Navaratnam Partheeban, Regional Head, IVC Evidensia Farm
IVC Evidensia Farm Vets Roll Out Cow Signals Training Across UK Practices
1 month ago 
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IVC Evidensia Farm Vets are rolling out a new training programme across all UK farm practices to help vets and farmers better understand cow behaviour signals, improving welfare and productivity.
Led by Navaratnam Partheeban (Theeb) OBE, Regional Head of Farm at IVC Evidensia, the programme is based on an established methodology developed in the Netherlands. With over 15 years’ experience as a farm vet, Theeb is also a Master Advisor in cow signals and has trained extensively in the approach, now bringing this international expertise to IVC Evidensia’s local farm vets across the network.
The training focuses on key 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.
“Our goal is to train all our farm vets and vet techs in this approach, so they can provide even greater support to farmers,” said Theeb. “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 Evidensia 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."
It has been documented that dairy cattle productivity, health, and fertility are significantly affected by the quality and quantity of the nutrition, making dairy cattle nutrition an important profit driver, something that is assessed as part of Cow Signals. Also, research shows from a recent Canadian study, improved cow comfort and welfare indeed increases productivity and profit for farmers.
IVC Evidensia Farm Vets have already delivered the training at Priory Vets, Delaware Vets, Market Vets, MBM Vets, Fosseway Vets, Avondale Vets, and Cliffe Vets and also in Northern Ireland.
This initiative is unique in the UK veterinary sector, as IVC Evidensia is the first corporate group to provide widespread cow signals training to all its farm vets. While the methodology is known in the UK, opportunities to receive formal training have traditionally been limited.
Theeb continued: “By embedding it within its practices, IVC Evidensia aims to make proactive, preventative health management a core part of farm veterinary care. It also strengthens relationships with farming clients, offering them enhanced veterinary support to improve the welfare and efficiency of their herds.”
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