University of Guelph’s Dr. Charlotte Winder named 2023 Metacam® 20 Bovine Welfare Award winner

Burlington, ON, Wed, 09/27/2023 - 16:14

Award recognizes outstanding contributions to advancing animal welfare in Canada

September 21, 2023 – Dr. Charlotte Winder of the University of Guelph in Ontario has been named the recipient of the 2023 Metacam^®20 Bovine Welfare Award for her unwavering commitment to cattle health and welfare, and for her significant contributions to improving the well-being of dairy cattle.

The Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award is presented annually by the Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc. Dr. Winder was announced as the award winner at the Annual General Meeting of the CABV/ACVB in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sept. 21, 2023.

"The CABV/ACVB extends its congratulations to Dr. Charlotte Winder,” said Dr. Ray Reynen, President of the CABV/ACVB. “Charlotte's passion for animal welfare, that is so well reflected in her research and in all of her professional activities, has been a great benefit to cattle and to those who work with cattle."

Dr. Winder is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. Her research focuses on improving the health and performance of ruminant species, primarily dairy cattle and small ruminants. Research areas include pain management in ruminants, health management and performance of youngstock, knowledge translation and transfer, and knowledge synthesis. Dr. Winder is a clinician within the ruminant ambulatory practice and teaches in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

“I’m honoured to be the recipient of the 2023 Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award,” Dr. Winder said. “My work in bovine welfare research has only been possible with substantial contributions from graduate students, academic colleagues and collaborators, producers, and veterinarians, as well as support from industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in this area, and for the recognition of the importance of bovine welfare by the CABV and Boehringer Ingelheim.”

In her support of the award nomination, Dr. Kelly Barratt, Global Director Animal Welfare at Saputo, said Dr. Winder’s experience in practice allows her to translate her research findings into practical recommendations.

“Her ability to translate her extensive knowledge into everyday applications that benefit both cattle and farmers is truly remarkable,” Dr. Barratt said.

Also in support of the nomination, Ann Godkin, DVM, DVSc, Ceptor Cattle Health and Education Programs, spoke of how Dr. Winder’s research into pain management and exploration of different teaching methods contributed to widespread adoption of good pain management practices and the use of better technical protocols for dairy and beef calves.

“This has been a great example of a strong educational effort using research outcomes to shift veterinary and producer’s attitudes towards pain relief in a positive direction resulting in greatly improved cattle welfare,” she said.

Derek Groff, Business Unit Director (Livestock) with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada, explained the Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award recognizes and encourages those who research and work to advance animal welfare and well-being.

“As a bovine practitioner, cattle researcher and faculty member at the Ontario Veterinary College, Dr. Winder has made significant contributions to the advancement of bovine welfare in Canada and abroad,” Groff said. “We congratulate Dr. Winder for her accomplishments and express our gratitude for her incredible passion towards animal welfare that has resulted in tremendous benefits to the cattle industry.”

Groff thanked the CABV/ACVB for its work to seek nominations and select the recipient of the award.

About CABV/ACVB
The Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) / Association Canadienne des Vétérinaires Bovins (ACVB) represents approximately 800 veterinarians from across Canada who have a specific interest in bovine health and production medicine. The Board is composed of thirteen members who are also representatives on the Boards of Canada’s four regional bovine associations: Atlantic Bovine Practitioners Association (ABPA), l'Association des Médecins Vétérinaires Praticiens du Québec (AMVPQ), Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP) and the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP).

Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term, sustainable perspective. More than 53,000 employees serve over 130 markets in the two business units, Human Pharma and Animal Health. The Canadian headquarters of Boehringer Ingelheim was established in 1972 in Montreal, Quebec and is now located in Burlington, Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim employs approximately 500 people across Canada. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/ca.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both. For more information visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health

About the Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award
The Metacam^® 20 Bovine Welfare Award is given annually to a DVM or animal scientist working in Canada, a faculty member or a graduate student of a Canadian university to recognize his/her achievements in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research/product development, and/or advocacy. By doing so, the CABV/ACVB hopes to raise public awareness of the important role veterinarians and animal scientists play in: