Bovine Veterinarians Research Articles

Attitudes and professional values of veterinarians and veterinary students toward positive welfare states for dairy cattle

Research that involves agricultural animal welfare has typically aimed to improve welfare by decreasing disease, distress, and pain. Positive welfare does not necessarily occur with the absence of suffering but in combination with opportunities for behaviors or affective states desired by animals. Our objectives were to describe Canadian bovine veterinarians' and veterinary students' attitudes, professional normative values, and perceived ability to promote positive welfare for dairy cows, and to explore participants' provided rationale. With an online cross-sectional survey, Canadian veterinary practitioners (n = 78) and veterinary students (n = 148) were asked, on a 7-point Likert scale, about their attitudes, perceived professional normative values, and perceived ability of veterinarians to promote positive welfare for dairy cows. We used an applied thematic analysis approach within the qualitative description methodology to analyze participants' open-ended text responses. Quantitatively, participants had very favorable attitudes (mean ± SE; 6.3 ± 0.04) and perceived favorable values (5.7 ± 0.06) in the veterinary community toward positive welfare opportunities for dairy cows. Three themes were identified to explain the professional normative values: influences from within the veterinary profession, influences from outside the veterinary profession, and personal views of participants. Participants were confident that veterinarians could suggest positive welfare opportunities for dairy cows (6.1 ± 0.06) but were uncertain that the decision to suggest these opportunities to producers was within a veterinarian's control (4.3 ± 0.11) and were not confident that implementation of positive welfare opportunities was under a veterinarian's control (2.1 ± 0.07). Three themes were identified to explain the barriers to veterinarians promoting positive welfare opportunities for dairy cows: not practical to implement, resistance to change, and concern for the animal. Participants stated that many positive welfare opportunities were impractical or expensive to implement. We conclude that positive attitudes and positive professional values exist in the veterinary community toward positive welfare for dairy cows but that much uncertainty exists regarding a veterinarian's ability to influence change to current practices.

The keys to success of bull breeding soundness exams

Bull breeding soundness exams are one of the most important tasks that we perform as bovine veterinarians. This exam is de­signed to identify subfertile and infertile bulls which if used in a breeding scenario can result in loss of dollars for the produc­er. This loss of income comes from reduction in calves hitting the ground, a longer calving season, and in total less pounds of calf at the time of weaning.

Human resources lessons learned

Human resources may not be the most enjoyable topic for bovine veterinarians. However, human resource knowledge is important for building a cohesive team of veterinarians, veterinary techni­cians and office staff members who can work together effectively. The goal of this presentation is to share some lessons learned as a new practice owner in our clinic that can hopefully be beneficial to other practice owners, as well as to future practice owners. People management is difficult, and it is even more difficult if there is no structure, mentorship or effective communication.

Building consulting into dairy practice

The opportunity exists for bovine veterinarians to continue to be relevant to the producers they serve, even as the scale of the operations and the needs of the producers change.

Results of the AABP Salary Survey

There has not previously been information available about the incomes of bovine-focused veterinarians in the United States and Canda across career stages, locations and types of employment. A survey was distributed to bovine veterinarians in late 2022 to obtain information about their employment types, incomes, demographics and satisfaction. Across career stages and employment types, men earn more income than women in bovine-focused veterinary medicine. Job satisfaction increases with higher income and decreases in private practice with more hours worked

Perceived role of the veterinarian in promoting dairy cattle welfare.

