Search

Freshwater ecosystems show substantial loss of biodiversity as a result of anthropogenic induced stressors. In this study, we evaluated the distribution of freshwater fishes in the Kowie River catchment using historic fish distribution records supplemented by field survey data. Fishes were collected using a multi-method approach: seine nets, fyke nets and gill nets. Historic fish distribution data showed that 22 freshwater fishes from 11 families historically occurred, while in this study, we recorded a total of 16 freshwater fish species from 9 families. Overall, a decrease in the number of native species was recorded with a total of five species absent and two new non-native species recorded during the current survey. Coptodon rendalli constituted a new record in the Kowie River catchment while Clarias gariepinus was recorded for the first time in the mainstem of the Kowie River. The presence of these two non-native species in the Kowie River catchment may have implications for the conservation and management of the freshwater diversity in the catchment.

Exogenous estrogen and progesterone are found to influence the Gomori positive secretion in the neurons of the supra-optic nucleus of Clarias batrachus. Prolonged administration of progesterone alone causes abnormal enlargement of the neurons of the pre-optic nucleus and the formation of unusually large vacuoles in the oocytes. The observations in this experiment are thus indicative of a correlatory pre-optico-ovarian activity. Progesterone in combination with estrogen enhances the accumulation of fuchsinophil material in the neurons of the pre-optic nucleus while complete absence of the ovarian hormones causes depletion of the Gomori positive material and brings in reduction in cell size. In the pituitary progesterone in combination with estrogen brings to prominence, the fuchsinophils and the basophils go into insignificance. On the other hand, in the ovariectomised control fishes, the basophils gained prominence. But progesterone alone seems to have no significant effect on either of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphalt and copper acetate are shown as chemical inductors which can enhance maturation of ova and increase vitellogenesis in the two genera of teleostean fishes, Clarias batrachus and Ophiocephalus punctatus. Along with the study of their effect on the ovaries, changes seen in the pre-optic nucleus of these fishes have also been studied. It is brought out that a distinct correlation exists between the ovarian activity and the fuchsinophil content of the neurons of the pre-optic nuclei of these two fishes. Copper acetate is seen to hasten enlargement of a large number of oocytes while asphalt increases their yolk content. It is also noticed that in the eggs with more yolk the granulosa is prominent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics have become a pressing concern due to their widespread presence and potential impacts on ecological systems. To assess the ecosystem-level effects of these pollutants within a multi-stressor context, we simulated real-world conditions by exposing a near-natural multi-trophic aquatic food web to a gradient of environmentally relevant concentrations of fluoxetine and microplastics in large mesocosms over a period of more than three months. We measured the biomass and abundance of different trophic groups, as well as ecological functions such as nutrient availability and decomposition rate. To explore the mechanisms underlying potential community and ecosystem-level effects, we also performed behavioral assays focusing on locomotion parameters as a response variable in three species: Daphnia magna (zooplankton prey), Chaoborus flavicans larvae (invertebrate pelagic predator of zooplankton) and Asellus aquaticus (benthic macroinvertebrate), using water from the mesocosms. Our mesocosm results demonstrate that presence of microplastics governs the response in phytoplankton biomass, with a weak non-monotonic dose-response relationship due to the interaction between microplastics and fluoxetine. However, exposure to fluoxetine evoked a strong non-monotonic dose-response in zooplankton abundance and microbial decomposition rate of plant material. In the behavioral assays, the locomotion of zooplankton prey D. magna showed a similar non-monotonic response primarily induced by fluoxetine. Its predator C. flavicans, however, showed a significant non-monotonic response governed by both microplastics and fluoxetine. The behavior of the decomposer A. aquaticus significantly decreased at higher fluoxetine concentrations, potentially leading to reduced decomposition rates near the sediment. Our study demonstrates that effects observed upon short-term exposure result in more pronounced ecosystem-level effects following chronic exposure., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Ultrasound guidance during centesis is recommended to reduce the risk of serious complications, improve success rate, and to choose appropriate sampling locations and equipment. The aim of this study was to develop an accessible and reusable ultrasound skill simulator for ultrasound guided centesis (USGC). Fifty second year veterinary students reviewed an instructional video prior to performing two USGC skill tests on the simulator, separated by a period of practice. Following practice there was a significant improvement in score ( p < .0001), and average score and time improved by 8.6% and 163.3 seconds respectively. The proportion of successful aspirates improved by 9%, from 66% to 75%. Most post-session survey feedback was positive, and none was negative. Thirty-eight of 49 participants (78%) indicated they would prefer learning this skill with the simulator or in combination with individual practice and/or observation. Ninety-eight percent (49/50) strongly agreed that "this training simulator should be incorporated into the veterinary curriculum," and 94% (47/50) strongly agreed with "I would use this training simulator again to practice basic ultrasound skills." Eighty-four percent (42/50) strongly agreed their skills and knowledge improved using the simulator and 82% (41/50) strongly agreed they gained confidence with ultrasound using the simulator. The remainder of the responses for these four questions was agreement, and no student disagreed with any of the statements. The authors conclude this is an effective and well-received simulator for teaching ex vivo USGC and recommend incorporation into the veterinary curriculum for basic ultrasound skill training.

