Cattle Quarterly Spring 2022

SPRING EDITION 2022 CattleQuarterly

Animal Health and
Welfare Pathway

What it means for us
and our clients
Cover image by Ollie Hobbs from Barhouse Farm Gloucester

CATTLE CASES MEDICINE HUB FROM PRACTICE TO POLICY
Jenny Hull’s case of
neonatal tracheostomy How your client’s data can Ele Brown on going from
make the difference practice to policy

The essential read for BCVA members

CATTLE QUARTERLY FROM THE EDITOR

Contents Editorial

3 BCVA News This edition of Cattle Quarterly marks the first
Useful and good-to-know anniversary of the publication and we hope
you’ve found this a valuable addition to your
4 Animal Health and Welfare member benefits. One of the ambitions right from
Pathway the start was to feature colleagues who are working
What it means for us and clients across all aspects of the profession - proving that our
veterinary degrees can take us beyond practice. As
8 Cattle Case someone who has chosen to work in a vet school, I’m
Jenny Hull presents a passionate about making sure students know farm
tracheostomy animal practice is a great career - but you can also
open a lot of other doors with a vet degree.
12 Medicine Hub
Why this data collection tool is We have a number of these examples amongst
crucial these pages, colleagues who have carved out a career
outside of practice, in non-clinical that still makes the
16 Cattle Careers most of their veterinary qualification. On pages 16-19
Nicky Bowden on a non-clinical my fellow board member, Nicky Bowden, shares her
career story to explain how a decision to move away from a
life in farm practice gave rise to more variety than she
20 Vet People imagined possible when first entering the profession.
From practice to policy with Ele
Brown Then on pages 20-22 we hear from Ele Brown
who took her Cambridge vet degree and an MSc in the
24 Send A Cow control of infectious diseases from a career in mixed
A look into the future with Simon practice into a policy development role as head of
Doherty Defra’s bovine TB programme.

26 Foot Focus In addition to these interviews, we have an
George Oikonomou on key important feature on the Animal Health and Welfare
genetics project Pathway, which launches this Spring with the aim
to reduce endemic disease in livestock with an all-
27 CPD Diary encompassing approach to health and welfare. On
What’s on this year pages 4-6 Jonathan Statham outlines what it means for
our profession and our clients.
Cattle Quarterly is published by
the British Cattle Veterinary Association, There is also an important update on the Medicine
The Glenmore Centre, 17 Jessop Ct, Hub – which BCVA is keen for members to engage
Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AP. with, and Jenny Hull, has provided a fascinating Cattle
Case for this issue, which features a tracheostomy on
This magazine is a member-only benefit. a neonatal South Devon beef calf which was presented
Parties interested in receiving in respiratory distress.
Cattle Quarterly should email
[email protected]. Our Summer issue will be out in July, and the
Autumn edition will be available just before Congress
Tel: 01452 725735 in October. If you have ideas for features, or even if
Email: [email protected] you would like to talk to us about presenting a case for
Web: www.bcva.org.uk Cattle Cases, then please email [email protected]
and we’ll right back to you.
EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITOR – John Remnant John Remnant, BCVA Joint Honorary Secretary and
MANAGING EDITOR – Kay Colquhoun Editor of Cattle Practice and Cattle Quarterly
PRODUCTION EDITOR – Aimee Hyett
MEMBERSHIP & CPD - Elsbeth Matthews
OFFICE MANAGEMENT - Dee Little
PRODUCTION
BCVA Headquarters, The Glenmore Centre
PRINTER – Taylor Brothers Bristol Ltd

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission
of the publisher. Views expressed within this publication do not necessarily represent
those of the Editor or the British Cattle Veterinary Association.
BCVA is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its publications wherever
possible and Cattle Quarterly is printed on paper made from sustainable resources and
can be recycled. When you have finished with this edition please recycle it. Members
can access the online archive of Cattle Quarterly at www.bcva.org.uk.

2 CATTLE QUARTERLY

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Congress – what you need to know

You can soon book your place for BCVA Congress at the Hilton Metropole, in Birmingham, 20-22 October – BCVA members will be the
first to know when online booking goes live. Until then, please save the date and remember, as well as your membership discount you
can save even more with the Early Bird discount.

The programme is being finalised, and once again workshops will be free of charge, however, because these spaces fill quickly, it is
a good idea to book your place when you register. We’d also encourage you to book your social tickets for Thursday’s fun fundraiser and
the Friday Gala dinner.

What’s On Liverpool Parasite Control Survey

The programme of free monthly webinars for members continues The University of Liverpool and the National Animal Disease
10th May, with Tom Greenham on Investigating problems on AMS Information Service (NADIS) are undertaking a study to
– members are registered automatically, you just need to check investigate parasite control practices of UK cattle farmers.
your inbox on the day for the link. Also, see the CPD Diary on the
inside back cover for details of all BCVA courses coming up and UK farmers are encouraged to fill in a short questionnaire
remember to check the CattleCast library for the latest podcasts – about how they worm their cattle each year. Respondents will be
we’ve published five excellent interviews this year already. put into a draw to win an iPad and/or a year’s free subscription to
the NADIS new online parasite control package.
Vet Helpline Turns 30
The aim is to establish some basic facts such as the
The Vetlife Helpline is inviting the profession to help celebrate prevalence and distribution of worms. The reports will be
its 30th anniversary by getting creative with fundraising activities interested in all control practices carried out on farms, including
throughout 2022. The idea is to select any day this year as your grazing management as well as the use of anthelmintics. For
own ‘Vetlife Day’ and get together with colleagues for bake sales, more information email [email protected].
quizzes, or competitions. There are ideas and resources available
at vetlife.org.uk. Nottingham Survey on Future of Farm
Practice
This invaluable listening service has been run by the
veterinary community for the veterinary community since 1992, The University of Nottingham is asking BCVA members to
providing invaluable support for vets, nurses, students and non- participate in a survey that follows on from a previous project
clinical staff. The pandemic saw a significant rise in demand for where key opinion leaders shared their thoughts about the
its services yet its ability to raise funds was drastically disrupted. future of farm practice. The next stage of the project will use
The service is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0303 040 these findings to ask a wider range of farm practitioners if they
2551. We will, once again, be raising funds for Vetlife at Congress agree with the conclusions from stage one and also how well
in October. equipped they feel the profession is to deal with what lays ahead.
To participate visit https://nottingham.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/future-
of-farm-practice. There is a prize draw for people completing the
survey to win one of three £50 online shopping vouchers. The
deadline is 30th April.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 3

IN VIEW

Animal Health and Welfare
Pathway Launches

BCVA Past President, Professor Jonathan
Statham, is a cattle vet and Chair for
England’s Animal Health and Welfare Board.
He has been working with Defra to develop
the new Animal Health and Welfare Pathway,
which launches this Spring/Summer with the
aim to reduce endemic disease in livestock
with an all-encompassing approach to health and welfare.
Here he outlines what the AHWP will mean for our profession
and for our clients

