IVC Evidensia Farm Vets is rolling out a new training programme across all its UK practices to help vets and farmers better understand cow behaviour signals, with the aim of improving welfare and productivity.

Led by Navaratnam Partheeban (Theeb) (pictured) OBE, Regional Head of Farm at IVC Evidensia, the programme is based on a methodology developed in the Netherlands.

The training focuses on the main behavioural indicators in cattle, helping vets and farmers assess health and welfare using basic senses such as looking, smelling, and feeling.

The one-day course includes a morning theory session followed by an on-farm practical session, equipping participants with skills to spot early signs of health or welfare issues before they become serious.

Theeb said: "Our goal is to train all our farm vets and vet techs in this approach, so they can provide even greater support to farmers.

"By integrating cow signals into routine practice, we can help farmers improve herd welfare, increase productivity, and contribute to more sustainable farming.

"Healthier cows live longer, produce more milk, and require less medical intervention.”

Petra Grabnar Rogers, Farm Veterinary Surgeon at Delaware Vets, an IVC Farm practice in Somerset, said: "The cow signals training has made a noticeable difference for our farmers.

"Being able to spot early signs of distress or health issues before they become bigger problems will help our farmers reduce vet visits and improve overall herd health.

"It's a simple yet effective approach that we hope will have a positive impact on the productivity of our farm clients."

IVC says that whilst this methodology is known in the UK, opportunities to receive formal training have traditionally been limited and it is the first corporate group to provide widespread cow signals training to all its farm vets.

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