Dogs are considered omnivores based on their evolution consuming diets including animal tissue. Few feeding trials evaluating the nutritional suitability of exclusively plant-based (vegan) diets in dogs have been published, and the efficacy of vitamin D 2 in maintaining canine serum vitamin D levels has not been clearly determined. A blinded dietary trial included sixty-one healthy desexed adult dogs: thirty-one fed an experimental extruded vegan diet (PLANT) and thirty fed a commercial extruded meat-based diet (MEAT) for 3 months. Dogs were screened via veterinary examination and routine laboratory analyses prior to enrolment, at baseline and exit timepoints. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and blood was collected for vitamin D profiling. All dogs maintained health parameters, body weight and composition throughout the study. Dogs maintained on PLANT demonstrated a significant reduction in platelet count, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and cholesterol, though values remained within normal reference ranges. Dogs fed PLANT also demonstrated a shift from vitamin D 3 to vitamin D 2 metabolites, though total vitamin D analogue levels were unchanged, with the exception of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Bone mineral content and density did not differ from baseline values. Health status was maintained in dogs fed PLANT and vitamin D 2 appeared efficacious in maintaining serum total vitamin D concentrations and bone mineralisation. Findings support the hypothesis that PLANT was comparable to MEAT for maintenance of healthy adult dogs for at least 3 months and identified areas where further research is warranted to elucidate the potential risks and benefits of plant-based (vegan) diets.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Objective: To explore pet owners' use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) during virtual veterinarian-client-patient consultations and to examine pet owners' attitudes toward virtual consultations., Sample: 714 pet owners., Methods: In an anonymous online survey distributed using snowball sampling, all participants were asked about utilization of ICTs, preferred method of interaction (face-to-face and 5 ICTs), opinion on virtual communication, and demographics. Sentiment toward virtual veterinarian consultations was measured for participants who had experienced a "virtual only" or "combination virtual and face-to-face" consultation in the previous 6 months using the Net Promoter Score. For these participants, multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with recommending virtual consultations., Results: 92% (583/632) of participants resided in Ontario, Canada. Most (85.6% [611/714]) participants had experience using the telephone for veterinary care, while only 5.2% (37/714) had used live videoconferencing. Participants ranked face-to-face interactions as most preferred (P < .001), followed by telephone and then live videoconferencing. Participants were significantly (P < .001) less confident communicating during virtual consultations, particularly for building rapport. For participants experiencing a virtual consultation in the previous 6 months (n = 348), the overall Net Promoter Score was neutral at -1.43. Participants were divided about recommending virtual consultations, with 33.3% (116/348) being promoters and 34.8% (121/348) being detractors. Age of participant and comfort using videoconferencing were positively associated (P < .05) with recommending virtual consultations., Clinical Relevance: Although participating pet owners significantly preferred face-to-face consultations with veterinarians, many appear willing to consider virtual consultations. Further exploration of pet owners' preferences and concerns around virtual care, including communication, is needed.