Ihave always been very interested in the bigger picture and trying UK trade and the environment. It involves 3 mutually reinforcing
to influence that, alongside working with colleagues in practice strands:
with our farming community. I was drawn to the AHWBE from
when it was first created as a body that connected vets and wider 1. Financially rewarding farmers who deliver public goods
industry with the work of government and a real opportunity to
constructively challenge and shape policy and change. Incentives will be provided for farmers to go above the regulatory
baseline and reward higher animal health and welfare on the farm.
Getting involved with developing the Animal Health and This will focus on improvements which are valued by the public
Welfare Pathway started when I was President of BCVA. Together but not sufficiently delivered by the market.
with BCVA Council colleagues we developed a proposal for
‘Animal Health England/Cattle Health UK’ that we pitched to the 2. Stimulating market demand for higher welfare products
AHWBE back in 2012. Michael Seals the former chair of AHWBE
(for the last 10 years) was very supportive and this proposal was The majority of consumers value high animal welfare, but this
one of the influences on the development of what is now the is not fully reflected in what they purchase. The aim is to make
Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. The specific involvement it easier for consumers to purchase food that aligns with their
came when I joined AHWBE and we actually worked up the detail values, by improving transparency and providing the industry
of the concept as a sub-group of AHWBE. with a level playing field to promote such products. Achieving this
may include potential market interventions such as, labelling and
Pathway’s Direction mandatory public disclosure that could improve the accessibility,
availability and affordability of higher welfare products for
The Pathway aims to support the gradual and continual consumers, while driving positive procurement choices by
improvement in farm animal health and welfare. It is a partnership; retailers.
the government will work together on each step with farmers, vets,
the wider industry and the supply chain. 3. Strengthening the regulatory baseline

The Pathway is a critical part of the farming reforms set out The plan is to strengthen delivery of the regulatory baseline by
in the Agricultural Transition Plan to deliver benefits for animal improving compliance with our current high standards. Where it is
health and welfare, farm productivity, food security, public health, appropriate to raise the bar this will be done in consultation with
all relevant sectors and provide sufficient notice of changes so that
farmers can plan properly.

4 CATTLE QUARTERLY

IN VIEW

Capital grants will be provided, partnering with farmers, to The Review is initially for cattle farmers who are eligible for
support the transition to a new standard in cases where this the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and who have more than 10
delivers good value for money. The aim is to ensure our future cattle (the aim is to make the Review available to farmers not
standards are outcomes-focused wherever possible and are currently participating in the BPS as soon as possible).
subject to less burdensome checks as part of a trust-based
relationship between farmers and government. The intent is that this is a time limited offer for 3 years.
There will be an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Review
The Pathway’s first strand (financially rewarding farmers who and consultation on the need for further regulation beyond this
deliver public goods) involves 4 funding programmes. timeframe.

These all work together to deliver health and welfare Disease eradication programmes will be available from 2023.
priorities, providing funding for high-quality veterinary advice, Farmers will be able to apply for financial support to prevent and
capital investment and ongoing costs. reduce endemic diseases and conditions, building on the initial
advice given in the Review. The programmes will target initial
1. Annual Health and Welfare Review (the Review planned priority endemic diseases, which will be Bovine Viral Diarrhoea
for 2022) (BVD) in cattle. The programmes will be targeted at maximising
the delivery of public goods, including climate change mitigation,
2. Animal health and welfare capital grants (planned for late slowing the rise of anti-microbial resistance, and improving
2022) biosecurity.

3. Disease eradication and control programmes (from 2023) It is important to recognise that a key part initial aspect of
the Review will be about building an effective working partnership
4. Payment-by-results (trialling in 2023, possibly between vets, the vet-led team and farmers to achieve the long-
transitioning to full-scale offer from 2025) term goals for the future.

The Annual Health and Welfare Review will: Funding Process

• offer farmers funding for an annual visit from a vet of Farmers can apply for grants to co-fund capital investments to
their choice to consider the health and welfare of their support the delivery of the published health and welfare priorities.
animals. This includes carrying out some diagnostic This will include:
testing (initially prioritising BVD), reviewing biosecurity
and the use of medicines, and provide bespoke advice • smaller grants, where farmers can select from a list of
on actions and available support to improve the health equipment and technology items
and welfare of their animals
• larger grants, for bespoke infrastructure projects
• add value to existing practices and assurance scheme such as new housing, building upgrades and pasture
requirements and build upon the strong relationships that improvements
already exist between farmers and vets

CATTLE QUARTERLY 5

IN VIEW

The competitive grants will initially be open to livestock AHWP Ambitions
farmers with cattle, pigs, sheep, meat chickens and laying hens.
In future years of the programme, we hope to expand to other I am already very proud of UK farming. The AHWP is an England
livestock farmers such as those with goats, ducks, or turkeys. initiative although very strong collaboration and communication
A farmer will need to agree with their vet the most appropriate across the UK is essential for managing cattle health and welfare.
investments for their farm and animals. They can seek this advice I hope that the AHWP will support farming including partnership
as part of the Review, a routine vet visit or a phone call with their with farm vets to evolve how we farm to achieve a sustainable
local vet. and successful balance between four key drivers: food security;
animal health & welfare; ‘One health’ (including managing
Payment-by-results is a new and innovative approach which antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonoses) and also impacts
could reward farmers who demonstrate high animal health and on the environment including climate change, water land use and
welfare outcomes by contributing to the ongoing costs associated biodiversity.
with higher welfare practices (‘enhancements’).
I hope when we look back that we see a farming industry that
Which livestock farmers could be eligible is currently being is better understood and a priority for society and farmers and vets
assessed; this will depend on the outcomes of external research. keen to enter and drive forward innovation in sustainable food.

Created in Collaboration AHWP and UK Vets

The co-design of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (AHWP) The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway puts farm animal vets
has been a vital innovation and central to its shape and potential. front and centre in delivering the programme. It is a once in
A mutual respect and understanding have been established a generation opportunity to make a difference to farmers and
between government and industry participants that has been farming and is a big responsibility. However, it is also a big
essential to get to this point. It is critical that this trust is fulfilled opportunity, for example to deliver the ambitious aspirations
and the commitment of all involved is very strong to achieve described above and keep them in balance will be challenging;
this. With the overall oversight of the Animal Health & Welfare the role of the vet working in partnership in achieving this is key.
Board of England, an initial Stakeholder Steering Group led to
a combination of long-term Species Sector/Veterinary groups Working together and developing the support networks as a
alongside key task and finish groups with focused tasks including profession is important and these support systems and materials
design, legislation, grants and endemic disease. are in rapid development with the help of veterinary organisations
such as BCVA. The Pathway can offer rewarding and essential
The pathway will continue to evolve and develop from this opportunities in herd and flock health for all career stages-
initial position with this collaborative approach. supporting farming as a solution to the big challenges such as
climate change and the environment and offering strong positive
motivation for vets entering and remaining in farm veterinary
practice.

6 CATTLE QUARTERLY

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CATTLE CASES

Neonatal Tracheostomy

Jenny Hull BVetMed CertAVP(Sheep) MRCVS of Black
Sheep Farm Health shares a case of a neonatal beef calf in
respiratory distress

Introduction 4. Chlorhexidine skin preparation was repeated before
application of surgical spirit.
A neonatal South Devon beef calf was presented in respiratory
distress within 24 hours of birth. The heifer calf had been born 5. A midline longitudinal skin incision of approximately 6cm
at 2am without assistance and suckled within twenty minutes was made in the cranial third of the neck.
of birth. Six hours later, the calving assistant noted the calf had
increased respiratory effort with a loud ‘honking’ breathing sound. 6. Subcutaneous tissue, and the sternomandibular and
The client administered florfenicol and meloxicam at that point but sternothryohyoid muscles, were separated by blunt
it showed no improvement. dissection to expose the trachea.

Clinical Examination, Differential 7. A rectangular segment of trachea spanning three cartilage
Diagnoses, and Initial Treatment rings, and one third of the tracheal diameter, was resected.

