Rate My Professor David Beggs

David Beggs is an Associate Professor of Cattle Medicine and Production and Head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, at the University of Melbourne. He also serves as Assistant Director Student Experience. Beggs earned his BVSc from the University of Melbourne in 1990, followed by an MVS and PhD from the same institution. His early career included work as a mixed animal veterinarian in Smithton, Tasmania, and from 1992 at the Warrnambool Veterinary Clinic before transitioning to academic roles at the University of Melbourne.

Beggs' research focuses on dairy reproduction, mastitis, animal welfare, lameness in dairy cows, colostrum quality, gastrointestinal nematodes, and production animal health in pasture-based systems. Key publications include 'Oriental theileriosis in dairy cows causes a significant milk production loss' (Perera et al., 2014, Parasites & Vectors), 'An automated walk-over weighing system as a tool for measuring liveweight change in lactating dairy cows' (Dickinson et al., 2013, Journal of Dairy Science), 'The effects of herd size on the welfare of dairy cows in a pasture-based system using animal- and resource-based indicators' (Beggs et al., 2019, Journal of Dairy Science), 'Survey of bovine colostrum quality and hygiene on northern Victorian dairy farms' (Phipps et al., 2016, Journal of Dairy Science), 'Lame cows on Australian dairy farms: A comparison of farmer-identified lameness and formal lameness scoring, and the position of lame cows within the milking order' (Beggs et al., 2019, Journal of Dairy Science), and 'Compliance of Victorian dairy farmers with current calf rearing recommendations for control of Johne’s disease' (Wraight et al., 2000, Veterinary Microbiology). He is Editor-in-Chief of the Australian Veterinary Journal and has received the 2023 AVA Award for outstanding service and the Melbourne Veterinary School Students' Choice – DVM award. His contributions influence Australian dairy industry practices on welfare, disease control, and herd management.