Veterinary Business Research Articles

The Formation of Veterinary Business as an Element of Urban Space in Akmolinsk in the Second Half of the XIX – Early XX Centuries

The Formation of Veterinary Business as an Element of Urban Space in Akmolinsk in the Second Half of the XIX – Early XX Centuries

Enhancing your ability to succeed in today's veterinary business climate.

Enhancing your ability to succeed in today's veterinary business climate.

How Contexts and Desired Impacts Shape Interventions towards Improved Antimicrobial Use in Animal Production

SummaryThe objective of this study was to analyse and compare the interventions (sets of actions) towards improved antimicrobial use (AMU) in animal production. These were designed in Living Labs (LLs) organised in five countries of the ROADMAP project, with ex ante impact assessment (EAIA) to guide the process. LL participants designed very different types of interventions which targeted systematically farmers and veterinarians but less frequently other stakeholders, despite the ROADMAP ambition to involve the whole value chain in AMU transition scenarios. A variety of factors influenced which interventions were designed, such as the country's AMU levels, existence of AMU monitoring systems, the possibility for veterinarians to profit from antimicrobials sales, export‐orientation of the animal production sector and political momentum. Other influential factors included the breadth of desired impacts that the LL participants wished to produce through the interventions they designed (limited to animal health aspects or encompassing other subjects such as animal welfare, consumer information or veterinary business models) and the LL process (choice of participants and facilitators). Overall, the approach succeeded in providing a holistic vision of the possible measures and the obstacles towards improved AMU and produced context‐tailored interventions with high acceptability. However, they had limited results in terms of system rethinking.

Klinik Hewan Keliling Rumah Sakit Hewan Pendidikan Prof. Noerjanto Universitas Syiah Kuala [Mobile Veterinary Clinic of Prof. Noerjanto Hospital Teaching Veterinary Hospital of Universitas Syiah Kuala

The long-term purpose of this community service is to support the autonomy of the university through independent income generation and to encourage the development of a culture of utilizing university research results for the community through the mobile veterinary clinic business carried out by Prof. Noerjanto Teaching Veterinary Hospital. To achieve above objectives, it was necessary to modify the existing clinic vehicle to include an operating room, mini-laboratory and pharmacy. The implementation of activities was carried out for five working days a week, by actively visiting smallholder livestock centers per village per day in the Aceh Besar areas. Services provided included livestock health consultation, treatment, vaccination (an effective measure as a form of protection for animals, synchronization of heat and artificial insemination, and assistance during birth. The diagnosis methods utilize the latest techniques, namely diagnosis and therapy techniques used in the field of veterinary medicine, which were the results of previous research. Mobile Clinic of Prof. Noerjanto's Teaching Veterinary Hospital had been modified by providing an operating table, mini laboratory, pharmacy, and repainting the car, thus increased the attractiveness of the community during the activities were carried out. Mass treatment of livestock in Aceh Besar district had reached the target which services covered five sub-districts. In conclusion, the mobile veterinary clinic in 2017 has successfully modified the clinic car and provided health services in 5 sub-districts in Aceh Besar District.

Practice ownership – is it the right path for you?

Practice ownership has long been an expectation in large ani­mal medicine. However, with student debt loads, increasingly high ownership is something that new graduates are giving serious thought to prior to moving forward toward ownership. As animal agriculture continues to grow and evolve, young vet­erinarians need to consider their own ambitions in ownership, personal goals in both veterinary medicine and business, as well as if the practice they are looking to purchase aligns with these ambitions. Careful evaluation of a business’s culture, atmosphere and leadership can aid in making the decision if ownership is the right path for you. While the financial consid­erations are substantial and important, taking the time to have the right conversations regarding the future of the business and partner goals is just as important in creating a successful part­nership and long-term practice ownership.

Understanding financial statements

Financial statements are used to show the financial perfor­mance and status of businesses of all types. These statements can be used to analyze, manage and improve the performance of a business. It is important for a veterinary business owner or manager to understand what each of the business statements measures within their business. Further, it is important to learn how to use the information presented in the statements to help them manage both the daily business and assist in long term planning for the business. This presentation explains the financial statements and how to use them to make better busi­ness decisions in a veterinary practice and other businesses or organizations a veterinarian may be associated with.

