Veterinarian - Dairy Cattle

About the role

Shugulika Africa Limited is looking for a full-time Veterinarian in Iringa to oversee the health, breeding, nutrition, reproduction and productivity of its dairy cattle. The role provides technical and operational leadership for high-yielding dairy cattle, including local, imported and crossbred breeds adapted to tropical conditions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and monitor herd health programmes, including vaccination, deworming, parasite control and mastitis prevention; diagnose, treat and prevent diseases.
• Oversee breeding and reproduction: artificial insemination, heat detection, pregnancy diagnosis, fertility and calving, and supervise newborn calf care.
• Provide veterinary oversight for importing, transporting and quarantining dairy cattle, and help them adapt to the climate.
• Develop feeding and nutrition programmes, monitor milk production and body condition, and recommend improvements to milk yield and quality.
• Set up systems for animal identification, health, breeding, vaccination and treatment records, and report on milk yield, fertility, calving intervals, mortality and disease incidence.
• Supervise veterinary assistants and animal attendants, train staff on animal handling and hygiene, and coordinate daily veterinary activities.

Required profile

• Degree in Veterinary Medicine from a recognised institution.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in commercial dairy operations.
• Strong knowledge of high-yielding dairy cattle of Tanzanian, South African and other international origins, including imported and crossbred breeds.
• Experience adapting breeds to tropical climates, heat-stress management and disease prevention.
• Good leadership, communication, reporting and team-management skills; practical, hands-on approach and willingness to work at the farm.

Required skills

• Herd health, vaccination, breeding, fertility, artificial insemination, calving, nutrition and mastitis control.
• Ability to set up treatment, vaccination, breeding and herd-monitoring systems.
• Quarantine, bio-security and import-related health protocols are an advantage.