Veterinarians remain up to date on Dairy Campus
The ULP has been involved with Dairy Campus for four years. As of 2016, we provide company guidance with the aim of introducing the students of the Farm Animals study path of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, to the unique research possibilities of Dairy Campus and the veterinary challenges that this entails.
Betsie Krattley - veterinarian ruminant - from ULP explains how this works:
"The Dairy Campus has room for 550 dairy cows and dry cows that are milked in a 40-position rotary GEA outdoor milker (Performer type) and a DeLaval milking robot. The company offers ample opportunities for practical research in the field of nutrition, environment , emissions, pasture grazing, young stock, welfare and various other research areas
By participating in the company visit for a day, students get a good impression of the possibilities of the company and the demands that research and management make on the company. In addition, there is a lot of automation available, such as a Triomatic Automatic feeding system, a feeding barn with 64 Hokofarm feeding troughs and an environmental barn that is set up to carry out emission research.
There are also many different sunbeds, floor systems, box partitions and a lot of use is made of sensors. All in all, this makes it an inspiring and educational environment for students, and for us as ULP it is of course also interesting to stay well informed about the latest insights in dairy farming. Therefore we can continue to provide you with the best advice!
The most important role for us as a veterinarian is the prevention of animal diseases in both dairy cows, dry cows and young cattle, because good research can only be done with healthy animals. In addition, as on any other farm, the fertility of the cows on the farm is important.
The analysis of the data of such a large couple of cows alone offers a nice challenge for students, but there are also interesting assignments to work out. In recent years, students have therefore completed various assignments in the field of evaluation of mastitis treatments, drawing up various protocols and students can follow a choice week.
Check this site for current research.