Abstract:

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of calf births on working times of farm staff. The calf born time groups are planned according to the shift hours of the staff working in the farm, and  this sorting of the shift hours were as follows: 16:01 - 24:00 for evening, 24: 01-08: 00 for night, and 08:01 - 16:00 for daytime. In this study using 262 heads calves,  the effect on the calf birth times of the breed (Brown Swiss, Holstein Friesian), the sex (male, female), the season (spring, summer, autumn, winter), the dam age (2-4, 5-6, 7+ years), the birth weight (21-35 kg, 36-45 kg, 46-57 kg) and the birth year (2008-2009-2010-2011 years) were examined. When the effect of these factors on staff shift hours is examined; only a statistically significant effect of the breed was found (P < 0.05). The proportions of calf births were 30.2% in the evening shift, 42.4% in the night shift and 27.5% in the day shift. In terms of both breeds, calf birth is mostly at night. In terms of other shift hours, it was observed that Brown Swiss calves were born during daytime (32.9%) and Holstein Friesian calves were born in evening (35.6%). As a result, farms should arrange experienced staff to intervene, especially at night hours. Besides, for farms, it is recommended that the staff is more carrefully selected in the daytime times is for Brown Swiss calves and in the evening time for Holstein Friesian calves.

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