How changes in US agriculture have influenced the ‘new therapeutic approach’ of production animal veterinary surgeons

Abstract

Over the past three decades a wide range of factors have driven US pork farmers towards largescale production systems. This evolution has prompted significant change in the veterinary profession serving this industry. Production advances have been allied to evolving practices and technologies in crop production, changes in animal management strategies and fluxes in market forces. Traditional, diverse, small-scale production units have been gradually replaced by large-scale confinement operations that have included three-site production technologies and streamlined nutrition programmes, directed towards improved operational and economic efficiency. Fluctuating cash crop prices, unpredictable markets, soaring capital costs, the high cost of developing multi-site segregation facilities, changing consumer demands and the retailer-driven desire for product traceability has led to more integrated production systems. This has caused the demise of many inefficient producers but has fostered the emergence of a small number of farmers who are adept at minimising risk and navigating commodity price fluctuations, and have the foresight and capital to employ technological advances to maximise efficiency. The modern day veterinarian is no longer needed for technical clinical procedures, but must have considerable critical thinking and problem solving expertise, encompassing epidemiological, pathological, environmental, logistical, animal husbandry, accounting, and finance capacities. They must also be able to define, implement, and train people in a standard process work environment. These skills and methods should really be viewed as the ‘new therapeutics’ since they continue to involve the implementation of science-based practices in resolving animal health, welfare, and production problems in this important industry.