Objective: To explore veterinarians' use of virtual veterinarian-client-patient consultations before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and examine veterinarians' attitudes toward virtual consultations., Sample: 135 companion animal veterinarians in Canada, the US, and Europe., Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed to gather participating veterinarians' use of information and communication technologies and their perception of virtual consultations' effect on patient care, client communication, and their own well-being. Willingness to recommend virtual consultations was evaluated using the Net Promoter Score. Multivariable logistic regression explored factors associated with willingness to recommend virtual consultations., Results: Percentage of participating veterinarians using the telephone and videoconferencing increased significantly (P < .001) from before (83.6% and 3.0%, respectively) to during the COVID-19 pandemic (97.0% and 22.4%, respectively). Participants were significantly less confident (P < .001) about their ability to reach a diagnosis using a virtual consultation as compared to a hands-on patient examination. Participants perceived client communication to be more challenging during virtual as compared to face-to-face consultations, particularly for building rapport and expressing empathy. Participants were extremely unwilling to recommend virtual consultations (Net Promoter Score = -41.4) with 21.6% (24/111) promoters and 63.1% (70/111) detractors. Confidence doing a virtual patient examination and comfort using videoconferencing technology were both positively associated (P < .05) with willingness to recommend virtual consultations., Clinical Relevance: Veterinary practices and organizations interested in encouraging virtual veterinarian-client-patient consultations likely need to prioritize veterinarians' acceptance as an initial focus. The veterinary profession would benefit from further research and education to inform virtual veterinary care.

Background: In Canada, nearly nine pregnancies end in stillbirth daily. Most of these families will go on to have subsequent pregnancies, but research into how best to care for these parents is lacking. This study explores the lived experiences and the most important aspects of person-centred care for Canadian families experiencing a pregnancy after a stillbirth., Methods: This qualitative descriptive design used secondary data collected from an online, international survey for bereaved parents who reported having experienced a pregnancy subsequent to a stillbirth. Only parents who identified as Canadian were included in this study. Three open text questions were asked about parents' experiences in their subsequent pregnancy. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used with open coding and a constant comparative method., Results: Families' responses fell into six main themes that identified what they would have preferred for high quality, excellent care. These included: (1) recognizing anxiety throughout the subsequent pregnancy, (2) wanting one's voices and concerns to be heard and taken seriously, (3) needing additional and specific clinical care for reassurance, (4) desiring kindness and empathy from caregivers and others, (5) seeking support from others who had also experienced pregnancy after stillbirth; and (6) addressing mixed emotions including guilt, continuity of care and carer, positive thoughts versus more realistic ones, and poignant feelings of self-blame., Conclusions: Participants' responses identified that pregnancy after stillbirth is an extremely stressful time requiring patient-oriented care and support, both physically and psychologically. Families were able to articulate specific areas that would have improved the experience of their subsequent pregnancy. Parents asked for high-quality clinical and psychosocial prenatal care that was specific to them having experienced a prior stillbirth. They also requested connections to others experiencing this similar scenario. Further research is needed to delineate what supports and resources would be needed to ensure this care would be available to all families experiencing pregnancy after stillbirth across Canada and their caregivers., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Some dog owners elect to feed their dog a plant-based food either as part of or for their entire dietary intake. Being omnivores or facultative carnivores, a strictly plant-based diet is not the natural type of food dogs evolved to consume, leaving some question as to whether this feeding management strategy is safe and healthy for dogs., Objectives: This study surveyed owner perceptions of health and wellbeing of dogs and compared between those fed meat-based and plant-based diets., Methods: A web-based questionnaire was distributed to pet owners to collect data on dog characteristics, husbandry, health and wellbeing. Univariate comparisons between diet groups was made by chi square analyses or Kaplan-Meier tests as appropriate, with a significance cut-off value of 0.05. Multivariate models were negative binomial and logistic regression for count and categorical data, respectively., Results: Owners feeding plant-based diets to their dog reported fewer health disorders, specifically with respect to ocular or gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders. Dog longevity was reported to be greater for dogs fed plant-based diets. Owners feeding plant-based diets to their dogs relied less on veterinary associates for nutrition information, versus dog owners feeding meat-based diets., Conclusions: Dog owners feeding a plant-based diet did not perceive adverse health effects in their dogs. The results might suggest an association between feeding a plant-based diet and perceived health and longevity, however inherent bias and limitations associated with surveys of owner perception must be considered, and objective research is required to determine if plant-based diets truly affect canine health., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

