Our Services
Rural Services
Routine Work for All Species
Routine work for all species includes emergencies, disease investigations, and pregnancy testing for cattle and deer. Our large animal veterinarians handle these tasks efficiently, supported by skilled nursing staff.
On-Site Testing and Same-Day Results
Our nurses perform Faecal Egg Counts, pasture nitrate tests, and basic blood tests using the in-clinic Idexx Minilab. Because these tests are done on-site, farmers receive same-day results if samples are delivered before 2 pm.
Coordinating Specialised Samples
For more specialised procedures, we coordinate liver biopsies for cattle, sheep, and deer with meat processing plants. Other samples are sent overnight to a Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, ensuring fast turnaround times.
Special Services Offered for the Different Species Include:
Sheep
Investigate flock fertility, lamb survival, and poor lamb growth rates to improve productivity
Advise farmers as a Sheep for Profit consultant on best practices for flock management
Conduct product trials for leading animal health companies to provide evidence-based recommendations
Manage footrot effectively as an accredited footrot control veterinarian
Perform ram testing to assess breeding potential
Carry out ram vasectomies for controlled breeding programs and herd management
Beef
Conduct bull fertility testing, including serving capacity assessments, to ensure optimal breeding performance
Perform pregnancy scanning using both manual and ultrasound techniques for accurate results
Carry out trace element diagnostics, including liver biopsies, to identify and correct nutritional deficiencies
Investigate poor growth rates in young cattle to improve herd health and productivity
Deer
Perform velvet removal safely and in compliance with animal welfare standards
Provide velveting supervision and staff training to ensure correct handling and best-practice techniques
Conduct pregnancy scanning to monitor herd fertility and reproductive performance
Dairy Cows
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Provide reproductive management including ultrasound aging and scanning, and manage infertility and anoestrous cows
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Conduct trace element analysis and develop plans to meet supplementation requirements
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Offer milk quality assessments and tailored advice to improve production and herd health
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Perform calf debudding using sedation and local nerve blocks to ensure animal welfare and comfort
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Implement disease control and prevention programs, including Leptospirosis, BVD, and calf health management
Pigs
Support general pig health and production through regular monitoring and management advice
Perform pregnancy scanning to optimise breeding efficiency
Carry out nose ring application safely and humanely
Implement disease control and prevention programs, including Leptospirosis, BVC, and overall pig health management
Bull Fitness for Mating
We use a modified Blocky Cradle Test each year to assess bull libido and identify any mechanical defects. This testing method helps determine whether bulls are fit and capable for the upcoming breeding season. By identifying issues early, farmers can replace unfit bulls before mating begins, rather than discovering problems later during pregnancy testing.
The procedure is efficient, humane, and ensures cow welfare throughout the process. We also use the test for young stud bulls, giving breeders a valuable sales advantage by providing a quantified estimate of how many cows a bull can successfully mate in a season. Where relevant, bulls are also tested for BVD to maintain herd health and reproductive performance.
Ram Testing
Provide a fast and efficient ram testing service, including palpation of run and stud rams
Conduct blood testing for Brucellosis for stud farms or when fertility problems arise
Deliver essential preventative health management advice, encouraging all sheep farmers to include ram testing in their annual flock health plan
Drench Resistance Testing
Drench resistance is a major challenge for New Zealand farmers, with up to 80% of farms resistant to BZ drenches, 30% to Levamisole, and some resistance to Ivermectin. Using the right drenches strategically is essential to protect flock health.
At Vet Marlborough, we provide faecal egg count testing in-clinic and keep long-term records of your anthelmintic programme. Our experienced veterinarians help you develop a customised drenching plan, including egg count reduction tests to identify which drenches work for your property.
Animal Health Calendars
Our Animal Health Calendars are tailored to each farm, providing monthly reminders for key management tasks such as vaccination, pregnancy testing, and ram turnout. Farmers can easily order products or schedule on-farm services through the system.
Each calendar includes a wall planner summarising month-by-month tasks, helping farmers stay organised and proactive. This programme also gives our veterinarians a deeper understanding of your farm’s goals, allowing us to provide personalised animal health advice. Many farmers now consider it an invaluable tool for efficient farm management.
Key Account Clients
Farmers who actively support Vet Marlborough through on-farm veterinary work and retail purchases can become Key Account Clients. Benefits include:
Free animal health and product advice
Complimentary bimonthly large animal newsletters
Annual cattle pregnancy testing results and analysis
Reduced fees for Animal Health Calendars and other reports
This programme creates a win-win partnership, fostering strong working relationships while helping farmers optimise herd health and farm management.
We Offer Your Horses, Ponies and Donkeys Routine Surgical Procedures In The Field
Perform wound repair and management to promote fast, safe healing
Conduct routine castration, including wolf teeth removal when required
Carry out dental extractions to maintain oral health and animal welfare