Effects of labor motivation in poultry production

Abstract

Broiler production is a significant economic activity in Brazil, and employs a large number of stockpeople in the integration process. Considering that the stockperson's perception may lead to better performance of his/her tasks and flock handling, this study aimed at verifying possible interactions between poultry productivity and stockperson's perception, emotions, and motivation. The study methodology considered two aspects: qualitative analysis, using Ergonomic Work Analysis, with observational method, and by applying a questionnaire and interview, and classification of the answers into positive relationship and "affection" to the job or negative relationship and "disaffection" to the job; and quantitative analysis, applying the Test of Hypothesis for Comparison of Means both for total flock mortality and Weight Equivalent Index data. Qualitative results showed that the stockpeople were aware that the housing environment causes specific health symptoms, as well as they presented different responses as to flock handling. Quantitative data showed a correlation between reduction of total flock mortality and positive relationship towards the broilers and "affection" to the job, whereas no statistical evidence that the same individuals influenced broiler Weight Equivalent Index was detected.

Training of catching teams and reduction of back scratches in broilers

“…In addition, older workers were probably trained before or became aware of new techniques through reading, which becomes more frequent as workers age. In another study, Alencar et al (2007) found that training results are better when workers are experienced. On the other hand, young workers are usually more motivated and tend to perform their tasks, particularly those involving intense physical activity, faster.…”

“…In a study on the relationship between professional satisfaction and work quality, Alencar et al (2007) reported that workers' training has a beneficial effect on flock productivity. Several authors report that continuous training has an essential role in the development process of companies, groups, and individuals, and therefore, the importance of training workers and human resources in general has been the focus of most development programs (Mulder, 2004;Karbasion et al, 2005;Alencar et al, 2006;Alencar et al, 2007). Another fact that influenced scratching rate was work shift.…”

Bem-estar animal na produção de ovos orgânicos no Estado de São Paulo: percepção social e avaliação técnica nas granjas

“…Devem ser respeitadas: I -a liberdade nutricional: os animais devem estar livres de sede, fome e desnutrição; II -a liberdade sanitária: os animais devem estar livres de feridas e enfermidades; [...] Assim, a avaliação da percepção social dos agentes envolvidos no processo produtivo é importante à medida que, segundo Rahmann (2003) e Abreu (2006), a discussão sobre BEA deveria considerar as práticas usadas no manejo, as funções, os valores éticos e as percepções dos atores envolvidos no processo de criação animal. São as posturas sociais adotadas na rotina diária nas granjas que expressam a interação entre o humano e o animal e que impactam diretamente a implementação, a manutenção e a eficiência dos procedimentos de BEA no manejo produtivo (Alencar et al, 2007) e também no desenvolvimento das aves (Hemsworth, 1994;Jensen, 2013).…”