Dairy Production Medicine Clinic - NBC

Dairy Production Medicine is an integrated rotation sponsored by members of the Center for Animal Health and Productivity and Field Service at New Bolton Center. This rotation focuses on the “health of the farm”, which is a key component to individual animal health. The goal of this rotation is for students to understand and evaluate factors that influence production and profitability. Areas of interest include calves/heifers, transition cow health, milk production (quality and components), reproduction and culling, cost of production (economics), and environmental stewardship. Students will access computerized herd records (production & economic) to develop differential problem lists. Visual inspection of facilities (farm visits) will be made to evaluate farm management, employees, facilities and cows. Students will be expected to summarize findings and present opportunities for improvement to producers/farm management. In addition to NBC faculty/staff, students will interact with other industry experts and attend the Penn State Nutrition Conference. Additional projects, topics, and farm visits will be made as opportunity arises to demonstrate the diversity of the dairy industry. VCSN 6330 (Animal Health Economics) serves as a prerequisite to this rotation. 16 Credit Hours