Improving the lives of animals in agricultural systems has primarily focused on minimizing negative experiences. Research is needed on the promotion of positive experiences (pleasure, enjoyment, play, choice, happiness) for animals and the role of veterinarians in their promotion. Our aims were to describe how Canadian bovine veterinarians and veterinary students perceive the role of a veterinarian in positive vs. negative experiences for dairy cows and to analyze the rationale provided to explain their answers. Canadian veterinary practitioners (n = 78) and veterinary students (n = 148) responded to an online cross-sectional survey and were asked, on a 7-point scale, how important the role of a veterinarian is to promote practices that influence the experience of dairy cows. We used qualitative description to analyse participants' open-ended text responses. Practices to minimize negative experiences were most important (mean ± SE; 6.8 ± 0.03), a balance of positive and negative experiences was less important (6.4 ± 0.05), and encouragement of positive experiences scored lowest (6.0 ± 0.06), although all scored highly. Four themes were identified to explain participants' reasoning regarding their perceived role of a veterinarian in the promotion of dairy cattle welfare, centered on: the animal, the producer, the veterinarian, and society. Participants indicated that promoting positive experiences was less important than decreasing negative experiences (5.9 ± 0.09). There were four themes identified to explain participants' reasoning regarding the relative importance of promotion of positive experiences versus decreasing negative experiences which centered on: frameworks to compare positive and negative experiences, impacts on the animal, the participant's view of their role, and the practicality of implementation. These results indicate modest differences in valuing avoidance of negative vs. promotion of positive welfare. There were no differences in the quantitative analyses between veterinarians and veterinary students. We conclude that veterinarians are favorably disposed to positive aspects of welfare for dairy cows but may be more focussed on avoidance of negative aspects of welfare.

Simulator-Assisted Training of Abomasal Surgery-A Pilot Study Using Blended Learning and Face-to-Face Teaching.

Two stimulators were developed, one simplified and one realistic, in the present study for learning abomasal surgery for veterinary students. The simulators were tested in a pilot study: The upcoming blended learning format was compared with traditional face-to-face teaching. A total of 21 5th-year students participated in the study. While one group learned the surgical technique in traditional face-to-face simulator training, the second group completed interactive video training asynchronously. Afterwards, skills were examined in person. The results showed that the different groups did not lead to different performance results. Participation in the study increased self-assessment of skills by an average of about 7 of 36 points, as well as the learning success and motivation of students in both groups. The simulators developed were well liked by the students and rated as appropriate by 12 practicing bovine veterinarians. The pilot study indicates that blended learning could be a suitable alternative to traditional face-to-face teaching. This should be followed by further research to support the use of blended learning in the veterinary education of clinical skills.

Development and Validation of a Uterine Prolapse, Epidural, and Vaginal Suture Model.

Uterine prolapses sporadically present to bovine practitioners. Exposing veterinary students to this is challenging due to the inability to replicate a live animal prolapses in a teaching environment. The objective of this study was to develop a model that represents each step of the process of correcting a uterine prolapse and to perform a validation study of the model and rubric used to score performance using a skill comparison between experienced veterinarians and novices (students). The model was designed and built, and 27 students and 18 bovine veterinarians were recruited to participate in the evaluation of this model. Each participant performed each step of the model while being video recorded. Following model use, all participants completed a survey on their prior experiences and opinions of the model. Videos were viewed, and performances scored by one author using a rubric. Opinions on the model were mostly favorable in regard to use and realistic experience. There was no significant difference between the scores of veterinarians and veterinary students. However, there was an association with an excellent level of global rating scores for veterinarians while the veterinary student participants were associated with borderline satisfactory to good competency levels except for the epidural. There was a statistically significant association between the global rating scores and the check list competency levels. The lack of significant difference may be attributed to students previous experiences Based on feedback from the survey responses, the model will be used in clinical skills labs to provide experience in this area.

Use of an online gaming tool, the Veterinary DialogueTrainer, for teaching clinical communication skills to bovine veterinary practitioners.

