Veterinary intervention in the reproductive management of beef cow herds
- George Caldow,
George Caldow is regional veterinary manager for the south-east Scotland area of the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) veterinary services. His main interests are diseases of beef cattle.
- Basil Lowmanand
Basil Lowman was a specialist adviser on beef cattle at the SAC until his retirement in 2004. He continues to work as a consultant. He was awarded an MBE in 2002 in recognition of his services to the UK beef industry.
- Iain Riddell
Iain Riddell graduated from Aberdeen University in 1980 with a degree in agriculture. He is currently senior beef and sheep consultant at the SAC.
Abstract
BRITISH beef producers need to function at maximum efficiency if profitability is to be achieved. For the breeding herd, the key is to maximise reproductive efficiency. Veterinary practitioners are ideally placed to provide the services that beef cow herd managers will require to achieve this, but may find clients initially reluctant to take up these new services. Cattle practitioners therefore have to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the principal factors that impact on beef cow herd productivity and the ability to translate that knowledge into effective herd investigative strategies and planned intervention programmes. This article provides guidance for practitioners wishing to grasp this new opportunity.
- British Veterinary Association. All rights reserved.