An important outcome for veterinary education is ensuring that graduates can provide an appropriate level of care to patients and clients by demonstrating core competencies such as communication skills. In addition, accreditation requirements dictate the need to assess learning outcomes and may drive the motivation to incorporate relevant and appropriate methods of entry assessments for incoming students. Predicting the success of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students based on entry assessment performance has been scantly investigated and can be challenging. Specifically, no research presently exists on predicting DVM students' first-year performance in relation to communication skills at the time of program entry. Objectives of this exploratory study were to investigate (a) the relationship between communication skills outcomes from multiple mini-interview (MMI) data and first-year academic performance related to communication and (b) the relationship between communication skills outcomes from MMI data and self-reported first-year communication reflections. A retrospective single-class study was conducted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation statistics, regression models, and paired t -tests to identify relationships among variables. Paired t -tests showed that students felt more prepared to meet second-year expectations over first-year expectations. Spearman's correlation revealed an association between MMI communication scores and one pre-year 1 survey question related to professionalism. Noo relationships were observed between MMI communication scores and marks from a self-reflection assignment in a communications course, or grades from a clinical medicine course that included clinical communication. The merit for further exploration of the relationship between communication competencies and student performance is discussed.

Veterinary ultrasonography is a complex, advanced skill requiring repetitive exposure and supervision to gain competence. Consequently, newly graduated veterinarians are underprepared and lack the resources to achieve basic ultrasound proficiency upon graduation. Ultrasound simulation has been proposed as an adjunct educational tool for teaching entry-level ultrasound skills to student veterinarians. The objectives of this multicentric prospective observational cohort study were to describe the development of a novel ultrasound training model, establish model construct and face validity, and seek participant feedback. The model was constructed using three-dimensional silicone shapes embedded in ballistics gel within a glass container. A novice cohort of 15 veterinary students and 14 expert participants were prospectively enrolled in the study. Each cohort underwent training and assessment phases using a simulation model. Participants were asked to (a) determine shape location, (b) identify shape type using a shape bank, and (c) measure shape axes using the caliper tool. Time for each phase was recorded. Anonymous post-participation survey feedback was obtained. For most shapes (4/6), experts performed significantly better than novices in identifying shape type and location. Generally, no significant difference was found in mean axis shape measurements between cohorts or compared to the true mean axis measurements. No significant difference was found in scan time for either phase. This study's results support the validation of this ultrasound simulation model and may demonstrate early evidence for its use as a training tool in the veterinary curriculum to teach entry-level ultrasound skills.

Background: Cats, being obligate carnivores, have unique dietary requirements for nutrients most commonly found in dietary ingredients of animal origin. As such, feeding a diet devoid of animal-derived ingredients has been postulated as a possible cause of nutrient imbalances and adverse health outcomes. A small proportion of cat owners feed strictly plant-based diets to the cats in their care, yet the health and wellness of cats fed these diets has not been well documented., Results: A total of 1325 questionnaires were complete enough for inclusion. The only exclusion criterion was failure to answer all questions. Most cats, 65% (667/1026), represented in the survey were fed a meat-based diet and 18.2% (187/1026) were fed a plant-based diet, with the rest fed either a combination of plant-based with meat-based (69/1026, 6.7%) or indeterminable (103/1026, 10%). Cat age ranged from 4 months to 23 years, with a median of 7 years, and was not associated with diet type. No differences in reported lifespan were detected between diet types. Fewer cats fed plant-based diets reported to have gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders. Cats fed plant-based diets were reported to have more ideal body condition scores than cats fed a meat-based diet. More owners of cats fed plant-based diets reported their cat to be in very good health., Conclusions: Cat owner perception of the health and wellness of cats does not appear to be adversely affected by being fed a plant-based diet. Contrary to expectations, owners perceived no body system or disorder to be at particular risk when feeding a plant-based diet to cats. This study collected information from cat owners and is subject to bias, as well as methodological limitations. Further research is warranted to determine if these results are replicable in a prospective investigation.