Effective clinical communication is essential for bovine veterinary practitioners to establish and maintain positive client relationships. When applied properly in herd health consultancy, it increases client satisfaction and adherence to veterinary advice, and improves patient health and welfare. Although communication skills are often taught by providing feedback on simulated conversations, this has limitations, including time constraints, subjective assessments, and cost. The Veterinary DialogueTrainer (VDT) is an online serious game platform using 'digital role-play' with avatars, recently developed to enhance and assess learning outcomes, improve use of learned skills, and increase cost-effectiveness of communication training. The objective was to evaluate its suitability and applicability. Finnish (n = 24) and Swedish (n = 21) bovine veterinarians participated in communication training using VDT for training and assessment. Participants completed the provided scenario at least twice. After playing a bovine health communication simulation, participants received their scores and feedback on selected conversation options. VDT scores measured multiple aspects of communication on a 0-100% scale, based on motivational interviewing methodology and Calgary-Cambridge guidelines. Mean (±SD) number of attempts participants played the scenario was 4.1 (±2.6, Finland) and 3.9 (±1.3, Sweden), with highest total score reached after a mean of 3.5 (±2.1, Finland) and 3.1 (±1.1, Sweden) attempts. On the first attempt, 39 participants (87%) scored <50% of the highest possible score, whereas most (n = 34, 76%) achieved a higher score on the second attempt. Mean total score increased from 15 (±14) to 77% (±33) for Finish participants and from 40 (±22.0) to 87% (±19.4) for Swedish participants. The majority (n = 33, 73%) of participants reached a score >80% after 4.0 (±1.6, Finland) or 2.8 (±1.0, Sweden) attempts. Net Promoter Score of the training was +89 (Finland), +88 (Finland) and + 83 (Sweden) on a scale from -100 to +100, indicating that most participants were very likely to recommend the training to other veterinarians. Use of VDT increased communication skills scores but whether it will improve communication skills in practice requires further study. We concluded there is a likely benefit of using the VDT in teaching and monitoring veterinary communication competencies and preparing for offline role-plays and real-life conversations in veterinary practice.

Young practitioners membership evaluation: A qualitative exploration

&#x0D; The overarching objectives for this research were to explore the perceptions of newly minted bovine veterinarians regarding the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (the Associa­tion), determine its salient features and benefits, and ascertain if the Association has a non-renewal issue with this population.&#x0D; This was the first investigation of this sort conducted by the As­sociation with this audience regarding these issues – the area in question was basically unexplored. The information previously available was mostly anecdotal, therefore In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), a qualitative research methodology was employed. A total of 19 IDIs were conducted with bovine veterinarians who had practiced for less than 5 years and had been a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Thirteen in­dividuals were current members, while 6 respondents were no longer members.&#x0D; Although there were a number of suggestions for improvement, all respondents pointed out the many positive attributes of AABP and would recommend membership.

Are goats really just small cows?

It would be so easy to make the bovine the standard by which we judge all ruminants. Unfortunately, nothing in life is ever so sim­ple. Yes, goats and cows have hair, four legs, and are ruminants. After that, the changes begin. In this talk, we will discuss both similarities and differences between cows and goats, with a bit of sheep information thrown in for good measure. There are many ways bovine veterinarians can easily cross over to the small ru­minant world but a few words of caution will be helpful to stay out of trouble. The focus of this talk is production medicine based but we will include some pharmacologic differences, too.

Small ruminant dairy production for the bovine practitioner

Goat and sheep dairies are a growing subset of the dairy indus­try in the United States. Although sheep and goats differ signifi­cantly from cattle in some ways, bovine practitioners have a wealth of expertise that can and does greatly benefit the small ruminant dairy industry. The need for greater utilization of knowledge exists and can have a large impact on profitability and sustainability of small ruminant dairies. In this talk, we will review the areas of goat and sheep dairies where bovine veterinarians can have the most influence and how the small ruminants differ from cows in a dairy setting.

Benefits of using LVTs/assistants in food animal medicine

&#x0D; The use of veterinary technicians or veterinary assistants in food animal medicine, especially cow-calf medicine, is highly underutilized, and is an area that should be more thoroughly explored. Often, bovine veterinarians bring no help for chute side activities such as bangs vaccinating, pregnancy diagnosis, ultrasound, breeding soundness exams, and routine vaccina­tion of cattle. A very obvious benefit to bringing a technician to the field is increased efficiency of work, as most procedures at the chute are often where activities take place that ultimately decrease pace. That being said, many other benefits of bring­ing trained help often go unrecognized, such as quality of chute side activities, increased client/clinic relationship, and most importantly, value-added services. With the rise in lay people diagnosing pregnancies and conducting breeding soundness exams, adding perceived value is crucial in maintaining high-value services in your clinic, as well as separating ourselves from the lay person.

