Beyond The BRED And Butter Of Cattle Fertility Ceva Animal Health Delivers World-class CPD To Vets

8 years ago
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Posted
26th January, 2016 14h47

The latest in a series of UK-wide bovine reproduction, education and discussion (BRED) workshops held in Edinburgh and Stratford, have been delivering cutting-edge reproductive research and education to vets. The two-day programme, which took place in December, was aimed at helping cattle practitioners maximise their management of cattle fertility and improve productivity on their clients’ farms.

The workshops, led by renowned global bovine reproduction experts Professor Paul Fricke and Professor Richard Pursley, covered a range of topics including a practical recap of reproductive physiology and endocrinology as well as how best to identify client goals, set herd targets and increase fertility.

Ian Rodger of Forth Valley vets in Stirling, who attended the workshop in Edinburgh described how the sessions really made him stop and think about how to get the most from his routine fertility visits: “With such a hectic schedule, it’s difficult to keep up to date with current thinking in bovine fertility and you often find yourself sticking to how you’ve always done things. It was great to be challenged at the BRED workshop; to be encouraged to question current practice and consider how and where we can progress. As fertility visits are such a large and important part of cattle practice, it’s essential that we’re always looking to evolve. Overall, the two day workshop was practically useful, intellectually stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable.”

Another attendee, Anushka Marsman from ProStock Vets in Carmarthen, shared her highlights from course: “So much of successful cattle reproduction practice is about forming good relationships with the farmer, so the tips on how best to manage client expectations and meet their needs were invaluable.”

While the course covered the basics in cattle reproduction, it also allowed discussion about the practical aspects of fertility programs, ranging from the approach at first insemination to protocols for cows diagnosed ‘not pregnant’.

Sally Wilson, founding partner of Evolution Farm Vets, describes how she has used the knowledge she gained to further develop her on-farm protocols to move her farms’ dairy fertility forward: “The sessions were enthusing, interactive and challenging.  It was great to revise the physiological theory behind commonly used protocols, as well as looking at evidence to support variations in current technique and newly developed protocols. It was an excellent opportunity to have access to global experts who are on the front line of research in this field, and to apply what we had learnt to practical scenarios.”

As well as bringing world-class CPD to vets, the Ceva team has also benefited from an internal BRED workshop to ensure they are fully equipped to provide ongoing, cutting-edge support to all UK vets. Carol Atkinson, Product Manager of Ceva’s reprodAction range is delighted that now it’s not just delegates that have access to the pioneering fertility advice presented on the BRED course: “It really is all about putting that expert knowledge into practice on farm - little by little - so it’s great to be able to provide personalised advice that all vets can tap into at their convenience. We’re thrilled with the positive response to the workshops and pleased that now even more vets can benefit through the unrivaled expertise of our team.”

So whether you made it to the BRED workshops or not, for further support and information on ruminant reproductive management, call Ceva Animal Health’s technical team on +44 (0) 1494 781510 or contact Ceva Animal Health Ltd, Unit 3, Anglo Office Park, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 9FB.

The BRED courses are part of the wider Ceva reprodAction programme, which aims to educate vets and farmers on cattle reproduction and encourages them to reassess their approach to fertility on farm.  For more information about future Ceva Animal Health led courses speak to your Ceva Territory Manager. 

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