Survey Indicates A Need For Large Animal Veterinary Service In Michigan

May 15, 2026

By Jerad Jaborek

In previous MSU Extension news articles, we highlighted the importance of maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and discussed the supply and demand for cattle veterinarians in Michigan. Additionally, we shared a survey asking for feedback on your experiences and thoughts for potential solutions to make large animal veterinarians more readily available throughout the state for Michigan cattle producers. Below is a summary of the responses received.

The Michigan Cattle Veterinarian Survey received 89 unique responses. Survey respondents represented 34 different counties in Michigan with the largest contribution being from residents of Osceola (10%) and Midland (7%) counties.

The majority of respondents (53%) reported owning between 10 and 50 head of cattle, 26% owning between 50 and 100 head, 14% owning less than 10 head of cattle, and 4% owning greater than 200 head. The vast majority (92%) were beef cow/calf producers, followed by feedlot producers (13%), while 22% of respondents were involved with forage finishing beef. The backgrounding, stocker, and dairy sectors were less represented (<10%) and 4 responses were received from industry stakeholders and veterinarians.

Source : msu.edu

Video: Feeding Faba Bean to Pigs - Dr. Eduardo Beltranena

In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Eduardo Beltranena from North Carolina State University explains how faba beans can be used in pig diets as a source of both starch and protein. He discusses environmental benefits, inclusion rates, frost-damaged beans, tannin concerns, cultivar selection, and how producers can compare faba beans against cereals and protein meals for cost-effective feeding. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Faba beans provide both starch and protein, competing directly with cereals in swine diets."

Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Beltranena / eduardo-beltranena-61660a1b2 is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. He holds a Ph.D. in nutrition and reproduction interactions from the University of Alberta and has worked across swine production, feed industry nutrition, contract research, government research, teaching, and extension. His work focuses on swine nutrition, regional feedstuffs, and practical feed formulation. Learn more from Dr. Eduardo Beltranena on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.