The calf was examined at 9am the same morning. The calf 8. Peritracheal fascia and tracheal mucosa were sutured
was able to rise and walk unassisted and appeared normal together to the skin laterally using 3-0 USP polyglactin 910
with the exception of a greater than normal respiratory effort (Vicryl) in a simple interrupted pattern.
and auscultation of the larynx revealed excessive turbulence
leading to inspiratory stridor. There were no apparent wounds or 9. Two cruciate sutures of USP 4 catgut were placed to
swelling. No definitive diagnosis was reached after examination. reduce the skin wound.
A laryngeal obstruction, most likely anatomical or functional
was the most likely diagnosis. A dose of dexamethasone was 10. Oxytetracycline spray was applied topically, covering the
administered, but despite this, the calf deteriorated further and stoma to avoid inhalation.
was in severe respiratory distress. The decision to carry out a
Tracheostomy was made. The client was instructed to check the stoma three times
daily for seven days for signs of infection or wound breakdown
and clean with dilute chlorhexidine if necessary. Post-operative
analgesia of meloxicam repeated every other day for one week.
Immediately post-op the calf was much more comfortable, able to
breathe comfortably, and no longer in distress.

Tracheostomy A B

Our method was adapted from Weaver et al Figure 1: a) Intraoperative and b) Post-operative
(2018) and Fossum (2007). Sedation was
avoided as the calf was in cardiorespiratory
distress and there was sufficient assistance
for safe manual restraint.

1. The ventral cervical region was
clipped between the angle of
mandible and thoracic inlet.

2. The calf was placed in dorsal
recumbency, with a mild cranial
elevation, and the neck extended.
One assistant restrained the
forelimbs, while another restrained
the hindlimbs.

3. The site was prepared with
chlorhexidine before subcutaneous
infiltration with 20ml of a procaine
and adrenaline local anaesthetic
(Adrenacaine Solution for Injection
for Cattle, Norbrook).

8 CATTLE QUARTERLY

CATTLE CASES

AB

Figure 2 a) and b): Horizontal matress sutures placed 24 hours after the initial tracheostomy

Further visits 6 nylon. These holes were burred to avoid sharp edges cutting
through the suture material.
24 hours post-operative: The dewlap region had swollen around
the surgical site, subsequently obstructing the stoma. Two A single dose of combined florfenicol-meloxicam was
horizontal mattress sutures of 4 USP catgut were placed laterally administered to provide antibiosis and analgesia after insertion.
to maintain stoma patency.
18 months post-operative: The tracheotomy tube remained
4 weeks post-operative: The calf responded well until four in place for six months, after which it fell out. The client reports
weeks after surgery; growth resulted in cervical skin folding over that the stoma remains patent, although the heifer only breathes
the stoma and a clinical relapse. through it when exercised. Her growth rate has been comparable
with her age cohort. Although there were concerns that the heifer
The calf was restrained manually in lateral recumbency and a was at increased risk of respiratory disease when housed, there
stainless-steel tracheotomy tube (22mm internal diameter, Kruuse was no issues over the winter and the heifer had received an
Veterinary Products) inserted. Before use, it was modified by intra-nasal pneumonia vaccine.
drilling two holes through which it was sutured laterally with USP

A B

Figure 3 a) and b): Stainless steel trachtomy tube immediately post-insertion 9

CATTLE QUARTERLY

CATTLE CASES About the Author

AB Jenny Hull graduated from The Royal Vet College
in 2007 and after a stint travelling, she has worked
Figure 4 a) and b): 18 months post-operation in Northumberland ever since. Her interests
include BVD, proactive flock and herd health
Discussion planning and goat medicine. She is a member
of the Sheep Veterinary Society, Goat Veterinary
Tracheostomy in bovine practice: Weaver et al (2018) indicate Society and a BCVA board member. She currently
tracheostomy for necrotic and purulent laryngitis, respiratory sits on the BVDFREE ENGLAND board, is involved
foreign bodies, pharyngolaryngeal abscessation or neoplasia, or in government liaison work from a low-risk TB
persistent largynospasm. Tracheostomy to treat non-responding area and part of the ‘Antibiotics Targets Taskforce.’
diphtheria in feedlot cattle has reported a 93% (43/45) success She is also currently studying for a ‘Certificate in
rate between surgery and slaughter (Furman et al 2018), Advanced Sheep Health and Production.’
suggesting our case was not exceptional.
See Your Case Here
Our approach was necessarily ad hoc given the urgency of
the condition and unfamiliarity with the procedure. On reflection, The aim of Cattle Cases is to present clinical
aspects of other approaches could be incorporated to maximise scenarios which are encountered in farm practice,
chances of success, including: and we especially welcome submissions from
our members, especially those working in farm
• Excision of two cartilage rings (Nichols, 2008; Goulding practice. You might take a problem orientated
et al 2003; Weaver et al 2018), not three as described in approach to a challenging diagnosis, present a
companion animal surgery (Fossum, 2007). treatment or surgical dilemma, or focus on one
aspect of a complicated case. If you have a case
• In case of (peri)laryngeal infection, a more cranial that you think will make a good article then please
approach described by West (1997) through the thyroid email [email protected] for the guidelines.
and cricoid cartilages, and first two tracheal rings. This
would allow for aspiration of purulent material and
curettage of necrotic tissue.

• If mild respiratory distress, starvation and sedation prior to
surgery as described in West (1997).

Choice of antibiosis does not appear to be a key factor: West
(1997) used tylosin, Goulding et al (2003) used procaine penicillin
and streptomycin, while Nichols (2008) simply states antimicrobial
therapy should be initiated at treatment. Treatment duration
ranged from 5-10 days.

BCVA is printing this case study in Cattle Quarterly with
the author to demonstrate an example of a particular case
or cases as seen in practice. It is not a statement of BCVA
policy or guidance on diagnosis or treatment. Reference
to any specific product or entity does not constitute
endorsement or recommendation by BCVA. Readers
are advised to follow the principles of evidence based
veterinary medicine and use their clinical judgement on
how best to manage cases under their care.

10 CATTLE QUARTERLY

Save the Date

BCVA Congress
20-22 October

Stimulating science and sparkling socials.
See you at Hilton Metropole in Birmingham.

MEDICINES

How the Hub will Help

Members of the Industry Liaison Group for the Medicine Hub
show how collected data are essential in demonstrating the
sector’s successes and how it can be a crucial discussion
tool that allows veterinary practices to provide client-specific
data

