U.S. beef producers and veterinarians identified animal handling and stockmanship as the two most important topics on which they could use additional training in a recent survey. Identifying and treating sick animals, and animal identification and training were also highly ranked. Written protocols and procedures, as well as written employee animal care commitments are the two most important resources they need to improve animal care. Veterinarians and nutritionists were viewed by all respondents as the most influential in setting guidelines for beef cattle care.
Source: Bovine Veterinarian, September 13, 2018. Link. Merck Animal Health . . . this week announces the results from the Cattle Care and Well-Being Survey, a comprehensive survey of U.S. beef producers and veterinarians, that identified resources, topics and training needed to advance cattle care and well-being.
Additional details and graphs from the study are available on the Merck Animal Health website. Link.
INSIGHTS: This survey demonstrates that animal health pros can maintain strong positions as resources in this industry. Endlessly restating and demonstrating the basics of production, quality assurance and animal care are necessary.
Successes come from understanding and translating the basics of the business into actions that:
a) promote sound animal husbandry,
b) instill confidence in producers and veterinarians and
c) encourage lifelong learning.
Keep doing what you do well.