WCABP is the voice of over 250 veterinarians specializing in the treatment of dairy and beef cattle in the four western provinces.  WCABP provides continuing education for its members and encourages youth to consider a career in bovine practice.  WCABP serves as an advocate on issues directly affecting members’ scope of practice and provides expert opinion to government, educational institutions, and other related industries on issues affecting the food animal industry.

The Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners was established in 1992 with the following objectives:

1. To elevate standards of bovine practice by:

a) presenting one or more continuing education conferences on bovine practice each year;

b) preparing and distributing information bulletins;

c) otherwise encouraging a personal professional development program on the part of each member.

2. To promote research into bovine diseases by:

a) identifying areas of needed research of special interest to the bovine industry;

b) bringing this information to the attention of:

i) the Dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine,
ii) the Chairman of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Practice Committee,
iii) any other appropriate organizations.

c) otherwise encouraging research into bovine production.

3. To establish and maintain liaison with appropriate organizations.

WCABP produces a quarterly newsletter for the interest and information of its members.  In addition, two one-day seminars are presented on an annual basis, one focussing on dairy and the other on beef production.  An annual two-day conference also takes place, alternating between Saskatoon and Calgary.  The conference offers a wide array of scientific programs presented by internationally recognized specialists.

WCABP is active in encouraging students to pursue a career in bovine practice and offers the Ray Butler Seeing Practice Bursary.  This Bursary funds three first-year veterinary students to visit bovine practice for a two week field experience.  Their activities are aimed at encouraging high school students to consider a veterinary career specializing in bovine practice.