Concern that we may lose crucial antibiotic treatments aggregated usage figure available for cattle and sheep enterprises
which we currently rely on is driving a resolute mindset in the UK.
on our profession’s approach to prescribing. It is defining
legislation and shaping ambitious targets. It is inspiring important Each livestock sector has set its own national targets for
projects like Farm Vet Champions and Arwain Vet Cymru; all antibiotic stewardship through vet and producer collaboration.
designed to motivate an ever more conscious and responsible use These sector specific collaborations come together as the
of veterinary medicines. Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA)
Targets Task Force. These include a commitment to collect
In the UK, significant gains have already been achieved by antibiotic usage data from 95% of UK dairy herds, 50% of calf
the livestock industry, with a 52% reduction overall in sales of rearing units, 10% of beef herds and 10% of sheep flocks by 2024.
antibiotics for food producing species since 2014. This reduction
is a result of concerted effort and has been driven by the livestock Here’s where the Hub comes in
industries and veterinary professionals, especially those in the
poultry, gamebird, and pig sectors. The Medicine Hub for cattle and sheep has been developed
by AHDB to facilitate secure collection of antibiotic use data.
However, this aggregate figure relies on sales data from Medicine Hub requires two types of information to produce
pharmaceutical company records. These data give limited reports; antibiotic usage data and the number of animals within
information on which antibiotics are used in each species or the enterprise. The range of data options possible reflects the
sector and it does not tell us about use at farm level. heterogeneity of cattle and sheep farms in the UK and ensures
that all farms can contribute to and benefit from Medicine Hub.
To overcome these limitations, and monitor antibiotic usage Regardless of the source of the information, the farmer controls
trends within their sector, many UK livestock industries are who has access to and uses the data from their enterprise.
collecting antibiotic usage data. This allows visualisation of trends
in usage by sector and can inform more targeted interventions and Medicine Hub is set to become a key feature in the ruminant
evidence-based policy. The data can also enhance the reputation landscape. It is a tool that can reduce bureaucracy and increase
and public perception of livestock sectors. engagement in order to facilitate client compliance with legal
requirements, assurance schemes and industry standards. It will
Data determines our future also allow the ruminant sector to demonstrate their commitment to
the UK’s leadership and ambition in tackling antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic usage data have been reported in meat poultry since
2014, pigs since 2015, laying hens and gamebirds since 2016 and For example, in the UK it has been a legal requirement since
in salmon and trout since 2017. In some sectors this has been 2013 for all animal keepers, including cattle and sheep producers,
achieved through the collection of veterinary prescription data, to keep medicine records detailing medication administered to
which can be extracted from practice management software. livestock in the last five years. It is also a requirement of cattle
and sheep Red Tractor farm assurance schemes that annual,
In 2016 the pig sector launched an Electronic Medicine aggregated, records of antibiotic use are kept and reviewed by
Book (developed by AHDB) to provide its own independent, a nominated veterinary surgeon as part of the annual livestock
central repository to collate, report and compare antibiotic use health and performance review.
at individual farm level. Since then, data from 95% of UK pig
production are recorded centrally, and the sector has received Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers will introduce mandatory
widespread recognition for its transparency and accountability as central reporting of antibiotic use for its 7,000 producer members
well as reducing use by over 60% (ref VARSS report). from early summer 2022. In England, the Animal Health and
Welfare Pathway will fund annual vet visits on all farms which will
The latest Defra figures show the total number of cattle and include a medicine review by a veterinary surgeon. In all these
calves in the UK was 9.4 million and UK total number of sheep scenarios, Medicine Hub offers an easy to use and practical tool
and lambs in 2020 was 21.8 million. Despite high populations, to assess antibiotic use during the veterinary annual review.
unlike poultry and pig sectors, there is currently no national

12 CATTLE QUARTERLY

MEDICINES

The Hub, you and your clients Medicine Hub is free to use, and all data is secure. Farmers
can upload their antibiotic usage data directly to the Medicine Hub
Medicine Hub can be utilised effectively on individual farms, and it or they can grant third party permission for someone to do this on
can also be a powerful data analytic tool for groups of farmers and their behalf through, for example, their veterinarian. Renumeration
for veterinary practices wanting to better understand their clients’ for the service of submitting and analysing the data to Medicine
needs. For example, a veterinary practice nominated by the Hub is at the discretion of individual business models.
farmer will be able to support their ruminant clients with improved
decision making on antibiotic use and disease prevention. To The Medicine Hub will enable vets and farmers to
facilitate this, a benchmarking report can be generated for an demonstrate leading antibiotic stewardship and it will enhance the
individual farm to compare to the anonymised average antibiotic reputation of UK cattle and sheep sectors with customers at home
use on similar farms. Additionally, Medicine Hub can be a tool and abroad.
for veterinary practices to provide client-specific data to facilitate
discussion group sessions, by producing anonymised data reports
for different groups of farmers within the practice.

The challenge – at a glance

We know that antibiotic usage in livestock is linked to antibiotic resistance. However, successfully
tackling the threat of AMR does not mean zero antibiotic use - antibiotics are essential medicines
for animal health and welfare. To ensure the future efficacy of a range of appropriate medicines,
current use should instead be optimised. Optimising antibiotic use in animals can be summarised
as using as much as necessary and as little as possible. This can be achieved by, for example,
ceasing inappropriate habitual use on farms, prescribing the correct antibiotic at the correct dose, and
implementing a holistic approach to focus on disease prevention.

The principles of optimisation and antibiotic stewardship are reflected in the European Union
(and NI) upcoming changes to Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on Veterinary Medicines. EU Member States
recognise that collection and publication of usage data has driven improved antibiotic stewardship
and engagement by industry producers. Among other changes, the EU has therefore introduced
mandatory collection and sharing of usage data in all Member States which comes into force from
January 2022. A phased introduction requires sheep and cattle usage data to be shared at an
aggregated national level by 2024 and 2026 respectively. These changes will affect Northern Ireland
under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

To stay on top of the challenge, engage with Medicine Hub (medicinehub.org.uk), Farm Vet
Champions, Arwain Vet Cymru (Wales), and RUMA.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 13

MEDICINES

For Vets For Farmers

Percentage represented
by antibiotic usage data
by sector, 2020

14 CATTLE QUARTERLY

A HEALTHY HERD

STARTS WITH
CALF CARE SOLUTIONS

DIAGNOSE PREVENT SUPPORT

Speed® V-Diar 4 Bovigen®Scour Multimin®

Simple, rapid and accurate identification Protects against Boosts trace minerals during high
of the main causes of neonatal rotavirus, coronavirus demand periods, to help improve
calf scours. and E. coli F5 (K99). calf immunity and reduce instances
of diarrhoea and pneumonia.1

Kriptazen® Enerlyte® Plus

Provides e ective control Containing probiotics,
against cryptosporidiosis. lactose, vitamins, minerals
and electrolytes, this palatable formula
stabilises the water and electrolyte balance
to support the physiological digestion.

Ask your Territory Manager about Calf Care Solutions from Virbac

1. Teixeira AGV et al. (2014) Effect of an injectable trace mineral supplement containing selenium, copper, zinc and manganese on immunity, health and growth of dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 97:4216-4226.
Kriptazen 0.5 mg/ml oral solution for calves contains halofuginone. Bovigen Scour emulsion for injection for cattle contains inactivated antigens: Bovine rotavirus strain TM-91, serotype G6P1, Bovine coronavirus strain C-197, Escherichia coli strain
EC/17 (F5 / K99 antigens). Multimin solution for injection for cattle contains, Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium. Enerlyte Plus COMPOSITION: Lactose, sodium bicarbonate, whey powder, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, rice our, carob
powder. ADDITIVES per kg: Nutritional Additives (Vitamin and similar additives) - 3a700 Vitamin E 250 UI (Compounds of trace elements) - 3b8.11 Selenomethionine 1.2 mg (1 sachet provides 0.12mg Se). Zootechnical Additives: (Gut ora stabilisers
/ microorganism) - 4b E1705 / E1705 Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 5x1010 CFU. ANALYTICAL CONSTITUENTS Crude protein 5.4%, Crude bre 0.7% (remove cellulose), Crude oils and fats 0.5%, Crude ash 19%, Total Sugars 73.84%, Sodium
4.82%, Lysine 0.09%, Methionine 0.02%, Potassium 1.6%, Sodium chloride 6.9%, Bicarbonates 9.7%, Citrates 7.7%.
Further information is available from the product SPCs or from: Virbac Ltd. Woolpit Business Park, Windmill Avenue, Woolpit, Bury St. Edmunds,
Suffolk IP30 9UP. Tel: +44 (0) 1359 243243 UK: E: [email protected] W: https://uk.virbac.com IE: E: [email protected] W: www.virbac.ie
Kriptazen and Multimin, UK: POM-V IE: POM Bovigen Scour, UK: POM-VPS IE: POM Enerlyte Plus, EU PARNUT regulation
(EUCR No. 2020/354) Feedstuff for Particular Nutritional Purposes. Intended purpose no. 55 ‘Stabilisation of water and electrolyte balance
to support the physiological digestion’.
Use medicines responsibly. www.noah.co.uk/responsible www.apha.ie

CATTLE CAREERS

Finding a New Place in
Farm Practice

BCVA Board member, Nicky Bowden, grew up on a dairy
farm on the England-Wales border between Chester and
Wrexham. She graduated Glasgow vet school in 2007 and
has since had success in a varied career in both clinical
and non-clinical roles, here and abroad. She tells us about
maximising the benefits of a veterinary degree

Q: How did you get into a role probably best described as Q: What does that look like on a daily basis? What do you
‘business development’ with Nantwich Farm Vets? do and how does it contribute to the success of the
team?

