Farm clients thanked for supporting OVC teaching programs

A recent Appreciation Day for OVC Ruminant Field Services (OVC-RFS) clients not only offered research updates they can put to use on their farms, it was an opportunity to thank clients for their support of OVC’s teaching programs.

“We want to thank you for your patients and your patience,” said Dr. Todd Duffield, OVC professor and one of the faculty veterinarians with the OVC-RFS, as he welcomed clients to the day.

Student veterinarians gain valuable experience working with the OVC-RFS, including hands-on opportunities in diagnostics, clinical skills, and working with clients on-farm.

The appreciation day featured an update on the value of genomics to dairy farmers with keynote speaker, Dr. Filippo Miglior, Chief of Research & Strategic Development with the Canadian Dairy Network. Miglior outlined impacts on the artificial insemination industry, breeding strategies and genetic gains in breeding stock.

OVC presentations included updates and information from: Dr. Cynthia Miltenburg on prevalence of subclinical hypocalcemia; Dr. David Kelton on provincial somatic cell count (SCC) programs and impacts on milk quality; Dr. Charlotte Winder on dairy calf well-being; Dr. Jeff Rau on the importance of post mortems; and Dr. Reny Lothrop on shipping cattle by sea. 

Duffield also outlined a new teaching opportunity with the Ontario Livestock Exchange (OLEX) in St. Jacobs.  This past summer, the OVC‐RFS began conducting the live animal inspection for the Thursday cattle sale at the OLEX. Their primary role is to provide disease detection and animal health and welfare inspection. It also offers another resource for student teaching and learning opportunities.

It provides students an opportunity to practice physical exams and assess a variety of conditions, adds Duffield.

Sponsors for the day included Boehringer Ingelheim, Elanco and Merck Animal Health.