Exposure to real-life clinical cases has been regarded as the optimal method of achieving deep learning in medical education. Case-based e-learning (CBEL) has been considered a promising alterative to address challenges in the availability of teaching cases and standardizing case exposure. While the use of CBEL has been positive in veterinary medical education, insight into students' learning experience with a CBEL tool have not been considered. This article investigates students' views around the utility and usability of a CBEL tool, as well as perceived effectiveness, clinical confidence, and impact of veterinary students' learning preferences on CBEL use. Through focus groups as well as pre- and post-use questionnaires, students expressed that the design and utility of the online cases, including their authenticity, played an instrumental role in perspectives and acceptance of the CBEL tool. Students perceived the CBEL tool as highly effective in both achieving CBEL outcomes and teaching a methodical approach to a clinical case. CBEL elements were also perceived to potentially contribute to increased clinical confidence after CBEL use. Additionally, exploration of students' preferred approach to learning revealed that hands-on learners and those who prefer to learn by practicing and applying knowledge were more likely to show positive perceptions of a CBEL tool. This article's findings can help guide educators in the future design and implementation of online cases in various capacities and provide a platform for further exploration of the effectiveness and use of CBEL in veterinary medical education.

The objectives of this study were to describe the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) distribution of Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) veterinary students ( n = 1,249), and to evaluate its associations with gender and career interests. This was achieved by collecting pre-matriculation data from 11 graduating classes. Overall, OVC veterinary students were diverse in their MBTI types and preferences, as well as career interests. Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging were the most prevalent preferences. Female veterinary students were 2.96 (95% CI = 2.11-4.17) times more likely to demonstrate the Feeling preference and 1.89 (95% CI = 1.41-2.56) more likely to prefer Judging, compared to male students (who were more likely to prefer the Thinking and Perceiving preferences, respectively). At entry to the veterinary program, students who preferred Intuition (vs. Sensing) were 2.08 (95% CI = 1.33-3.33) times more likely to be interested in a veterinary career other than practice, and 1.92 (95% CI = 1.43-2.56) times more likely to be undecided about their future veterinary career path. Both at entry to the program and in their final-year stream choice, students of the Thinking preference were more likely to select equine or food animal, rather than small animal practice, compared to students of the Feeling preference. There were additional significant associations regarding MBTI preferences and career interests. This study highlights the diversity of veterinary students, and provides an opportunity for educators to potentially expand their teaching methods and career guidance resources to better reach students of all MBTI preferences.

Background: Although searching for health information on the internet has offered clear benefits of rapid access to information for seekers such as patients, medical practitioners, and students, detrimental effects on seekers' experiences have also been documented. Health information overload is one such side effect, where an information seeker receives excessive volumes of potentially useful health-related messages that cannot be processed in a timely manner. This phenomenon has been documented among medical professionals, with consequences that include impacts on patient care. Presently, the use of the internet for health-related information, and particularly animal health information, in veterinary students has received far less research attention., Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore veterinary students' internet search experiences to understand how students perceived the nature of Web-based information and how these perceptions influence their information management., Methods: For this qualitative exploratory study, 5 separate focus groups and a single interview were conducted between June and October 2016 with a sample of 21 veterinary students in Ontario, Canada., Results: Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts demonstrated one overarching theme, The Overwhelming Nature of the Internet, depicted by two subthemes: Volume and Type of Web-based Health Information and Processing, Managing, and Evaluating Information., Conclusions: Integrating electronic health information literacy training into human health sciences students' training has shown to have positive effects on information management skills. Given a recent Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges report that considers health literacy as a professional competency, results of this study point to a direction for future research and for institutions to contemplate integrating information literacy skills in veterinary curricula. Specifically, we propose that the information literacy skills should include knowledge about access, retrieval, evaluation, and timely application of Web-based information., (©Nanette Lai, Deep Khosa, Andria Jones-Bitton, Cate E Dewey. Originally published in JMIR Medical Education (http://mededu.jmir.org), 08.11.2019.)