A: A combination of good luck and good timing really! I was A: It is a rather varied role and I still feel like I am figuring out
at a point with my career in the pharmaceutical industry what my role is most days! One of the biggest assets and
that as much I was enjoying my work, it was a real struggle the biggest challenges for this business it that the bosses
to fit the traveling around my family. Nantwich Farm Vets love being vets out on farm. So having an office-based
had recently split away from Pets and Equine and at the vet has been helpful with dealing with various issues and
same time as moving to their new premises. I knew most questions that crop up on a daily basis. I get involved with
of their team pretty well as customers and was really all sorts of things, from organising meetings, social media,
impressed when I came to visit their new offices. medicines reporting and supporting our office manager
with support team training.
I spent a lot of time considering what was the next
step for my career, as part of this I was breaking down the Sometimes I get thrown a problem such as “there
skills I felt I had developed over the years and what I could are too many mistakes with lab samples” and I enjoy the
do with them. I was considering lots of things and was challenge of figuring out why the issues are happening
even considering getting my wellies back on an trying my and then putting in place new processes and better
hand at clinical vetting again! But then it then dawned on communication to resolve the issue.
me that those skills could be very useful to Nantwich Farm
Vets in a non-clinical role. Something I was really hoping to get me teeth stuck
into was events and meetings, unfortunately Covid had
I basically cold called one of the partners and sent other plans. Hopefully we can get more events going in
them a CV explaining what I thought I could bring to their 2022.
business. Everything slotted into place rapidly then and I
started with Nantwich Farm Vets in September 2019.

16 CATTLE QUARTERLY

CATTLE CAREERS

Q: Let’s go back now; growing up on a dairy farm, was Q: Do you wish you had known there were other options
‘farm vet’ an inevitable career for you or were other out there whilst you were at vet school, and do you
options considered? How did you deal with that period think enough is done to let vet students know that
of reconsidering what you were going to do with your their veterinary degree is a passport to more places
vet degree? than ‘on-farm’?

A: I don’t really remember wanting to be anything other than a A: There is so much you can do with a veterinary degree. I do
vet really. I am quite dyslexic so struggled academically in feel for me that I needed to spend some time in practice
my early years. Thankfully I had parents who were always as combined with my own farming background it does help
in my corner and some great teachers in high school. me stand out from those in the industry who don’t have
When previously I struggled with basic arithmetic suddenly that experience. When I was in Uni I thought you were
algebra clicked into place. I think I have learned that my either a ‘real vet’ or working in a university. Hopefully now
brain just processes information differently. Accepting that there is much more visibility of the roles that vets can play
spelling is never going to be my strong point and finding both within those roles and outside them.
different, often more visual ways of learning worked for me.
Q: ‘Operating a mixed portfolio’ is something that is an
Thankfully I performed well in GCSEs and A levels increasingly common way to describe all kinds of
so once it looked like vet school might be an option I careers now – how do you think your veterinary career
just followed that path. I loved my time at Glasgow and will continue to evolve?
always felt I had a farm focus. I remember one time
during an equine practical exam, one of the senior equine A: For me one of the biggest things I have picked up along
vets pretty much lead me through the questions until he the way is communication skills. I think many of my
could eventually pass me for his station, then with a few frustrations as a clinical vet came down to me not taking
minutes to go started chatting about how we were going to the right approach when communicating with clients. It was
celebrate that evening! eye opening to start learning more in this area and I think
it’s an area in which we can always learn more.
I had stayed involved with my local young farmers
throughout my time in university so when I saw a mixed job Working in a commercial sales environment was
come up in the area I jumped at it starting the week after also eye opening, as farm vets we are often poor
I graduated in July 2007. In hindsight I do wish I had given at selling our skills and services. Many
myself a bit of time to consider things and probably should vets feel that sales is a dirty word but
have gone straight into farm only practice. There was a ‘selling’ an idea is the bread
lovely team at my first practice, with an amazing first boss, and butter of what they
but I did not enjoy the small animal work and by Christmas do.
2007 I was pretty unhappy.

I had the opportunity then to do a farm-only internship
with a local practice, which then led to me getting a travel
scholarship through XLVets to go and work in New Zealand
for a little while.

Once I got back, I returned into farm practice but it just
didn’t feel like what I wanted to be doing for the rest of my
life. I definitely had a bit of crisis moment, thinking I worked
my socks off since I was a teenager to get this career that
actually doesn’t make me happy.

At that point I had never even considered that there
could be non-clinical roles out there for me. One evening
I ended up scrolling through the job adverts in one of the
farming papers and saw a job with AHDB. I am so glad that
I had people around me who supported me making what
at the time seemed like a pretty crazy decision.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 17

CATTLE CAREERS

Q: How does this role compare with clinical work in terms Q: Tell us about working for AHDB.
of the holy grail of ‘work-life balance’?

A: I am so very lucky to have found a role that allows me A: The biggest thing I learned in my time with AHDB
such a great work life balance. I have so much respect for was that there is so much more to farming than I had
the clinical team, who really do put in the hours, but I am previously thought. Considering I had grown up on a
so grateful I don’t have to do that. My contract is for 30hrs dairy farm and worked as a farm vet I discovered how
a week, I fit this within school hours mainly but little I actually knew about farming!
with the understanding that I work a longer
day on a Wednesday or Thursday to Learning about everything from soil health, grass
give the clinical team chance to catch growth to business management opened my eyes
up with me.
to what an amazing job our farmers are doing.
I love been able to spend It really helps to put it into perspective that
my workday with my brain fully when you are pushing one animal health
engaged in work tasks and related point it is all part of a much
then to be able to walk out bigger picture.
of the office and pick my
kids up from school and Communication skills were a big
be walking the dog at thing I learned in this role. I loved
home with them by 4pm.
It also allows me to working with discussion groups
pursue other passions, and learning the art of facilitation.
including being on I now appreciate what a skill this
BCVA Board.
is. Along with objection handling
training, these were the biggest
things I took away from my time
with AHDB.

Q: Tell us about your A:You also worked in
decision to work industry, with
outside the UK and the Boehringer Ingelheim. What
was your role there and would
A: lessons you learned you recommend a career – or
doing that. at least some time – working in
industry?
I have been very lucky to
get the chance to explore Q: I joined Boehringer ahead of the
the industry outside of the launch of their BVD Vaccine
UK. In 2009 I was awarded a Bovela and for the first few years with them
Scholarship by XL vets and was most of my time was devoted to this. I probably
part of exchange to go and work in should have realised at the time that this a pretty
New Zealand for a few months. This was special thing to be involved in, when people who had
a great opportunity and something I highly been in the industry for years said it was the biggest thing
recommend for any young vets getting itchy feet, in they had done.
fact I am currently helping one of the young vets in our
team to go and do the same. Launching Bovela was amazing. It was a challenging
product to launch, with some pretty technical things to
A few years later, when I was with AHDB I applied get your head around. We spent a lot of time traveling to
for another scholarship through the Cheshire Agricultural Europe to share ideas with the other technical teams and
society. I used this to travel to Wisconsin and do the Dairy I loved traveling all over the UK and meeting loads of vets.
Land Training. This particular scholarship was aimed at Something I developed was a workshop style meeting that
helping young people working in local agriculture explore I ran for lots of practices. This was something that came
new ideas through travel, there are opportunities such as directly out of my experience with AHDB and helped farmers
that around the UK that would be open to young farm vets understand what BVD meant for their business and develop
as well as young farmers. an action plan specific to their needs.

