of Sight Cattle have a wide angle view and a narrow blind spot behind them everything appears bent and distorted Example: a fence post that look straight to us, appears curved to cattle Cattle will balk when approaching bright sunlight or shadows a shadow on the ground, appears like a big hole Cattle don�t like quick movements hands clapping, arms waving to move cattle tarp blowing in the wind spook the animals

14. 2. Sense of Hearing Noise is very stressful to cattle cattle are disturbed by loud, abrupt noises new to them gate slamming, telephone ring, crack of a whip, bleeding of a hydraulic line 3. Sense of Smell Cattle have an excellent sense of smell, scent will often be the dominant factor affecting cattle behavior a cow will sense she is being separated from her calf this will often cause her to become stressed and dangerous odors provide sexual communication between cows and bulls

15. 4. Herd Instinct Cattle are social animals feel comfortable and safe in a group from predators and pests isolated from the rest of the herd a single animal will become stressed and easily upset Two characteristics about cattle herd instinct: follow the leader the leader is almost always the first member of the group herd social order one animal asserts dominance over a weaker member when grazing, dominant cattle are usually in the middle of the group at the feeder, dominant cattle will get at the food by pushing subordinate cattle away

16. 5. Maternal Instinct Maternal instinct in cattle is very strong a cow will be wary of people, specially strangers will be protective of her young most protective during the first two weeks after the calf is born Restrain the cow to avoid injuries when handling the calf assisting in delivery examining the newborn castrating ear tagging

17. Handling Cattle Safely

18. Understand the concept of �flight zone� and �point of balance�

19. �Using Flight Zone and Point of Balance concepts� Moving Cattle Forward The handler should approach the animal from behind the point of balance When entering the animal�s flight zone, the animal will look at the handler and will begin to move The handler must not penetrate the animal�s zone too deep The handler must always be alert to the animal�s reaction to his or her presence Once a cow begins to move, the handler can keep it moving straight ahead by entering and exiting the flight zone To stop the animal�s forward progress, the handler should move out of its flight zone

20. �Using Flight Zone and Point of Balance concepts�(continued) Moving Cattle Backward The handler should place himself or herself in front of the animal�s point of balance Careful not to cut across the flight zone if the animal�s personal space is invaded too deeply, it will be spooked and run or turn back Follow the previous instructions

21. Things to keep in mind when handling cattle Avoid approaching cattle from behind Do not use quick movements Cattle is very sensitive to abrupt movements and sounds Do not move cattle by whooping, hollering, or screaming Better handle them deliberately, confidently and calmly getting them excited makes the job more difficult. Very little of noise is needed to move cattle Rustle a stick with plastic strips attached enough to guide the animals Working cattle in groups, is easier than managing them alone Separate a cow from the calf before handling the calf

22. Hazards in Animal Housing Air Pollutants in Animal Housing Dust and Other Aerosols Ammonia Hydrogen Sulfide Other Gases Odors Air Quality Control and Management Mechanical Hazards Electrical Hazards Noise Fire Children in Buildings Safety Signs

23. Air Pollutants in Animal Housing Dust and Other Aerosols Dust found in animal housing is primarily composed of: Feed components Dry fecal material Dander (hair and skin cells) Molds Pollen Grains Insect parts Mineral ash some components may cause allergic responses an important air quality problem in poultry and livestock housing

24. Dust Control Proper waste management and ventilation Minimize poor indoor quality - animals and workers workers are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when entering these facilities particularly mask or respirators Several methods of reducing dust are under evaluation Wet , electrostatic, cyclonic and dry dust filters Oil sprays spraying vegetable oil bind up the dust particles and keep them out of suspension

25. Oil Sprinkling Oil concentration in the oil-water mixture - should be > 20% Droplet sizes should be > 150 �m (microns) to achieve rapid deposition of droplets on available surface Things to considered when choosing a vegetable oil (VO) It is not necessary to use refined VO oil should be free of particles VO with strong odor are not suitable potential effect of the oil affects animal behavior Use VO with low iodine value in respect to the risk of self-ignition Dust binding effect of oil remains for many days consider designing spraying strategies accordingly

26. Results of Oil Sprinkling Several methods for reduction of aerial dust in pig houses have been examined over the last 20 years To date the most promising method appears to be Oil Sprinkling Sprinkling undiluted Canola Oil in a grower-finisher room Reduced dust by 79% Respirable dust particles - reduced by 73% Inhalable dust particles - reduced by 80%