Perceptions and opinions of pet caregivers in mainland and Hong Kong China about surgery, pain management, and anesthesia in dogs and cats

Small animal caregivers’ perceptions and previous life experiences play a pivotal role in patient care, making effective communication fundamental within the veterinary business. Despite the large and growing scale of the pet industry, data on small animal client-centered information about veterinary services in Mainland China (MC) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) China are lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions and opinions of small animal caregivers about surgery, pain management, and anesthesia in dogs and cats in these geographical regions through a validated online survey using content validity index. A total of 2080 valid answers were collected by convenience sampling over 45 days. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data; the chi-square test and generalized linear models were used to test the associations between demographics and responses. Overall, caregivers appeared favorable toward the use of analgesia in their pets, with concerns over the potential adverse effects produced by analgesic drugs. Joint pain and ear infections were generally rated as conditions that would be less prone to require analgesia. Significant associations were observed for demographic factors such as gender, age, and geographical area, whether participants were healthcare providers, and whether their pets had undergone surgery before. Although many respondents expressed uncertainty in recognizing pain in their pets and administering analgesics, they also expressed a desire to learn and to be informed. This study highlights areas and factors that may determine the perceptions and opinions of small animal caregivers that form a unique human-animal bond in China. Client communication should be addressed on a case-by-case basis and adapted to the geographical area, as the individual background and demographics may have an ultimate impact on treatment goals and patient care.

Chronic phalaris toxicity in macropods is widespread and peaks in July in Victoria, Australia.

Phalaris aquatica is pasture species introduced into Australia during early European settlement. Consumption of the plant can cause the neurological condition chronic phalaris toxicity (CPT) in sheep and cattle. In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of CPT in macropods, which has raised concerns regarding its impacts on their welfare. Currently, little is known about the distribution or seasonal patterns of this disease in wildlife, information pivotal in assessing its potential risks. Between 2021 and 2022, we conducted a survey targeting government bodies, veterinary businesses and wildlife organisations to investigate the locations and time of occurrence of CPT in macropods in the state of Victoria, Australia. We received 13 survey responses, 12 verbal reports, a full record of investigated cases from a university veterinary school and cases from a wildlife rescue organisation. Over the period of 11 years, Victoria had 918 cases of CPT recorded in macropods from 36 local government areas, with cases concentrated centrally just north of the state capital of Melbourne and July (midwinter) being the month with the highest case count (n = 220). There was a significant positive correlation between case count and both the abundance of kangaroos (Macropus giganteus and Macropus fuliginosus) (P < 0.01) and the abundance of P. aquatica (P = 0.009), and a significant negative correlation between annual case count and average rainfall of March (P = 0.016) and April (P = 0.02). Understanding these relationships will assist land and wildlife managers in predicting the risk and magnitude of disease outbreaks of CPT each in Victoria.

An Assessment of the Epidemiology and Herd-Level Impact of the Fractured Humerus Epidemic in New Zealand Dairy Cattle, 2007–2015: Results from Four Studies

A multi-method approach integrating data from four independent sources was used to describe some key features of the epidemiology and estimate the herd and within-herd incidence of fractured humeri in New Zealand dairy cattle for the period 2007–2015. The first dataset was from a national case series where cases of humeral fractures in dairy cattle were identified by veterinarians across New Zealand between the 2007/2008 and 2011/2012 lactation seasons. The second dataset was from a pet food company based in the Waikato region, which collated the number of casualty first- and second-lactation cows found to have a fractured humerus post-slaughter in the 2014/2015 lactation season, and the third dataset was a case series conducted by veterinarians employed in a Waikato veterinary business, also from the 2014/2015 lactation season. For the final dataset, 505 randomly selected New Zealand dairy farmers completed a phone survey on the incidence of non-responsive, non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness in first- and second-lactation cows in the 2014/2015 lactation season. Using the telephone survey results, the within-herd and herd-level incidence of cases for first- and second-lactation dairy animals was calculated. The national case series reported 149 cases of humeral fractures in 22 dairy herds; the pet food case series identified 61 cases from 41 farms; and the practice-based case series found 14 cases from 10 farms. Humeral fractures exclusively affected first- and second-lactation dairy cows and had a peak incidence between calving and early mating. The national telephone survey found that non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness requiring euthanasia of first- or second-lactation cows occurred in 11.7% of herds, with a mean within-herd incidence of 2.6% for first lactation cows and 2.8% for second-lactation cows for affected herds. These combined datasets demonstrate that humeral fractures in young, lactating dairy cattle are more common than previously suspected and that they occur nationally and over multiple years on some farms. Further work on this condition is urgently required in New Zealand to establish cost-effective management practices that will reduce unnecessary animal suffering and waste.

