• Between a client and their herd veterinarian, developing a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) 
• Between management and cattle caretakers through everyday activities, onboarding, and annual training 
• Between cattle caretakers and their cattle though improved stockmanship and understanding cattle behavior 

Having open conversations with the herd veterinarian throughout the year about cattle care is a valuable way to plan. Cattle care encompasses several overlapping areas including animal husbandry, welfare, nutrition, low-stress handling, and even employee training. Within the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, there are guidelines that touch on these areas to improve welfare through husbandry practices and BQA encourages producers to strive for continuous improvement in all aspects of the operation. This continuous learning and exchange of information are essential for staying up to date with the ever-evolving cattle industry. Cattle producers can make informed decisions and adapt to new challenges and opportunities in the market. All of these are opportunities created with a VCPR.

Rosslyn Biggs, veterinarian and beef cattle extension specialist with Oklahoma State University, works constantly with cattle producers and veterinary practitioners to understand how this relationship can be even more impactful. “The importance of a veterinary team member is now more important than ever as many areas, particularly rural communities, experience difficulty in recruiting and retaining veterinarians,” she explains. “Additionally, increased oversight such as the Veterinary-Feed-Directive and judicious antibiotic usage make the VCPR even more critical.”   

The VCPR facilitates responsible antibiotic use in cattle production. With growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance, it is vital to have a herd veterinarian overseeing and prescribing antibiotics when necessary. After the Food and Drug Administration’s Guidance for Industry #263 went in to effect this summer, medically important antimicrobial drugs that were previously available over-the-counter were transitioned to requiring a veterinary prescription. It is important to remember that a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship is required before a veterinarian can legally write a prescription.   

Veterinarians can ensure that antibiotics are used judiciously, only when needed, and in the most effective manner. This approach not only preserves the efficacy of these drugs but upholds public health by minimizing the risk of antibiotic residues in cattle products. Biggs adds, “Veterinarians can also guide producers on accurately meeting antimicrobial label requirements, including appropriate use and withdrawal. Additionally, treatment protocols and record keeping measures can be developed if not already present in an operation.” BQA supports the judicious use of antimicrobials and has 14 education points for review in the Antibiotic Stewardship for Beef Producers document found on www.bqa.org.   

A VCPR also plays a vital role in ensuring food safety and quality. With the increasing emphasis on food safety regulations, having a veterinarian involved in the cattle operation is critical. They can help develop and oversee proper animal health and management practices, which in turn, contributes to the safety and quality of cattle products, such as meat and dairy. Veterinarians can help producers with record keeping, tracking animal treatments, and ensuring labeled withdrawal times are followed with animal health products, including vaccines, antibiotics, feed additives, or dewormers. This helps in meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining consumer confidence in the products. When cattle producers have a strong relationship with a veterinarian and can maximize that communication, cattle producers can optimize their production processes, reduce losses, and improve the overall performance of the herd. This can lead to increased economic viability and sustainability in the cattle industry. 

Biggs brings another important aspect to consider when building a relationship with a veterinarian. She advises, “Finding a veterinary practice that fits the needs of your operation is key. Take the time to develop a long-lasting effective relationship, well before crisis strikes. Like cattlemen, veterinarians continue to be faced with multiple challenges.  Investing in a solid VCPR creates a strategic alliance that proves mutually beneficial to both producers and veterinarians.”   

The VCPR remains one of the important relationships in a cattle operation. This management tool connects veterinarians, cattle producers, and the animals, contributing to disease prevention, herd health, food safety, education, responsible antibiotic use, disaster preparedness, efficiency, profitability, and ethical production. A strong VCPR is a cornerstone of a successful and sustainable cattle industry, ensuring the well-being of both the animals and the people involved in the process. The BQA program, including its certification courses and accompanying resources, highlights this relationship and provides educational opportunities for cattle producers to advance their operations. Visit www.bqa.org to find these resources and check your BQA certification status.