27. Ammonia ( NH3 ) Ammonia is produced by bacterial action on urine and feces during decomposition Comes off of the floors and from the manure pits Levels in animal buildings can be sufficiently high to affect human health Ammonia control Frequent removal of waste Management of indoor moisture Adequate ventilation ventilation dilutes ammonia concentration and tends to dry floors and litter reduces the rate of ammonia release

28. Hydrogen Sulfide ( HS ) Is an acutely toxic gas produced by the decomposition of animal manure Often released into the air when liquid manure is agitated Its odor is not an indication of its concentration Above 6 ppm the odor increases as concentration also increases The OSHA limits exposure to 10 ppm for an 8 hour, 5 day exposure At levels above 50 ppm human evacuation is recommended Levels above 500 ppm cause unconsciousness and death Levels increase to 1500 ppm when swine pit manure is agitated

29. Hydrogen Sulfide ( HS )(continued) Workers should wear a self contained respirator if exposure to HS is expected Hazards created during manure agitation can be controlled by: Providing ventilation during manure pumping Removing the manure Preferable when people and animals are absent from the building

30. Other Gases Methane ( CH4 ) A natural product of manure decomposition nontoxic High concentrations produces dizziness and even asphyxiation Flammability of methane: Main Safety Concern CH4 can be explosive at concentrations over 50,000 ppm valuable as an energy source NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) recommended Daily exposure 1,000 ppm per 8 hour work period Control: proper ventilation generally dissipates methane from animal housings

31. Carbon Dioxide ( CO2 ) Produced by manure decomposition and animal respiration nontoxic gas High concentrations can cause asphyxiation by reducing available oxygen Concentrations in well ventilated buildings can range 1,000 ppm during summer 10,000 ppm during winter OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) permissible exposure level for CO2 10,000 and 30,000 ppm respectively per 8 hour and 15 minutes work period Control proper ventilation CO2 control is important in cold climates

32. Carbon Monoxide ( CO ) Product of the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons its colorless, odorless, and has nearly the same density as air CO hazards in animal production operations caused by combustion heaters malfunction operational heaters or internal combustion engines without venting the combustion products outdoors Winter: Most dangerous period buildings are usually closed and ventilation rates are at its lowest OSHA and NIOSH recommended threshold limit values 40mg/m3 or 35 ppm for an 8 hour work period Control combustion heaters and engines should always be vented to the outside

33. Odors Air Quality Control and Management Unpleasant odors have long been associated with domestic animal production Installation and operation of a well-designed ventilation system is the producer�s best assurance of adequate indoor air quality provides thorough air mixing eliminates dead spaces having stagnant air moves fresh air through the housing facility Ventilation vents should open enough to provide high velocity jets to ensure thorough air mixing Summer months evaporative cooling is needed using misting systems to reduce the indoor air temperature Winter months supplemental mixing fans are needed because ventilation rates are reduced to a minimum

34. Air Quality Control and Management(continued) Prevention and early detection of toxic gas levels reduces health risks installs CO detectors near combustion heaters the heater should be vented to the outside clean the heater thoroughly at the beginning of each heating season while in use, monitor the heaters daily to ensure that they burn efficiently and produce minimal levels of CO Use extreme caution during manure removal manure slurries will release hydrogen sulfide: �rotten eggs� cause for concern HS can quickly inure the sense of smell as concentrations increase and become deadly Control dusts during cold weather, use feed additives (oil, fat, and lecithin) to help reduce dust emission from feed meals.

35. Mechanical Hazards Fans unguarded fans are dangerous, must have guards or screens so people cannot touch any moving parts Winches workers operating winches must be careful to avoid releasing the winch before the object is fully raised or lowered accidentally striking a winch under tension can cause it to release Augers must be properly guarded before any maintenance the equipment must be unplugged, or switch off at the control and breaker box Steel Cables worn or frayed could produce gashes and puncture wounds on hands wear a sturdy pair of work gloves to prevent these wounds Housing Floors can be slippery and obstructed by equipment and railings use a good pair of work boots to prevent falls and foot injuries

36. Electrical Hazards Due to faulty electrical wiring Risk of shock Potential for fire Destruction of good equipment motors and pumps Use wiring practices that protects electrical cable and system components from abuse by livestock and rodents avoid exposure to tractors and feeding equipment Appropriate design and reliable installation of electrical systems are crucial to use electricity efficiently provide a safe environment for workers and animals minimize the potential for fire loss

37. Noise Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB) Soft whisper is about 30 dB while a 120 dB will cause pain OSHA limits noise exposure to ~ 90 dB over an 8 hour shift Tractors and other farm machinery cause the most noise in livestock housing - animals and machinery produce significant noise swine buildings - at feeding time 115 dB can be reached