I loved working in the pharmaceutical industry, it really
opened my eyes to everything from pharmacovigilance to the
wording on a data sheet. Following the acquisition of Merial
the BI product portfolio expanded even further so having a
solid understanding of NSAIDs, antiparasitics, respiratory
vaccines and mastitis tubes is something I still use on a daily
basis. If someone in my team needs to worm a reindeer, I can
still find the correct paper to give them the dose rate!

18 CATTLE QUARTERLY

CATTLE CAREERS

Q: Finally, tell us about your decision to join BCVA Board
and what that brings to your life?

A: Something I loved from my time in industry was having
a network of contacts, in my previous roles I had lots of
opportunities to regularly meet other vets and industry
stakeholders. Sat in my office at Nantwich, particularly
during lockdown, I realised how much I missed this. This
was the main reason I joined BCVA and is one of the
things I love about been on the Board.

There is such a great team and I sometimes feel I get
more out of BCVA Board than I put in as chatting with the
other board members has helped me with loads of things
such as learning how other practices handle vet students.
I am also loving been able to use some other things I have
picked up along the way, for example when getting involved
in BVD eradication at a national level it really helps to have
had the opportunity to dive deep into the technical aspects
as well as getting to know key stakeholders.

I would definitely encourage other vets to consider
joining the BCVA Board, it is really exciting to do something
outside of your day-to-day work and to have contacts
through out the whole cattle vet world.

For more information about getting involved with
BCVA and becoming a Board Member, email
[email protected] and talk to the team
about what opportunities are available.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 19

VET PEOPLE

From Practice to Policy

Eleanor (Ele) Brown graduated from Cambridge in 2005
and went on to work in mixed practice. She has an MSc in
the control of infectious disease in animals from the RVC
and has post-graduation training in evaluating vaccine
programmes from the LSTMH. Ele currently heads Defra’s
bovine TB programme and we asked her about how her
career went from practice life to policy development

Getting started of a farming background did make me nervous of going 100%
farm, adding to my decision to choose mixed practice. I imagine
Like many vets, it was something I wanted to do from an early that type of work is decreasing now and maybe rightly so – it was
age. As a young child I wanted to save the elephants! I’ve always very hard (and at times stressful) to try to be a jack-of-all-trades
loved animals but growing up in London I was only ever around (definitely a master of none!). My first mixed practice operated
dogs and cats. My ambitions become more realistic with age as I open consult sessions and I could have cats and dogs in the
developed an interest in science and maths. Becoming a vet felt waiting room, and a trailer with a horse or sheep in the carpark.
like the obvious choice. Managing that sole charge was not an experience I’d want to
repeat nor would recommend, and it was not good for the clients
I applied in 1997 to the six vet schools at the time and got either.
straight rejections. This knock-back gave me the drive to go
again to ‘prove them wrong’ (not sure I have the same resilience It’s hard to pick a preference; there are pros and cons of
now!). I got my A-level grades and took a year out to volunteer both companion and farm practice, and of course what you enjoy
in vet practices, a vet laboratory, on farms etc. I also had a very comes down to the client relationship, regardless of species, and
strange job working for a building company and mortgage broker how well supported you are by your own practice. Certainty out-of-
to save for university. I reapplied, had three interviews and got hours calls were easier with smallies. I worked pre-smart phones
an offer from Cambridge on New Year’s Eve, 1998. Like many in Gloucestershire and had to navigate in the dark to farms
of us it was a seminal moment, with my parents and I in tears – marked on old paper OS maps.
my grandparents did not go to university, my parents did Open
University degrees as adults, so going to Cambridge felt like an I moved to a larger, more progressive mixed practice in
amazing achievement and an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. Oxfordshire which I enjoyed a lot. There were more vets for
support and advice, and crucially the practice valued VNs and I
I certainly felt nervous starting at Cambridge and it did take could even go to farm calls, such as c-sections, with a VN: I think
me a while to adjust. But my College (Pembroke) was fantastically they enjoyed the variety and I had vital support. I’m so supportive
supportive to me during my six years, and I still feel incredibly of the notion of ‘vet-lead teams’ and para-professionals and RVNs
lucky to have had that experience and to have met the amazing having greater responsibility in veterinary work. It just makes
people I did while there. sense to me, given the acute pressure in the industry now.

I did Biochemistry in my third year at Cambridge (like an My old practice has since stopped doing large animal work
inter-calculated degree, that you have to do at Cambridge as part which is sad, but understandable: it must be hard to offer high
of their Tripos system). I was the first vet to do so. It was hard quality work when you are doing both companion and farm work,
going in hindsight, although I still love the subject. I got a 2:2 for without having separate dedicated teams.
that year, most likely because I’d found a love for rowing. I was
also useless at the wet-lab work (much to my supervisors’ dismay, Infectious MSc
my HeLa cells were constantly getting contaminated, and I would
often loose count of how many times I’d used the pipette and in I think I always had an inkling I’d like to work for the Government.
what tray cell). I actually did an internship with Defra one summer that counted
towards my EMS. I highly recommend that to anyone interested.
Companion or Farm? It was also another driver for me wanting to do mixed practice; I
felt I needed to see farm work first-hand. I also did EMS at Animal
I did my final year elective in farm animal medicine, and I knew I
wanted to work with livestock when I graduated. I guess my lack

20 CATTLE QUARTERLY

VET PEOPLE

Health (as it was then), and in an abattoir,
so I think I had a good idea of the wider
opportunities that were open to vets. I think I
was also aware of Kate Richards’ fascinating
career path which was inspirational to me.
She has held many, quite different roles, and it
only seems to have been beneficial for her CV.

Ironically it was a stressful bovine
TB test (poor handling facilities for a beef
sucker herd) that was the final catalyst to
submitting my application. I went for the MSc
I did (now called ‘One Health’) as it was a
nice balance of policy making and disease
control with epidemiological principles. I
started it as an MPhil and did it part time,
spreading the modules in blocks over two
years and locuming across London – all
smallies of course. I did my final project on
a risk assessment for West Nile Virus and
subsequently worked to get it published –
and hence upgraded to an MSc. I wanted to
call it ‘Mosquitoes on a plane!’ but sadly this
intertextual reference was vetoed by my co-
authors. It still makes me snigger though!

Defra of interest do contact my team at [email protected]: we
would honestly relish coming to talk to you (think of it as CPD, but
I came into Defra in 2010 as a veterinary I can’t promise pens or donuts!).
advisor to policy after my MSc, so my
veterinary skills, knowledge and experience A vet – plus…
were crucial. I think there are many similarities
between decision making as a vet and in Despite the pressures in the profession, I am still very proud to be
government: you need to form advice based a vet, and to be able to continue to use my veterinary expertise.
on incomplete information, often as we do So, I guess you could say it is ‘who I am,’ but it is only one part. I
when diagnosing conditions in practice. am also a mother now, alongside being a vet; and a civil servant;
a daughter with aging relatives; and a woman in my own right
The 2018 Godfray Review and the (although that often feels like it comes last!).
government’s response to it in 2020 set the
direction to change and develop policy in I feel very lucky to have an incredibly supportive team,
some key areas. In particular, the response boss and wider network at Defra. I honestly feel valued there.
talks about the importance of the private vet I don’t like the term ‘balance’ as it feels more like a pendulum,
and Official Veterinarian in supporting farmers with sometimes work being my focus, and sometimes the kids
through bTB controls and breakdowns, and I and homelife. Everything just about works and when something
know that is something that’s really important does go awry (like childcare falling through during lockdown) it’s
to the BCVA and BVA. There is more we can chaotic.
do, to support vets advising on bTB and the BCVA are working
on enhanced training for vets in bTB. Obviously, it’s an area that’s
close to my interests as a vet too.

