Veterinary Assistant - Dairy Farm

The primary role is to prevent disease, promote animal welfare, and ensure the health and productivity of all animals. A qualified candidate should possess strong knowledge, specialized expertise, and hands-on field experience to enhance the farm’s efficiency, boost productivity, and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations.

1. Animal Health Monitoring and Diagnosis

Conduct regular health checks on cows to identify and diagnose any health issues early.
Monitor for signs of common dairy cow diseases, such as mastitis, lameness, respiratory infections, and digestive problems.
Inspect animals for symptoms and recommend or administer appropriate treatments.

2. Vaccination and Disease Prevention

Develop and implement a vaccination schedule to prevent infectious diseases within the herd.
Administer vaccines and other preventive medications, following industry best practices and farm policies.
Educate farm workers on disease prevention measures and protocols.

3. Emergency Care and Treatment

Provide immediate care for injured or critically ill animals, including performing minor surgeries if needed.
Be on-call for emergency cases, such as difficult calving, traumatic injuries, or severe infections.

4. Reproductive Health Management

Oversee the breeding program, including artificial insemination and pregnancy testing.
Diagnose and treat reproductive issues to ensure healthy pregnancies and optimal calving intervals.
Provide support and assistance during calving to reduce stress and complications for both mother and calf.

5. Nutrition and Feeding Consultation

Collaborate with animal nutritionists to optimize feeding programs that support health, productivity, and reproduction.
Identify and address nutritional deficiencies or digestive disorders resulting from feed practices.

6. Mastitis Control and Udder Health

Monitor and treat mastitis cases, implementing strategies to reduce infection rates.
Advise on milking hygiene practices and routines that minimize the risk of udder infections.

7. Parasite Control

Implement deworming and parasite control programs to keep the herd free of internal and external parasites.
Educate staff on identifying and preventing parasite infestations.

8. Record Keeping and Compliance

Maintain accurate health records for each animal, including treatments, vaccinations, and medical histories.
Ensure the farm complies with all animal health and welfare regulations, including drug usage and withdrawal periods for milk.

9. Training and Education of Farm Staff

Train farm workers on animal health care practices, proper handling techniques, and biosecurity protocols.
Educate staff on identifying early signs of illness, injury, or stress in animals.

10. Animal Welfare and Biosecurity

Ensure that animal welfare standards are upheld across the farm.
Establish and maintain biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission, especially when introducing new animals to the herd.

11. Health and Production Consulting

Provide insights on herd health practices that support optimal milk production and overall productivity.
Analyze herd health data and suggest improvements for reducing illness and enhancing herd performance.