VETERINARIAN CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON CALF & HEIFER NUTRITION

            Shoreview , Minn. – Twenty-eight bovine veterinarians participated in Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC’s new continuing education program that provided a comprehensive overview on the latest research, technology and insights of dairy calf and heifer nutrition.  The conference was held October 26-28, 2009 in St. Louis , Mo.

Land O’Lakes Purina Feed’s Calf & Heifer Specialists hosted the veterinarians who represent core dairy production areas of the United States .  Industry-leading experts spoke on the latest insights relative to calf immunology, disease pathogens, and several new technologies and approaches for improved calf feeding.  Featured speakers included Dr. Susan Day, Land O’Lakes Purina Feed; Dr. Tom Earleywine, Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products Co.; Dr. Robert James, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Dr. Don Sockett, D.V.M., University of Wisconsin; Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University; and Dr. Amelia Woolums, D.V.M., University of Georgia. 

Throughout the conference, round table sessions allowed veterinarians in attendance the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas and challenges with the experts. Additionally, real-time audience surveys were used to identify perceptions and opportunities for further education.  One such discovery, for example, was that most veterinarians believe that dairy calves are often underfed, compared to optimal nutritional requirements.

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Land O’Lakes Purina Feed

Veterinarian Nutrition Conference Press Release

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An overview of the on-going research conducted at the LongView™ Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Mo., as well as the Answer Farm in Fort Dodge , Iowa , was given by Dr. Jon Townsend, D.V.M., and Dr. Cindie Luhman of Land O’Lakes Purina Feed.   Both of these research centers are pinnacles of Land O’Lakes Purina Feed’s quest for improved dairy calf and heifer nutrition.  A highlight of the second day was a tour of LongView Animal Nutrition Center , including the calf starter and grower units, state-of-the-art milking parlor, and the newly expanded Large Animal Metabolism Unit.

“Veterinarians play a critical role in the development of healthy, productive dairy calves and heifers,” says Elena Lindemann, young animal marketing manager for Land O’Lakes Purina Feed.  “This conference was the first of many to share the latest nutrition insights and research with this influential audience.”

            Land O'Lakes Purina Feed LLC is a national organization serving producers through 4,700 local cooperatives and independent dealerships throughout the United States .  The company, in combination with its wholly owned subsidiary Purina Mills, LLC, is North America ’s leading feed company, providing producers, cooperatives and dealers with an extensive line of animal feed, ingredients and services.

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Editor Notes:

Electronic text and veterinarian attendee group photo available for download at: http://www.filamentmarketing.com