O.30.4 - Use of a serious game in teaching bovine veterinarians clinical communication skills: a pilot study: Presenter(s): Linda Dorrestein, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Canada

O.30.4 - Use of a serious game in teaching bovine veterinarians clinical communication skills: a pilot study: Presenter(s): Linda Dorrestein, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Canada

Development of a bovine continuing education program for early-career veterinarians to address clinical service shortage

There is currently a shortage of production animal veterinarians worldwide. Access to adequate continuing education (CE) increases retention of health-care workers in rural areas. However, little information is available about the preferences of bovine veterinarians in their first years after graduation. Our objective was to design a readily available CE program tailored for recent veterinary graduates working in bovine medicine. For this, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to identify early-career bovine veterinarian needs and their preferences to access CE conducted while practicing full time. Subsequently, we conducted a second survey to triangulate their responses with the opinions of experienced veterinarians, where the experienced veterinarians ranked the relevance of the CE topics that resulted from the early-career veterinarian survey. We received a total of 132 valid responses from US veterinarians in their first 5 years after graduation, and 32 responses associated with bovine veterinarians with 10 or more years of experience. Our results showed that a combination of distance education and workshops to practice hands-on skills was the preferred method for accessing CE among early-career veterinarians. Furthermore, recent graduates were willing to commit 1 to 2 h/wk to distance education. From the list of 20 topics identified by early-career veterinarians, the experienced veterinarians ranked "calf/heifer management" and "immunology and vaccinology" as the most relevant ones for practice. With the information gathered from these surveys, we designed, implemented, and piloted a 180-h CE program on bovine health management that is delivered over 2 yr through asynchronous distance education and annual hands-on workshops. Participant feedback has been very positive. Overall, the survey results will serve to develop CE programs targeted to bovine veterinarians in their first years of practice. Future research is needed to evaluate this program's success in retaining the bovine veterinary workforce within the United States, particularly in rural underserved areas.

A survey of practices and attitudes around cull cow management by bovine veterinarians in Ontario, Canada.

The removal (culling) of dairy cows from the farm is a regular and required management practice. The main objectives of this study were to describe the involvement of bovine veterinarians in Ontario, Canada, in dairy cull cow management decisions, their expectations of current producer practices, and their perspectives on welfare issues and best management practices for cull dairy cows. Between February and May 2021, a province-wide survey was conducted among all members of the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP), with questions addressing veterinarians' background and demographics, veterinary clinic characteristics, cull cow management, down cow management, and learning preferences. The response rate for the survey was 25.1%, with 45 responses meeting all eligibility criteria. Dairy veterinarians would like to have greater involvement in cull cow management; when asked for desired involvement in culling decisions, 57.5% of veterinarians would like to be involved in culling decisions most of the time or always. Most (70.0%) veterinarians believed that cull cow welfare has improved over the last decade. However, most respondents also identified at least one area of management (farm of origin, transportation, auction, slaughter) as currently being a high risk to cull cow welfare. Given the frequency of their visits, trust by dairy producers, and knowledge, herd veterinarians are among those in the best position to improve the care of cull dairy cows. Information generated from this survey can be used to inform the development of improved decision-making tools for culling cows, and this, along with increased veterinarians' involvement in cull cow management, could improve the economic and welfare outcomes of culling decisions for dairy producers.

