Cognosco, the research division of Anexa Veterinary Services, was established in 1997, and to date, has undertaken over 240 on-farm trials and projects. These studies have been designed to investigate practical solutions to common on-farm problems, as well as to test new procedures and treatments.
Cognosco is in a unique position of being able to undertake large scale field observational and clinical studies to a high (GCP) standard. The group’s extensive experience in working with veterinarians and herdowners allows Cognosco to perform clinically relevant and scientifically robust studies. Additionally Cognosco has a team that can effectively communicate study results and messages to veterinarians, herdowners and study sponsors.
The team also provide undergraduate and postgraduate training, both nationally and internationally.
Cognosco services
Cognosco undertakes research studies from initial concept phase, through protocol development, obtaining Animal Ethics approval, implementation, analyses and reporting. Access to a large number of Waikato dairy herdowners and cows allows completion of large scale observational studies and clinical trials for a range of disease conditions. Extension of results via written material, conferences and roadshows is commonly undertaken. Extensive experience of interacting with herdowners, veterinarians and scientists results in effective communication of study results.
Research and Development
Cognosco provides research services to industry, government and animal health companies. Cognosco also acts as a contract research organisation (CRO), but also actively seeks to develop ‘industry good’ research projects with government and industry research partners, and collaborates with other organisations on projects. Recent study topics have ranged from nutrition and transition cow feeding through to mastitis treatment and control, improved reproductive performance via better diagnosis and treatment of reproductive disease, and antimicrobial product usage and resistance.
Laboratory services
An in-house laboratory was established in 2000. The current focus is on microbiology, with parasitology and PCR facilities alongside conventional phenotypic tests, zone diffusion and broth microdilution antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Relationships have been formed with other laboratories (both commercial and research) which allow a large range of samples types and tests to be undertaken as required.
Undergraduate & postgraduate training and mentoring
Cognosco is involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary training. Scott McDougall provided a week-long mastitis course for final year veterinary students, as well as running mastitis and reproduction courses for graduate Veterinarians. Scott McDougall has also ran workshops for practising veterinarians on antimicrobial usage and good prescribing.
International training and consultancy
Cognosco can provide training, tailored to request.
Recent Cognosco partners
Cognosco News
Help identify risk factors for Salmonella outbreaks in dairy cattle when you submit samples
There has been an increase in diagnoses of Salmonella on dairy farms in recent years in NZ. Massey University and Cognosco (Anexa’s research division) in collaboration with dairy industry stakeholders - are conducting a survey during the...
Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship
Scott McDougall, Cognosco's (Anexa's Research division) Director might not be able to get overseas but he is still keeping himself busy with on-farm trials, and presentations - last week he was part of a team including Siouxsie Wiles, presenting antimicrobial...
Waikato dairy researcher claims prestigious award
Congratulations Scott Waikato dairy veterinarian and researcher Dr Scott McDougall has become the first scientist in the Southern Hemisphere to receive a prestigious United States dairying award, the West Agro Inc. Award. The award was created to recognise outstanding...