38. Fire Factors that facilitate fire in livestock buildings Poor management and maintenance, improper storage of combustibles, unsafe electrical wiring and lightning Reduce fire incidents Construct building with fire retardant materials Combustibles - discard from building those not frequently used stored frequently used in a fire retardant compartment Use wiring material and equipment meeting the requirements of the National Electric Code Electrical equipment should be installed according to manufacturer�s specifications All electrical equipment (fuses, junctions, and outlet boxes) should be kept free of grease and dust Place 10 lb ABC type fire extinguishers in all major buildings near exits

39. Children in Buildings Animal production facilities are attractive playgrounds to children Because of their complexity and potential for danger no one should treat animal production facilities as play areas lack of experience makes children vulnerable to injuries in agricultural environments young children visiting these facilities should be supervised by trained production personnel older children should be allowed to work in these environments providing adequate training and with parental supervision

40. Safety SignsClassified according to the use hazards and risk involved

41. Farm Safety for Kids Children must have a safe, easily supervised play area Hazards should be securely fenced and chemicals kept locked away Spare equipment should be stored securely Keep aggressive animals in childproof enclosures Don�t allow child passengers Children should never help with: hazardous machinery dangerous animals dangerous chemical

42. Personal Protective Equipment

43. Head Protection: Hard hats from impacts or flying or falling objects machinery maintenance construction (electrical work, demolition) horse back riding enclosed spaces with low ceilings chemical splashes Eye Safety: Safety glasses, goggles, face shields when handling or applying pesticides when working in dust, chaff or other flying particles when working around trees particularly under low-hanging branches

44. Hearing Protection: Earmuffs and Ear plugs from noise produced from farm machinery and hogs tractors, combines, augers, blowers, chainsaws hogs screaming at feeding time Sound - measured in decibels (dB): 85 dB is the loudest sound workers should be exposed to for 8 hours or more. Examples: Normal conversation 60 dB John Deer Tractor 8560 tractor 76 dB Massey Ferguson 750 combine 90 dB Swine confinement at feeding 133 dB Reduce indoor noise levels install low noise fans, rubber fan mounts use automated feeding systems reduce animal produced noise by feeding all the animals at once Wear protective equipment disposable foam or reusable rubber earplugs hearing protector earmuffs

45. Respiratory Protection: Masks and Respirators From dust and chaff Toxic gases and chemicals Welding fumes and low oxygen atmospheres Silos and animal confinements large livestock waste and manure dust Effective respiratory hazard control in animal housings Use NIOSH approved respiratory protection appropriate for the situation Implement a respiratory control program that includes evaluation of worker�s ability to work with the respirator regular training of personnel routinely monitoring air quality selection of appropriate NIOSH approved respirators respirator fit testing medical evaluations maintenance, cleaning and storage of respirators

46. Respirators used in animal housing facilities Disposable dust / mist masks Reusable dust / mist masks Chemical cartridge respirators which can include particulate matter prefilters Powered air-purifying respirators provide eye protection as well Self-contain respirators for dangerous gases - hydrogen sulfide or carbon monoxide

47. Hand Protection: Gloves - fabric, leather, rubber, cut resistant fabric: protects from minor cuts and scrapes inexpensive could be laundered to extend its life leather: best choice for protection, cuts, scrapes, friction inexpensive, breathable, tough and flexible treat with leather care product to extend its life rubber: protects from the use of chemicals choose the appropriate rubber glove for the task while still on, wash with warm water and soap, hang to dry cut resistant: protects from handling glass and sharp objects

48. Body Covering: Aprons (leather and rubber), chemical resistant coveralls and chainsaw safety chaps leather aprons: used when welding protects from burns from splattering molten metals and slag rubber aprons: needed when handling liquids or concentrated chemicals protects the groin area from chemical splashes this area absorbs chemical 10x faster than through the forearm chemical resistant coveralls: excellent protection from pesticide dusts and mists chainsaw safety chaps: minimize the risk of cutting the legs when handling square bales reduce scratches and scrapes on the legs

49. Foot Protection: Steel toe safety shoes and boots (rubber or leather) with puncture resistant soles from sharp objects dropped heavy objects heavy livestock stepping on your feet chemical hazards (steel toe safety rubber boots) First Aid (FA) : all vehicles and buildings should have a first aid kit get appropriate first aid training in your FA kit include emergency numbers check FA kit content every three months label all FA kits include flares and flash light in your FA kit emergency signals -extra help

50. What to pack in your first aid kit?

51. CSA approved safety equipment could be purchase at: