University of Minnesota

Transition Dairy Cow Program

Description

Details

Transition Management Facility (TMF) is a working dairy facility that operates under commercial constraints, both in terms of economics and in terms of labor. The manager, herdsmen, and employees of TMF are our clients. We work in a collaborative environment where everyone is expected to lend a hand to make the day flow more easily and accomplish the necessary tasks. In all aspects at the TMF, we are endeavoring to establish standard protocols and operating procedures, including all aspects of clinical care, record keeping, and other operations.

Associate Veterinarians and special expertise available

• Dr. John Fetrow, supervisor of elective
• Univ. of MN College of Vet Med

Educational Resources

• small dairy medicine library on site

Responsibilities

Students may be asked to assist TMF personnel in all aspects of daily activities during their assigned shifts. To a limited degree, students may also be asked to help out with research activities.

• Care of newborn calf
• Care of calving cow
• Care of immediate post-partum cow
• Care of the early post-partum cow (1-14 days fresh)
• Off-site activities, e.g. foot trimming at Emerald Dairy
• Research projects

Student Supervision

The rotation will run from Monday of the first week through the weekend of the second week. All activities will be under the direct supervision of TMF personnel. Faculty on site 8-5 (or more) each weekday.

Housing

Yes. Students will be expected to maintain the living and learning quarters in the TMF in clean and tidy condition and to leave it in such condition for the next rotation of students.

Practice Information

Transition Dairy Cow Program
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
1365 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 612-625-3776
Fax: 612-625-6241
Email: fetro001@umn.edu
Website: None

Updated: 01/05/09
Signature On File: John Fetrow, VMD