ProHand
ProHand is an innovative training program which aims to improve the attitude and behaviour of stockpeople.
The ProHand stockperson training program was developed by animal behaviourist Professor Paul Hemsworth and psychologist Professor Grahame Coleman, based on research which revealed related reductions in the level of fear of humans by pigs, and improvements in the pigs’ reproductive performance (Hemsworth et al., 1994).
The program is designed to:
• Modify the beliefs of stockpeople about the sensitivity of pigs to handling practices and the consequences of aversive handling (even those of moderate intensity) on ease of handling, productivity and welfare;
• Educate stockpeople to properly observe and handle pigs to avoid these adverse handling effects; and
• Provide stockpeople with a basic understanding of pig sensory characteristics and behaviour to aid their handling, and encourage facility design that improves ease of handling.
There are two ProHand programs available to the pork industry – ProHand Pigs for farm stockpeople, and ProHand Abattoir (Pork) for stockpeople working in the lairage of abattoirs which process pigs.
Course Content
ProHand is ideally delivered in a group situation where group discussions are coupled with stockpeople individually working through a multimedia package covering a range of issues relating to behaviour and handling. The multimedia package also includes an attitude questionnaire to provide stockpeople with details of their individual attitudes towards pigs and thus their predicted behaviour towards pigs.
ProHand Pigs has a second component for review and problem solving, conducted approximately six weeks after the initial training. Day two reinforces the principles of ProHand and equips stockpeople with tools for ongoing application on-farm.
Certification
APL issues a certificate of completion for stockpeople who complete the full ProHand program. This training provides underpinning knowledge for various elements of RTE2129A Move and handle pigs and RTE2136A Load and unload livestock national competency units. Anyone completing the Stockperson Skill Set to demonstrate compliance with the Model Code of Practice is strongly encouraged to undertake ProHand.
How to Arrange ProHand Training
ProHand facilitators are trained and registered with APL. Facilitators are responsible for delivering ProHand courses for industry on an as-needs basis. Producers can apply for Group Demonstration funding to help offset delivery costs. Contact your local ProHand facilitator to arrange training.
For further information on ProHand, contact Emalyn Loudon, Manager, Technology Transfer & Adoption on 02 6285 2200 or emalyn.loudon@australianpork.com.au