LAVT value in the sheep and beef space

Authors: Jones G
Publication: Proceedings of the Large Animal Veterinary Technicians Group of the NZVA, Volume 2025 Proceedings, pp 27-28, Jun 2025
Publisher: New Zealand Veterinary Association

Animal type: Cattle, Sheep
Article class: Conference paper

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Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to highlight, discuss and explore the current and future roles and responsibilities of large animal vet technicians (LAVT) in the veterinary industry in New Zealand, primarily in a sheep and beef space. The methods used to conduct the research for this paper are predominantly personal experience, networking with subject matter experts, farmers and veterinarians in the industry and using this information to suggest possibilities for how the role might be shaped in the future and what options there are for the role to develop in a drystock space. The conclusions are that the development of the large animal veterinary technician role is evolving and that a technician’s skillset and professional offering is not limited to the dairy industry that it has traditionally serviced, but it has multiple pathways in which the veterinary industry can embrace and utilize in years to come.

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