The AVA in Germany will host a hands-on workshop on November 21, 2024, to train veterinarians on modern feeding practices for dairy cows, emphasizing preventive health and effective nutrition strategies to support farmers in improving milk yield and herd health.
The Agrar- und Veterinär-Akademie (AVA), a leading German training organization for agricultural and veterinary professionals, is set to host a specialized workshop aimed at educating veterinarians on modern feeding practices for dairy cows. Founded by agricultural scientist and veterinary specialist Ernst-Günther Hellwig, the AVA has spent the last 25 years providing expert training to bridge the gap between agricultural science and veterinary medicine. The workshop in Bützow-Horst will focus on equipping veterinarians with practical skills to support farmers in optimizing milk yield, improving herd health, and reducing the need for medical intervention.
This practical, on-site training, led by Dipl.-Ing. agr. Stefan Neumann, a management consultant with extensive experience in dairy nutrition, will empower veterinarians to identify nutritional issues before they manifest as clinical symptoms. With an emphasis on early problem detection, veterinarians will learn to support farmers by offering actionable advice on feeding and animal health, thus fostering a preventative approach to herd health.
Unlike conventional training courses that rely heavily on theoretical information, AVA’s workshop will focus on hands-on learning. Participants will engage in feed assessment and gain insights into ration calculation, feed quality control, and the impact of feeding practices on cow health. During a traditional farm tour, veterinarians will apply their learning under Neumann’s guidance and engage in practical discussions on identifying and addressing potential feeding errors.
AVA founder Hellwig, a veteran in both veterinary practice and the feed industry, highlights the importance of preventive care in livestock health. “Nowadays, farmers expect their herd-care veterinarians to proactively maintain cow health,” said Hellwig. “If health issues must be treated after they appear, it’s already too late.”
As a forum for veterinarians and farmers, the AVA fosters solutions for sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry, helping reduce medication dependency and supporting animal-friendly and consumer-oriented practices.
For more information on the AVA workshop on November 21, 2024, and upcoming programs in 2025, visit www.ava1.de or email info@ava1.de.