Ergonomic assessment of veterinarians during performance of bovine reproductive examinations

To identify and quantify potential ergonomic hazards associated with routine reproductive examinations of cattle. 7 bovine veterinarians. Each veterinarian was observed and videotaped during 2 bovine reproductive examination appointments. During each appointment, a force-matching protocol was used to estimate the entry force used by the veterinarian to insert an arm into a cow's rectum. Veterinarian posture and repetitive movements and the work environment were assessed and quantified during review of the video recordings. Descriptive data were generated. Of the 14 appointments observed, 9 and 5 involved examination of beef and dairy cows, respectively. For all veterinarians, an arm inclination ≥ 60° was observed during most reproductive examinations. The number of examinations performed per hour ranged from 19.1 to 116.8. The estimated entry force ranged from 121 to 349 N. During all 9 appointments involving beef cows, the veterinarian participated in other tasks (eg, operating overhead levers, opening gates, or assisting with cattle handling) that represented ergonomic hazards. Results confirmed that reproductive examination of cattle exposes veterinarians to various ergonomic hazards involving awkward positions and repetitive and forceful exertions that can contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort and injury, particularly of the upper extremities (neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands). Veterinarians frequently participated in other tasks during reproductive examination appointments that exposed them to additional ergonomic hazards. Risk mitigation strategies should prioritize minimizing exposure of veterinarians to tasks not directly associated with the reproductive examination procedure to decrease their overall ergonomic hazard burden.

Exploring the attitudes of Bavarian farmers towards pain in cattle and how they differ from the attitudes of bovine veterinarians.

Assessment of pain in cattle depends on the observer's experience and evaluation. Only a few studies compare veterinarians' and farmers' attitudes towards pain in cattle. A questionnaire was sent to 1097 cattle practitioners and 3750 farmers. Return rate was 26.2% for veterinarians and 15.4% for farmers, respectively. Respondents were asked to score the painfulness of procedures and diseases in cattle on a numerical rating scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable), to give their opinion about the use of analgesics during and after procedures, and to agree or disagree with given statements. There were no significant differences between pain scores awarded by veterinarians and farmers, but significant differences in parameters both groups relied on for pain assessment. Farmers were less willing than veterinarians to use analgesia during and after procedures. There was no significant difference in the amount of money veterinarians thought farmers would spent on analgesia and farmers' actual statements. The results of this study indicate that farmers and veterinarians assess pain severity similarly, but recognise pain differently and disagree in their opinion regarding the use of analgesics. The communication between both groups needs to be improved to ensure proper pain management.

Coping with the stress of practice

Veterinary practice is stressful and always will be. Stress is a natural animal adaptation that allows us to face challenges and survive. The thinking human brain gives us the unique opportunity to convert a physiologic mechanism meant to protect us into a chronic condition that causes us bodily harm. How then do we create coping strategies to stop our propensity for chronic, maladaptive stress? While there is excellent data that proper diet, exercise and sleep habits help, bovine veterinarians may be limited in their ability to employ these tools. Practicing techniques like meditation, gratitude, self-compassion, and story-checking, all of which can be done in the truck between calls, can wake us up to our habits of thought and change the volume and channel on the chatter in our brains. Waking up to our thoughts is the first step to changing how we relate to stress as it arises in the moment and being more resilient in our ability to cope with it.

Effect of perioperative penicillin G procaine on bovine castration wound infection rate

Perioperative administration of B-lactam antimicrobials, including penicillin G procaine, is commonly performed at the time of bovine surgical castration despite a paucity of published evidence regarding rate of bovine castration wound infections and efficacy of single-dose perioperative antimicrobial therapy for bovine castration. The best data on frequency of bovine castration complications was generated from a survey of US bovine veterinarians, which reported wound infection, swelling, gait stiffness, and hemorrhage as the most common complications. This same survey identified that a narrow majority of bovine veterinarians routinely utilized perioperative antibiotics, most commonly β-lactams class drugs, including penicillin G procaine. Increasing public demand for antimicrobial stewardship is elevating professional and consumer scrutiny around veterinary antimicrobial use in food animals. In the current climate that increasingly emphasizes judicious use of antimicrobial drugs, it is imperative to base decisions to incorporate antimicrobial prophylaxis into routine protocols on quality evidence. Currently, there is no published data to suggest that perioperative use of PPG reduces scrotal wound or generalized tetanus infection following routine surgical castration of calves. The objective of the study is to establish whether perioperative administration of penicillin G procaine at the time of surgical castration with the Henderson castrating tool decreases the risk of postcastration surgical wound infections.