Use of veterinarians on U.S. dairy operations

Authors

  • J. E. Lombard USDA:APHIS:VS: Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  • C. P. Fossler USDA:APHIS:VS: Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO 80526
  • A. E. Adams Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
  • K. F. Gingrich Country Roads Veterinary Services Inc., Ashland, OH 44805

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20143732

Keywords:

reproduction management, dairy cattle, pregnancy test, drug use, veterinarian, vet services

Abstract

For the past 15-20 years, veterinarians have been focused on reproduction management on dairy operations. The introduction of relatively inexpensive pregnancy diagnostic tests could displace the veterinarian from this role on the dairy. There is also a trend for larger dairies to hire non-veterinarians to perform pregnancy exams and surgeries which have been traditionally reserved for veterinarians. Conversely, antimicrobial and other drug use in livestock is coming under increasing scrutiny and veterinarians are likely to have more oversight and responsibility in this area in the future. The objective of this study was to determine the percentage of US dairies that used veterinarians, how frequently veterinarians visited the operation and the services provided by the veterinarian.

Cover image of the 47th Conference Proceedings: An image of a herd of cattle in a field at dusk. Three cows are standing in the foreground, looking adorable. Yellow background.

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Published

2014-09-18

Issue

2014

Section

Research Summaries 4

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