Epi. 286 – The Veterinarian’s Role in Calf Consultation Programs

AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Jon Richardson, associate veterinarian overseeing the professional services team at CalfCare in Manchester, Ind. He graduated from Purdue University in 2021. His professional work is focused on dairy-sourced calves and providing services to these operations.

We start by discussing the differences between an audit and a calf progress evaluation program to improve client satisfaction and compliance with these services. Richardson walks through each part of his progress evaluation and what he provides to his clients. Steps of the evaluation can include housing, bedding, ventilation, weaning, flies, body condition scoring, feeding, water, sanitation, inventory and health records.

Each step of the progress evaluation can include the use of tools to make quantitative assessments as well as general observations that can assist the client and management team with improving calf health and performance. Richardson also discusses the importance of utilizing veterinary technicians for making the collection of data for the assessment to improve practice efficiency. 

Richardson gave a presentation at the 2026 AABP Recent Grad Conference and the recording of this presentation is available on the AABP Online CE Portal. Gingrich discusses the AABP Guidelines for Credentialed Veterinary Technicians in Bovine Practice which are now open for member comment period through April 17. 

References:

A.R. Wolfe, P. Rezamand, B.C. Agustinho, D.E. Konetchy, A.H. Laarman,

Effects of weaning strategies on health, hematology, and productivity in Holstein dairy calves, Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 106, Issue 10, 2023,

https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22738 

Recommendations for Calf and Heifer Housing Dimensions for Holsteins

Summary of design suggestions for planning calf and heifer housing systems for Holstein dairy cattle; a starting point for the design process.