I’m also excited about the increasing role of lay-testers in
supporting bTB control with vets; it harks back to my practice days
when I saw the power of VNs and support staff in the veterinary
profession. Quality TB testing is fundamental to our eradication
strategy, but I know it’s not always the most exciting job for vets,
and there is more vets can, should and do already offer their
farmer clients.

Wider, there are a lot of substantial bTB policy changes
coming, for example in the wildlife control policy as we transition
to wider badger vaccination deployment, and as we plan for the
delivery of a cattle TB vaccine. There are obvious roles for vets to
support farmers understand and use these (new) tools given our
expertise in understanding the role of vaccines in concepts such
as herd immunity and R0.

As we come out of lockdown measures, my team are keen
to restart talking to vets about bTB policy: if that is something

CATTLE QUARTERLY 21

VET PEOPLE

I must do a shout-out to the ‘Vet Mums’ (or really ‘vet parents’) Advice for the next generation
Facebook group – I imagine there are a few BCVA members on
there. It is one of the most supportive, non-judgemental groups I Find yourself a supportive practice where there are both a number
know, and I get a lot from being part of that virtual group, not least of vets and RVNs you can go to for support: a good practice will
a continued finger-on-the-pulse of current issues in practice. want to help you to thrive. If you don’t fit your current job, move
on until you find what you like doing in a place you enjoy and are
One of the perks of my current role is being more in charge getting the support you need.
of my own time. I work four days a week but the hours I do aren’t
set so if I need a shorter day to pick the kids up from school, I Part of the beauty of a veterinary degree is if you jump off
can make up hours when suits. I don’t do on-call, although I do to try something else, you’ve always got that profession to fall
sometimes do late nights, which I can manage much better than back to. The Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify group is a great place for
when I was in practice and you are at the mercy of the on-call inspiration for the myriad of amazing roles vets can thrive in. The
‘gods.’ veterinary training is amazing: it can take you many places and
support many roles.
I do miss that direct contact with clients, especially when
you get a good one and the case goes well. The warm-fuzzies
that brings is pretty special. However, I can’t see myself going
back into practice in the short-to-medium term, but I don’t want to
say never! I enjoy my job, and it suits my family lifestyle now. My
husband is starting to get interested in a move to the country so
maybe one day (I’d be so rusty though!).

22 CATTLE QUARTERLY

Ketofen®

Reduce the pain and lameness associated with digital dermatitis

A recent study1 concluded that in dairy cows,
the addition of Ketofen® to protocols for the
treatment of pain and lameness associated
with digital dermatitis, could be beneficial
for animal welfare and productivity.

#Wavegoodbyetopain

Ketofen is part of the cattle NSAID trio from Meloxidyl® Allevinix®
Ceva Animal Health which also includes:
(meloxicam) - in cattle (flunixin) - in cattle,
can be given i/v or s/c can be given i/v or i/m

1Kasiora K, Anagnostopoulos A, Bedford C,Menka T, Barden M, Gri ths BE, et al. Evaluation of the use of ketoprofen for the treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle: A randomised, positive controlled, clinical trial. Vet Rec.
2021;e977. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.977
Ketofen® 10% solution for injection for horses, cattle and pigs contains 100 mg ketoprofen per ml. Meloxidyl® 20 mg/ml solution for injection for cattle, pigs and horses contains 20 mg meloxicam per ml.
Allevinix® 50 mg/ml solution for injection for cattle, pigs and horses contains 50 mg unixin (as meglumine) per ml. Legal Category for all products: UK POM-V
Further information is available from the product SPC, data sheet or pack insert.
Use medicines responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible)

Ceva Animal Health Ltd, Unit 3, Anglo O ce Park, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks HP7 9FB PRACTICAL INNOVATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH
Tel: 01494 781510 www.ceva.co.uk www.cevolution.org.uk

CHARITY NEWS

Renewed Vision and a
New Name

Dr Simon Doherty, Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and
Welfare at Queen’s University Belfast and Past President
of the British Veterinary Association shares an update from
Send a Cow, along with some personal news about his role
in the organisation

Ihave been involved in Send a Cow’s work for over a decade, farm animals is better than poor management of more. We also
initially as a volunteer ambassador and through the provision of recognise that the effects of climate change are very pertinent to
technical advice to the programmes team. Then in 2019 I joined those living in equatorial regions – dry months, late rains and more
the Board of Trustees, chairing its Programmes Committee since extreme weather patterns.
2020. I am delighted to announce that I have now been elected
vice-chair of the Board and look forward to working with the team Our training enables farmers to improve long term resilience
to help achieve our vision to enable more families to lift themselves against the impact of the climate crisis – by growing a diverse range
out of poverty amid a vast number of global challenges affecting of crops throughout the year, smallholder farmers not only have
farming. the dietary diversity for more balanced nutrition but also have the
security that if one crop fails all is not lost. Our training in farm
As a livestock veterinarian with a special interest in One Health systems improves the soil structure which helps to prevent topsoil
and sustainability, it is crucial for me that our programmes deliver being washed away and forage conservation which feeds livestock
measurable impact on the wellbeing of livestock, the environment through the dry season.
and the community. Send a Cow’s training enables smallholder
farmers to understand why exemplary management of one or two In the words of our Chair, John Geake; “We couldn’t be where
we are today, as an authoritative organisation delivering life-saving

programmes whose impact extends
far beyond the farmers we directly
train, without our respected history in
effective and compassionate livestock
management.”

As an organisation, we wish to
continue developing our relationships
with the veterinary communities in
the countries where we work. In the
UK, BCVA members have played a
significant role in providing vital support.
What started as something small, grew
and grew, and over the years BCVA
members have been involved with and
supported our work in so many ways:
cycling, raising awareness, organising
epic fundraisers at Congress, climbing
mountains and dressing in cow suits!
What started as a ripple has grown into
something much bigger and we truly
value your strength of support and
commitment over many years.

