APPENDIX A 

 Job Descriptions and Performance Standards 



Broiler chick hatcheries have a minimum of eleven variahle lahor 

 input operations. These operations are primarily preparing eggs for in- 

 cubation, taking-oif the hatch, grading and boxing chicks, maintenance 

 and clean-up after each hatch. In addition, hatcheries may conduct a 

 number of service operations; however, only de])eaking and vaccination 

 are performed on a large scale. 



Tnput-output data, information on the methods used, and conditions 

 affecting productivity for each operation, were o])tained from the ob- 

 served hatcheries. Generally, the methods used to perform each opera- 

 tion were similar, and most were performed with a minimum of labor- 

 saving equipment. However, labor productivity varied markedly for 

 some operations due to one or more of the followin<i differences: (1) the 

 type and make of incubator and hatcher units, (2) the size of the crew 

 perforuiino; the operation, and (3) the type and amount of lalior-saving 

 equipment utilized. 



The methods for performing each operation were analysed, and a 

 performance standard was derived. Tlie standard represents the max- 

 inuim number of hatching eggs or broiler chicks a worker may be reason- 

 ablv expected to achieve in performing a particular operation. The 

 methods and standards presented for operations that involve incidiator 

 or hatcher units are for a specific make and type of equipment. These 

 had the lowest overall inputs of labor for a given output. Several descrip- 

 tions and standards are presented for those operations in which pro- 

 ductivity varied substantially with either changes in crew size or tech- 

 nology. 



Descriptions of methods and performance standards are given be- 

 low for eleven hatching operations and two service operations. 



Receive and Store Eggs 



Cases of eggs are unloaded from trucks and moved by roller con- 

 veyor or dollies to an egg storage room located near the unloading plat- 

 form. This operation requires two men, and output is 55,000 eggs per 

 man-hour. 



Egg Traying 



The cases of eggs are transferred from the egg storage room to the 

 traying area by a roller conveyor or dolly. The operator opens the case 

 and transfers eggs to an incul)ator tray l)y liand or vacuum lift ma- 

 chine i. When filled, one end of the tray is stuffed with paper to prevent 

 movement of the eggs, and an identifying label is attached. The filled 

 tray is placed in a rack, an empty tray positioned, and the operation re- 

 peated. The operator also removes accumulated empty egg cases to the 

 loading platform for shipment back to farms. 



1 A standard tray holds 156 eggs weighing 26 ounces to the dozen. 



48 



