Dec. 15, 2020
Arkansas extension veterinarian working to improve animal welfare
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts
- Ward part of national efforts to improve animal welfare
- She is a five-year member of auditor certification organization board
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GREELEY, Colo. — Efforts to improve animal welfare evolve continually, and an Arkansas extension veterinarian is working to ensure new research findings reach the people and places it can help the most.
Heidi Ward, DVM, Ph.D., is an extension veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. She is also a board member of the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization. PAACO is a consortium of veterinarians, animal scientists, and food animal industry leaders who promote animal welfare through auditor training and audit certification.
She was among the presenters Nov. 4-5 at the Food Safety Net Services Office in Greeley, Colorado, on beef feedlot animal welfare training.
In addition to classroom sessions, the training included a mock audit at an operating feedlot, where lessons could be applied in a realistic situation. The training included cattle handling, facilities overview, transportation and spotting acts of neglect and abuse. The two-day session was also an opportunity for industry members to be certified as feedlot auditors.
“We conducted animal welfare scenarios that led to active discussions,” Ward said. “I was on hand for the feedlot mock audit to answer questions. There were eight people in the auditor certification course.”
In her presentation, Ward covered feedlot cattle health and welfare, including documentation, biosecurity, processing and treatment protocols and implementation. A key factor is a good working relationship between the feedlot and veterinarian and a willingness by the feedlot to follow a DVM’s advice.
Tough act to follow
Ward’s talk was scheduled to follow probably the most well-known animal welfare researcher, Temple Grandin. Grandin is a professor at Colorado State University and the subject of a critically acclaimed HBO biographical film.
“The topics chosen for the training were based on feedback from the PAACO board as to what constitutes a well-rounded animal welfare training for beef feedlots based on the latest research across the globe,” Ward said. “There are currently two beef feedlot audits approved by PAACO, one of which is through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.”
Ward came recommended as a trainer for this session by both PAACO and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the latter due to her experience as a state Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator.
Ward’s energetic presentation earned kudos; but perhaps the best review was that Grandin “stayed for my presentation.”
Ward was appointed to PAACO board by the American Society for Animal Science, which is a founding member of the organization.
To learn about extension and research programs in Arkansas, visit https://uada.edu/
Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk, @uaex_edu or @ArkAgResearch.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Chief Communications Officer
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
mhightower@uada.edu
501-671-2006