Discussion and incorporation of best practices for animal welfare have been increasing in research, and in commercial operations, including through welfare assessment initiatives. The aim of this study was to explore dairy farmers' perceptions about being approached and receiving advice about animal welfare (i.e., lameness, hock injuries, and disbudding practices). It is useful for dairy consultants, researchers, or animal welfare assessment programs to gain an in-depth understanding of farmers' expectations when broaching the subject of animal welfare issues to facilitate communication about what can be perceived as a sensitive topic. We collected qualitative data using a focus group methodology. Five focus groups of farmers (n = 36 in total), took place in Ontario, Canada. Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participant age ranged from 21 to 80 yr (median = 47). Represented herd size ranged from 25 to 550 milking cows (median = 75). Farm type included free stall (n = 14) and tie stall (n = 22). Rigor was incorporated by using systematic thematic analysis: transcripts were coded line by line, and codes were categorized and then expanded and collapsed into themes, which were further refined to reflect farmer perceptions in a thematic map. Thematic analysis of the focus group discussions suggested 6 major themes related to farmers' receptivity to and expectations of animal welfare advice. Themes 1 to 4 provided insights into what farmers expected from those who were broaching topics: (1) an established relationship with the farmer; (2) expertise in dairy care/welfare; (3) prevention of "barn blindness"; and (4) provision of animal care services before and after welfare issues are broached. Theme 5 helped determine how welfare topics should be broached: the communication approach. Theme 6 identified who farmers feel should broach animal welfare topics on farm. Focus group discussions also provided insights into potential disconnects between farmer and veterinary expectations about animal welfare issues during herd health visits. Those who have established relationships with farmers are better received and are expected to broach welfare issues, especially if they are perceived to be an expert in animal care and welfare, and if they communicate the issue tactfully and work with the farmer to establish a plan of action., (Copyright © 2019 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Quantitative assessments of animal welfare are increasingly being used in the dairy industry. It is important to have good precision and accuracy within and among assessors. This study explored the effectiveness of a 3-d training workshop for animal-based measures (ABM) of welfare in dairy cows, in which 14 people were trained to evaluate 6 ABM, specifically hock injuries (HI), lameness (LM), body condition score (BCS), and udder, flank, and leg cleanliness (collectively CLN). All scoring systems were modified to a dichotomous outcome, acceptable or unacceptable. Acceptable HI included no swelling or hair loss, unacceptable HI included swelling or scab; acceptable BCS was >2 on a 5-point scale, unacceptable BCS was ≤2. Acceptable CLN was up to minor splashing, unacceptable CLN was distinct plaques to a solid manure plaque. Lameness was evaluated using locomotion score or in-stall lameness score (SLS) in tiestalls; unacceptable LM was ≥3 (lameness score) on a 5-point scale, where 3 equals mild lameness or ≥2 of 4 behavioral in-stall lameness score indicators were detected. Classroom instruction took place on d 1 of training. Day 2 consisted of group assessment of LM (n = 25 cows), and HI, CLN, and BCS (n = 30 cows), and individual assessment of HI, CLN, and BCS (n = 20 cows) were performed. Day 3 included individual assessments of HI, CLN, and BCS (n = 33 cows), and individual video assessment of LM (n = 27 cows). An additional training video for LM was sent to trainees 3 wk after the workshop, and another follow-up assessment of LM took place via video (n = 37 cows). Repeatability and accuracy of the trainees was assessed using Fleiss's κ (FK) and Byrt's κ (BK) to examine group-level inter-rater agreement and expert-trainee agreement, respectively. The kappa systems use a scale of poor (<0), slight (0.01 to 0.20), fair (0.21 to 0.40), moderate (0.41 to 0.61), substantial (0.61 to 0.80), or almost perfect (0.81 to 1.00). At the conclusion of the workshop, FK was 0.66 for HI and 0.43 for LM, and BK mean (and range) was 0.85 (0.63 to 1.00) for HI and 0.66 (0.56 to 0.85) for LM. Each trainee achieved perfect agreement for BCS [BK mean = 1.00 (1.00 to 1.00)] and each trainee achieved almost perfect agreement for CLN [BK mean 0.90 (0.82 to 0.94)]. After the follow-up video and 3 wk of experience, trainees achieved a FK of 0.66 and a BK mean of 0.74 (0.62 to 0.89) for LM. In conclusion, multiple assessors can achieve substantial agreement for ABM with adequate training., (Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)