Вехи славной истории военной ветеринарии

The data on the development of domestic military veterinary medicine are summarized. The analysis of historical documents gives an idea of the main stages of the formation and development of the military veterinary service. During the data analysis, the article examines the stages of improving veterinary medicine and the formation of its scientific base and research methods, the contribution of outstanding researchers and the creation of veterinary scientific and educational schools. The development of military veterinary medicine has played a key role in combating epizootics and ensuring the veterinary well-being of the Armed Forces. The problems and tasks being solved to ensure the veterinary well-being of the country and its armed forces, as well as issues of epizootics and the organization of veterinary business and the specifics of their solution in various economic and political conditions are considered. Special attention is paid to the formation and development of veterinary education in Russia. Teaching the "History of Veterinary Medicine" is currently acquiring a new ideological significance and is an impetus to popularize the glorious path of development and formation of domestic veterinary education.

Nurturing client relationships: using smart technology to personalise communications

Connecting with clients is a vital part of veterinary businesses. When it's done right, you'll reap the return on your investments, as will your patients. This article explains the importance of ensuring practice communications are consistent, personalised and relevant to help foster and maintain these client relationships, and outlines how smart technology can help you achieve this in practice.

Sharing solutions to shape success: Join us at the AVMA Veterinary Business and Economic Forum.

Sharing solutions to shape success: Join us at the AVMA Veterinary Business and Economic Forum.

Psychological safety, purpose, path, and partnership reduce associate veterinarian desire to leave current employment.

To identify demographic and employment variables associated with an associate veterinarian's intent to remain at their organization in the next 5 years and to assess the impact of positive leadership in the practice and on veterinarians' well-being. 2,037 associate veterinarians in private practice who participated in the 2021 and 2022 AVMA Census of Veterinarians surveys. Associate veterinarian demographic and employment information was used in regression analysis to determine the likelihood of remaining employed at their organization in the next 5 years and the impact leadership has on an associate veterinarian's employment. Higher levels of burnout, living in an urban community, and working in corporate practice were associated with lower odds of remaining in the next 5 years. Associates who worked in a practice in which they believed their leaders practiced positive leadership had higher odds of remaining in the next 5 years. An increase in a practice's leadership index was associated with a likelihood to remain employed over the next 5 years. Decreases in the leadership index were associated with higher burnout levels among associates, more work experience, working more hours, and specialty/referral practices. Findings supported anecdotal evidence that lack of positive leadership in a private practice may lead to higher odds of retention issues in a practice, as well as lower job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and workplace well-being among associates. Positive leadership practices might provide protective factors to critical veterinary business outcomes like team member retention and engagement.

The impact of digital presence and use of information technology on business performance of veterinary practices: a case study of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The veterinary profession is facing various challenges in the 21st century, such as livestock production intensification, shifting distribution of infectious diseases, growing focus on food safety alongside growing demand for companion animals' veterinary services. Information technologies and digitalization trends had driven changes in many business sectors, including providing veterinary services thus opening new avenues to overcome the existing challenges this profession is facing. A study was conducted among 244 veterinary practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The gathered information related to subjects involving digital presence, the utilization of information technologies, and the business performance. To obtain this information, a personalized questionnaire was utilized as the means for collecting data. The study revealed that only 10.2% had a business-associated website, and 54.9% were present on at least one social media platform. The study suggests that a positive impact on annual profit can be achieved through the implementation of effective digital marketing strategies such as web presence, search engine optimization, Google business account existence, website Google advertisement, continuous administration of social media, and social media advertisement. The statistical analysis indicates that Google advertisements, website search engine optimization, and social media advertisements greatly affect annual profit. Improving digital presence of veterinary businesses with professionally managed websites, use of social media platforms, investment in online marketing strategies, and adopting telehealth services and online access to patient records positively affects business performance and better fits the growing needs of clients and society.

How to develop a win-win-win-win business model

How many of you want to have a win-win-win-win veterinary business? This is a win for the animals in your care, your pro­ducers, your veterinary business and you personally.&#x0D; How many of you are experts in every aspect of beef production – health, grazing management, nutrition consultation, etc.?&#x0D; I am going to present what I think are 12 pillars of developing this attainable win-win-win-win veterinary business.

