Integrated Sustainable Dairy Program

Integrated Sustainable Dairy Program

Summary

Thus far, three modules have already taken place. An additional module is scheduled for March 18, 2013. Each module was designed for dairy veterinary practitioners and Extension specialists. A total of 40 participants from the north central region (OH, MI, and WI) and other States (VA, WV, and PA) attended these three modules. The program provided a frame work to develop cutting edge applied skills in dairy production medicine and decision making. Educational materials were delivered through in-class lectures followed by case-based learning, and group discussions. Veterinarians reported that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful. Attendees found the presented information relevant for their work and of great immediate use to them. This program has important implications for dairy veterinarians because they are a vital source of information for dairy producers.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Module 4 – Strategies for trouble-shooting reproductive performance in dairy herds. The program consisted of the following topics: risk factors associated with poor reproductive performance in dairy herds; assessment of relevant parameters and how to monitor them; approaches to trouble-shoot poor reproductive performance (cow comfort, infectious diseases, synchronization methods); presentation of a case study and group discussion; and data-based decision making process. Educational materials were delivered through in-class lectures followed by case-based learning, and group discussions. Veterinarians reported that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful. Attendees found the presented information relevant for their work and of great immediate use to them. Participants developed quantitative and personal skills that can be used to promote and expand their production medicine services. Being able to identify within-herd risk factors affecting reproductive performance and approaches for record analyses were listed as learned concepts that participants can apply in their practices. This program has important implications for dairy veterinarians because they are a vital source of information for dairy producers.

Module 5 – Animal welfare practices for dairy herds. The program consisted of the following topics: the milk buyer and consumer perspective on animal welfare; guidelines for animal welfare practices at herd level; discussion on animal herd health outcomes (e.g., lameness); and assessment of herds records and compliance. Dairy producers, veterinarians, Extension specialist, and Ag-lenders attended this workshop and indicated that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful.

Module 6 – Lameness and wellness assessment on modern dairies. The program consisted of the following topics: Diagnosis of upper leg conditions; animal behavior issues; euthanasia (animal welfare issues and review AVMA guidelines); and welfare assessment. Extension specialit and veterinarians that attended this workshop indicated that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful with immediate field application. Being able to identify within-herd risk factors affecting animal welfare and approaches for herd assessment were listed as learned concepts that participants can apply in their practices. This program has important implications for dairy veterinarians because they are a vital source of information for dairy producers.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Accomplishments:
1) Delivery of three educational modules: ~25 hours of learning for 40 participants (some of them attended all three modules). 2) Development of an active network of practicing veterinarians and extension specialists.
2) Development of two case-studies and one tutorial for calving management practices (PowerPoint presentation and evaluation instruments) for dairy herds (Spanish and English versions).

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Outputs:
1) Proceedings notebook.
2) Evaluation instruments that have application for other programs.
3) Development of two case-studies (assessment of reproductive performance and transition cow management) for teaching undergraduate/graduate/professional students, practicing veterinarians, and dairy producers.

Outcomes:
1) Short-term: Participants reported that the overall program, presentations, and discussions were useful. Also, they found the presented information relevant for their work and of great immediate use to them.
2) Intermediate-term: An active network of practicing veterinarians and Extension specialists was developed.

Collaborators: