Sow Production Veterinarian
Job #: 167272
Location:
A leading pork powerhouse seeks a dedicated Sow Production Veterinarian to join their dynamic team. You will be responsible for leading efforts to ensure the health and welfare of their sow production units, including GDUs and boar studs. In this pivotal role, you will join a team of two other distinguished DVMs, one focused on research, the other nursery/finishing. Your primary responsibilities will include addressing animal health concerns, elevating bio-security standards, and contributing to research initiatives. This role requires a deep understanding of swine health management, disease prevention, and reproductive health.
THE ROLE:
- Monitor and manage the health, nutrition, and welfare of the swine herd, with a particular focus on breeding sows and gilts to ensure health of all weaned pigs.
- Implement and oversee biosecurity protocols to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Work closely with farm managers and staff to ensure best practices in animal husbandry, welfare, and productivity.
- Diagnose and treat swine diseases, and advise on preventive medicine, vaccination schedules, and biosecurity measures.
- Collaborate with reproductive specialists to manage breeding programs, including artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, and farrowing management.
- Conduct regular health assessments and performance reviews of sow herds to identify areas for improvement.
- Develop and implement health and nutrition programs tailored to the needs of sow production units.
- Stay updated on the latest research and advancements in swine veterinary medicine and integrate new findings into practice.
- Train farm staff on animal health, welfare standards, and biosecurity protocols.
- Prepare and maintain detailed health records and reports for all animals within the production system.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS JOB:
- A highly competitive salary, reflecting the importance and impact of your work
- Work closely with ownership, creating policies and procedures to ensure optimal sow production productivity.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment with a team committed to excellence in animal care and production that takes pride in their results-oriented and entrepreneurial culture.
- Engage in research activities, adding a dynamic and exploratory aspect to your role.
- Make a tangible impact on pig quality and bio-security, leading initiatives that substantially improve production safety and efficiency.
- Play a crucial role in pioneering innovations in pig production, driving progress, and implementing new strategies.
- Be part of the leadership team to influence change.
- This role allows you to work very independently – office from home on days that you are not in the barns.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent, with a license to practice in the relevant state or region.
- Specialization in swine medicine with at least 5-10 years of experience in swine production or veterinary practice.
- Strong knowledge of swine diseases, reproductive health, and nutrition.
- Excellent diagnostic skills and proficiency in using veterinary equipment and tools relevant to swine health management.
- Charismatic and highly-motivated team player who uses data to influence staff to adapt better measures.
- Commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- The role requires regular visits to swine production facilities, which involves exposure to farm environments.
- Availability for on-call emergencies, including outside of standard working hours, as needed.