Plan more-productive operation

To help progress an operation forward it’s really important to make a conscious effort to analyze the past year’s herd health. Objectively reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Doing so will help guide decisions and maximize the success of an operation from an animal-health perspective.

Find time to have these conversations – though no-one wants to be discussing a neonatal-calf-health plan when three scouring calves are on the mudroom floor. Find time with the herd veterinarian to plan. Don’t wait until the operation is in the middle of a herd-health outbreak.

Having two-way communication is the foundation to a productive veterinarian-client-patient relationship. There are three steps I feel are invaluable.

Step 1 – Review outcomes from the previous year’s health protocol – successes and any room for improvement.

Telling a veterinarian about any issues the operation is facing will allow her or him to help address those concerns and solve problems. To enhance the operation’s overall health and profitability, I have a checklist of things I believe should be evaluated every year.

Cow herd

• conception rate from the previous year compared to others

• reproductive goals for the herd and whether they were met

• any increased rate of abortions or stillbirths

• level of body condition

• any increase in diseases, such as pinkeye or foot rot

Calf crop

• overall neonatal health, mortality, sickness, response to treatment, vigor, etc.

• any specific disease challenges, such as summer pneumonia while out on pasture

• calf performance, including weaning weight

• if ownership is retained, how calves performed at the next sector of the industry

• any feedback from buyers relating to calf health, all the way to the rail or breeding

Overall herd health protocol – vaccinations, deworming and antibiotics

• efficacy of programs based on year’s performance

• any adjustments the producer believes may be needed

Administration logistics, timing

• whether the first line of antibiotic treatment remains effective, or if any additional treatment options were necessary

• any new marketing strategies that may impact the program – for example moving to an all-natural program

Step 2 – Explore new technologies available on the market and outline any questions for the veterinarian.

As veterinarians we want to be a resource for producers; we hope they feel comfortable coming to us with questions. Because of that I feel inquiry is another important aspect of the conversation with a veterinarian. It’s a good time to share whatever is most important for the producer. Ask the veterinarian’s opinion about new technologies; ask if they could be a good fit for the producer’s program and whether they would be cost-effective. Prepare a list of questions about the science behind them while the expert is in the room.