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Question

On Wednesday, November 27th, I went and job shadowed at Kurtz Veterinary Clinic. The first place I went was with Dr. Kurtz to Cates Farms in Modoc. They have a total of six farms but I was only able to see two. The first barn I was at was their main barn, at that barn I was able to watch rectal palpation preg check in their cows. After the cows were found pregnant or not I clipped the tail hair right before the tailbone. I learned that this was to make sure that everything was clean for when they were birthing and with dairy cows it keeps the udders and milk clean. After that they got CETRIGEN, which is a liquid dewormer that gets sprayed on cattle’s back and is absorbed into their skin. We did over 30 cows before moving to another farm just down the road.

Answer 1

On Wednesday, November 27th, I had the incredible opportunity to job shadow at Kurtz Veterinary Clinic, immersing myself in the hands-on experience of veterinary practices in the field. My day began with a visit to Cates Farms in Modoc, where I accompanied Dr. Kurtz on an educational journey through their expansive operations. Cates Farms encompasses a total of six diverse farms, but due to time constraints, I was only able to observe the workings of two.

Our first stop was the main barn, a bustling hub of activity and care for the cattle. Here, I had the chance to witness the intricate process of rectal palpation pregnancy checks performed on the cows. This critical procedure allowed us to determine whether the animals were expecting, showcasing the vital role that veterinarians play in livestock management and reproductive health. The experience was both fascinating and informative, providing me insights into the veterinary techniques used to assess animal health and fertility.

Once the pregnancy checks were completed, I participated in a grooming practice where I clipped the tail hair of the cows just before the tailbone. Dr. Kurtz explained that this procedure serves an important purpose: keeping the birthing area clean for the cows and ensuring hygiene for both the calves and the milking process in dairy operations. It was fascinating to learn how such seemingly simple actions contribute to overall animal welfare and farm productivity.

Following this, we administered CETRIGEN, a liquid dewormer that is applied directly to the backs of the cattle. The spray is absorbed through the skin, effectively treating the animals for internal parasites. We successfully treated over 30 cows at this barn before transitioning to another nearby farm. Each step of the process reinforced the significance of veterinary care in maintaining the health and well-being of livestock, and I left with a deeper appreciation for the extensive work that goes into running a successful farm.

Overall, my experience at Kurtz Veterinary Clinic and Cates Farms was incredibly enriching, providing me with valuable insights into veterinary practices and agricultural operations.