Taking care of animals is more challenging today because we know more about their needs and behaviors. Still, day to day management often falls into the category of chores. It should instead rise to the category of opportunity.
With consumer and ecological pressures rising, we’ve been seeing a variety of changes in how we care for animals. Yet, one common denominator to animal well-being is that no matter the need, dental care, downer cows, nutritional science or something else, it boils down to this: People determine the well being of animals.
Jonathon Hoek shared his company’s system during the recent American Association of Swine Veterinarians meeting saying, “One of the greatest challenges currently faced by the swine industry is not pigs, but humans.” He introduced a new management system that promises to create a paradigm shift in swine production; HUMATEC: People – pigs – process – performance: creating the irresistible place to work.
Source: National Hog Farmer, March 21, 2019. Link.
“The bottom line of the ledger speaks volumes. The cost of high turnover of employees alone has a dramatic effect. The cost on the health of the pigs is also measurable,” Hoek says. “Healthy pigs thrive better when cared for by satisfied and engaged humans working in their spaces.”
Source: HUMATEC™: People – pigs – process – performance: Creating the irresistible workplace, Summit Livestock. Link.
INSIGHTS: Trademarks and commercial interests aside, animal health pros must learn from initiatives and systems like this one. The next generations of animal care pros will be decreasingly familiar with how food animals are raised and managed.
Reflection: Before I was able to drive myself, my maternal and paternal grandparents would ask me to take care of the farm animals while they were away. As an early teen, being handed the responsibility of the chores was a serious obligation that was usually accompanied by a clear reminder from my grandfathers.
Now remember, animals cannot take care of themselves or ask you for help; they are totally dependent on you to monitor them . . . to feed, water and keep them from harm,” Granddads’ directives.