Business Intentions of Australian Veterinary Students—My Business or Yours? A Cluster Analysis

Little is known about veterinary entrepreneurial predisposition. Yet entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship (entrepreneurial behaviour of employees) foster business innovation and growth and support wealth creation and employment in both privately and corporately owned businesses which deliver contemporary veterinary services. We used responses from 515 final-year students in Australian entrepreneurship, nursing, and veterinary programs to capture entrepreneurial intention (EI), outcome expectations (OE-sb), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE), and corporate/large organisation work intentions (CWIs). Veterinary respondents stood out for their high EI and high OE-sb, but low financial ESE and low CWI. Proportions of veterinary, entrepreneurship, and nursing respondents differed markedly across distinct cluster profiles representing entrepreneurial, intrapreneurial, both entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial, indifferent, and corporate employment intentions and attributes. Post hoc analysis revealed proportional cluster membership differences for respondents from different veterinary schools. Our findings raise questions regarding (1) the effectiveness of veterinary business curricula competencies which focus on expense management and (2) the implications of the mismatch of motivations and goals of new veterinary sector entrants whose low intent to work in a corporate environment is at odds with increasing corporate ownership of veterinary practices. To inform curricular change, we recommend further research to evaluate the relative impact of individual factors, admissions factors, and the formal or hidden curricula on entrepreneurial intention in veterinary final-year students.

History of document development on the transfer of Animal Health Office to fee-based veterinary services

The materials on the history of the development of documents and the experience of the veterinary service to improve the state veterinary inspection over the safety of products of animal origin in the new economic conditions are presented. Many years of experience in veterinary support of cattle breeding revealed a number of significant shortcomings in the organization of veterinary business: lack of adequate conditions for the work of veterinary specialists of the state veterinary network and farms; imperfect remuneration of labor, veterinary specialists' salary does not depend on the level of their professional training, complexity and quality of work; lack of material and technical support; weak legal protection; imperfect legislation on veterinary services, diversion of specialists to perform unrelated to their profession labor activities, and lack of normal social and living conditions. All this leads to the loss of prestige of the veterinary profession, the outflow of veterinary professionals to other areas of production. Hence the low staffing of veterinary institutions and farms. Scientists and veterinary specialists of Novosibirsk have done work on the search for such forms of organization of veterinary services for cattle breeding. The system of organization of self-supporting associations which can effectively operate in all categories of farms is proposed. The necessary guiding documents for the organization and their subsequent practice have been developed. The experience of selfsupporting veterinary associations in a number of districts showed that labor productivity increased by 1.5-2 times, the workload per veterinary specialist increased and the salary increased accordingly. The work carried out has proved the need to improve the activities of the state veterinary service in the context of economic reforms.

Seasonal calving UK dairy herds: A farmer survey of fertility and veterinary services.

There is a lack of literature concerning dairy farmers' use of veterinary services and how satisfied they are with them. This study aimed to fill this gap for seasonal calving UK herds, with a focus on fertility, and included farmer perceived barriers to veterinary involvement. A cross-sectional questionnaire (convenience sample), with 166 useable responses. Opportunities exist for further veterinary involvement in seasonal herds. Areas vets are least involved in currently are nutrition, breeding and genetics, growth rate monitoring and infrastructure changes. Current veterinary input was rated neutral or poor value by 21% of respondents. Over 90% of farmers want vets to ask questions to elicit their needs. Frequently mentioned barriers were 'lack of veterinary knowledge of our system', 'not enough cost-benefit of veterinary involvement' and 'we get our fertility information elsewhere'. Along with clinical ability and being approachable, 'understanding our system' and being 'proactive' were qualities participants most valued in a vet. After cost, 'pushing sales and interventions' were the least liked. Findings highlight the critical importance of clearly demonstrating the full cost-benefit of veterinary services to farmers. The results contain many details concerning farmer perceptions and values that can help veterinary businesses to strengthen existing services and develop new services.

Основи економіки охорони здоров'я тварин

The importance of studying the economic impact of animal health on the livestock industry, the veterinary service and the economic and food security of the country as a whole has long been recognized worldwide. The article substantiates the structured components of animal health. Each of the components and individual features are considered. Animal health economics has the following components: economics of planning veterinary measures, management and financing of the state veterinary service, analysis of animal health policy. Although economics and epizootology together with the organization of veterinary business are separate branches of knowledge, but their association forms the same economics of animal health, which provides effective management of animal health, forms a policy of financing the veterinary service at various levels and financing anti-epizootic measures. as well as analysis of animal health policy analysis.

Flexible leadership – the key to a successful practice

Exceptional leadership is key to the long‐term sustainability of the veterinary sector, yet there is still little understanding of the skills and behaviours required for effective leadership within the profession. The increasing levels of burnout, stress and depression within the profession combined with the effects of the Covid‐19 pandemic and the challenges thrown up by today's volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world means that many veterinary businesses are left with a toxic cocktail of issues to overcome. This article, the second in a series on leadership, highlights what is required of successful leaders in the veterinary profession.