As dry off is just around the corner (or even here for some of us), most farmers have already done their Milk Quality Consult (MQC). The MQC is a great opportunity to sit down with your vet and objectively look at how the season has gone, what you might like to improve and how we can help you achieve your goals.
This season we have separated the MQC from the RVM script meeting for most of our clients. This enables us to have a more focused discussion during each of the meetings and ensure that scripting conversations are being held with the appropriate people. When staff and/or management changes are occurring in the new season, it is preferable to do the script with the incoming staff. This usually means having this meeting during June or early July (prior to calving).
If there are upcoming staff changes on your farm, the RVM consult (which is free of charge) is a great opportunity for your new staff to meet your vet. It allows us to talk staff through the scripting system and use of any drugs they may not be familiar with. If required, we can also provide additional training on how to administer products (such as, intramuscular or intravenous injections or intramammary antibiotics). The RVM consult is a good time to add new staff names and contact details to the account (to enable them to pick up drugs etc).
Over the last couple of years, we have updated our processes and moved to the “Drug Ledger” chart which most people are now familiar with. This chart contains a list of indications (e.g. Early Season Mastitis) and the preferred treatments specific to your farm. The dose rate, route of administration and withholding periods are shown alongside the treatment. On the back of the chart is a complete list of all the products scripted for your farm. It includes; the active ingredients, how many units have been scripted and the time period your script is valid for.
If you use any RVM product (or combination of products) outside vet recommendations listed on your script (for example, using a 12 hr mastitis treatment at 24 hr intervals), it is likely QCONZ will pick up on this and require full certification. Therefore we recommend you talk with your vet before establishing a treatment plan that differs from the ledger.
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