Calf autofeeders: Consulting opportunities can help prevent health disasters

Abstract

Recent graduate veterinarians are often seeking consulting op­portunities on farms. Regular reproductive herd work and other adult herd consulting opportunities may already be captured by other veterinarians within the practice. Calf health consulting is an excellent area for recent graduate veterinarians to begin gain­ing consulting confidence while providing tremendous value to the farm. Regardless of the calf housing system, veterinarians can rely on many of the same management principles and health recommendations to maximize calf growth and health. Oppor­tunities to improve respiratory health by colostrum manage­ment, monitoring sanitation, vaccination protocols, ventilation and lung ultrasound are some of the ways for veterinarians to be intricately involved in ensuring that the next generation of dairy cows reach their maximum potential. Autofeeders provide a unique opportunity for veterinary involvement in these areas.