24 CATTLE QUARTERLY

CHARITY NEWS

Push-Pull Project Update The next chapter in our story

Last year, we introduced a project which is supporting 400 farming Thousands of individuals, companies, groups and organisations
families in Kyotera, Uganda, to introduce an innovative companion support Send a Cow – and have enabled 2.5 million people in rural
planting technology as a natural pest and weed control to improve Africa to learn more, grow more, and sell more. Those farmers
the yield of maize crops known as Push-Pull. then share what they know, and what they have, with their families
and communities. Soon, thousands experience the benefits in
Push-Pull has another great advantage: as well as providing communities where everyone’s able to thrive. It’s efficient, effective
more maize for human consumption, the companion plants and builds a momentum that spreads far beyond our programmes.
(desmodium and brachiaria or napier grass) are incredibly useful It starts on an African farm, but the ripple effect will create a
as nutritious feed for livestock. Project participants have seen confident, thriving and sustainable rural Africa.
the benefits of this in their cows’ greater milk yields for human
consumption and dung production – meaning more organic fertiliser Over the last couple of years, we have been developing our 2030
for maize crops and other plants. strategy to take our proven approach to even more communities.
You can read the thoughts of our Director of International
Josephine told us that she used to yield 10 litres of milk from Operations, Donald Mavunduse, online, where he weighs up the
her cow but now that she is able to give her cow more nutritious choice of breadth versus depth, to ensure that we continue to
and plentiful feed, she is getting 20 litres. Josephine feeds her cow support farmers in building sustainable farms and livelihoods.
a balanced diet, including desmodium and brachiaria grass. Since
the cow has been well fed it provides much more organic manure Our areas of specialism remain at the core of our work (our
which Josephine uses in her vegetable garden to help ensure a agroecological climate-positive approach, gender and social
good harvest. inclusion, and enterprise), and developing our strategy has
highlighted that we need to show - in the clearest and simplest
One group involved in the Push-Pull project has set up a dairy way - how we support a thriving rural Africa. The name Send a
cooperative which enables the farmers to get a better price for Cow has served us well for over 30 years and we are proud of our
their milk. The Dairy Corporation aggregates the milk, transfers it heritage but, to grow our impact and our profile, we need to expand
into cans and sells the milk from their shop. Mary (pictured in the our appeal with a name and brand that clearly demonstrates what
shop) says that the cooperative’s vision is for the members to be makes us unique and why our impact is sustainable.
modern farmers in five years’ time, where every member has two
dairy cows. “Together, we’ve overcome financial barriers.We’re now Which is why from 4th April we started to look and sound a
focusing on individual welfare.” little bit different. You can read more about our 2030 strategy and
the rigorous process we went through to change our name at www.
From October to December 2021, 80 project members were rippleeffect.org.
trained in hay making to enable them to produce high quality hay
bales for livestock feed. Members were given additional training in If you have any feedback or questions for the team, please
packaging and storage of hay, to help generate income from sales. contact: Becky Moorcroft, Partnerships Manager, becky.moorcroft@
Because of the nutritious hay fed to the cows there has been a milk sendacow.org.
yield increment by 2-3.5 litres. Farmers are now adding value to the
protein rich hay by producing grass or desmodium powder which
is used to feed rabbits, poultry and cattle. One project participant,
Magembe (pictured), used a milling machine to turn 5 bales of
hay into powder feeds. Since working with Send a Cow, he has
used savings to buy a bicycle which he uses to take his produce
to market.

CATTLE QUARTERLY 25

FOOT FOCUS

Using Genetics to Tackle
Cattle Lameness

Professor George Oikonomou outlines how a University of Liverpool
and ADHB pilot study aims to use foot trimmer’s records for
lameness genetic evaluations

What is this project? were very promising. Effectively, for every two-point decrease in
Lameness Advantage the sole ulcer risk doubled. Effectiveness of
The aim is to create a national database of UK foot trimmer records Lameness Advantage will increase if farm lesion records improve
that will be used for the genetic evaluation of resistance to lameness and foot-trimming records include all lesions and are recorded on-
causing foot lesions. In due course this will lead to improvement of farm software.
the AHDB Lameness Advantage Index.
The overarching aim of this project is to create one national
Why are we doing this project? database merging different UK foot trimmers’ records that will be
used for the genetic evaluation of resistance to lameness causing
Lameness is one of the largest health issues of the UK dairy herd foot lesions.
and severely impacts cattle production and welfare. It has been
shown that foot lesions are heritable traits, and that genetic How are we going to do this?
selection can make a difference in breeding resistance against
lameness. High quality phenotypes (lesion data) lead to more We have partnered with the National Association of Cattle Foot
accurate breeding values and are therefore crucial for genetic Trimmers and the Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board and will also
selection to work. work directly with All4Feet, VetIMPRESS and HoofTec (companies
that provide software for the electronic recording of foot lesions
Currently in the UK genetic evaluations for lameness traits rely during foot trimming). We will gain access to records through foot
solely on information provided through milk recording organisations. trimmers (after gaining consent from the farmer and foot trimmer)
The University of Liverpool (in collaboration with SRUC and the and these datasets will be provided to one of our researchers
Royal Veterinary College and funded by BBSRC) is currently via one of the foot trimming recording platforms. These data will
conducting a large scale study on the genetics of cattle lameness additionally be matched to milk recording data. Finally, these data
(preliminary results presented at BCVA Congress 2021). 2,352 will be standardised and joined to create a national database.
Holstein cows were enrolled on four dairy farms and subsequently This database will then be shared with AHDB to help improve the
assessed at four stages of a lactation cycle. Lameness Advantage Index.

At each stage, feet were inspected by a veterinary surgeon Who are we?
and all foot lesions were recorded and scored according to severity.
Combining data from all stages indicated that the heritability of sole The AHDB funded project is being led by two cattle veterinarians
haemorrhage, sole ulcer, and white line lesion resistance was 0.20, and researchers based at the University of Liverpool who will work
0.29 and 0.06, respectively. Initial analyses on digital dermatitis in close collaboration with the teams at NACFT, CHCSB, All4Feet,
suggest heritability estimates greater than 0.20. Our results clearly VetIMPRESS and HoofTec. Prof Georgios Oikonomou is an expert
highlight the potential for genetic selection and the importance of on cattle lameness and has worked clinically across Europe
accurate phenotyping. The same dataset was also used to evaluate and the United States of America. He currently leads multiple
the current performance of Lameness Advantage and the results research projects exploring cattle lameness. Dr John Tulloch has

worked in dairy practice in the United States and the UK.
He is an epidemiologist and has worked extensively with
NHS datasets, he will be leading the data management and
analysis side of the project.

How can you get involved?

If you work closely with, or employ, foot trimmers that maintain
electronic foot trimming records and you are interested in
taking part, or would like further information, please email
[email protected]. The team can provide further study details
and consent forms and are happy to chat with you about any
aspects of the project.

26 CATTLE QUARTERLY

CPD DIARY

CPD Diary

13/04/22 April 13/07/22 July
27/04/22 20/07/22
RoMS Accredited Training Foundation - Beef (online)
04/05/22 Whitchurch, Shropshire 07/09/22 Joe Henry
10/05/22 Owen Atkinson Members: £246
18/05/22 Members: £264 05/10/22 Non-Members: £324
25/05/22 Non-Members: £343 20/10/22
Data Driven Decisions - Beef
07/06/22 Foundation - Lameness (online)  to (online)
to Owen Atkinson  22/10/22 Joe Henry
Members: £246 Members: £246
08/06//22 Non-Members: £324 Non-Members: £324
29/06//22
May September

Foundation - Infectious Diseases Data Driven Decisions -
Quedgeley, Gloucester Lameness (online)
Colin Mason Nick Bell
Members: £342  Members: £246
Non-Members: £480 Non-Members: £324

BCVA Webinar - Investigating October
Problems on AMS
Tom Greenham Data Driven Decisions - Nutririon
Members: FREE (online)
Non-Members: £40 Richard Cooper
Members: £246
Foundation - Mastitis (online) Non-Members: £324
James Breen
Members: £246 BCVA Congress
Non-Members: £324 Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Look out on the BCVA Website for
Data Driven Decisions - Mastitis updates
(online)
James Breen More information about all BCVA courses can
Members: £246 be found in the CPD section at www.bcva.org.
Non-Members: £324 uk - and you can also email office@cattlevet.
co.uk for more details. All information is correct
June at the time of going to print, but please visit the
website regularly, as courses are often added
Young Vets Meeting to the programme as the opportunities arise.
Village Hotel, Bristol  Also, remember that as a BCVA member you
Various have additional, free online CPD in the form
Members: £377 of CattleCasts and the Webinar Library.
Non-Members: N/A

Data Driven Decisions - Fertility
(online)
Chris Hudson
Members: £246
Non-Members: £324

CATTLE QUARTERLY 27

It’s more than a cow.
It’s one of the 9.6
million that you help
protect through national
disease control programs.

Opportunities for Vets

Join us, and whatever your current veterinary background, the
impact of your work will be felt on a national scale. Explore different
areas of work and develop a new breadth of specialist knowledge
and skills. Apply now.

Expand your veterinary horizons.
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