Prof Dirk Lourens
Dirk Lourens completed a BVSc in 1970 and a MMedVet(Med) in 1982 at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria.
He started his career as a Municipal Veterinarian, Johannesburg City council and after five years in private veterinary practice joined the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria. He is currently Professor and head of the Herd Health Section, Department of Production Animal studies. He teaches applied bovine nutrition and herd health (dairy and beef cattle).
He has over 27 years experience in dairy and beef cattle herd health. This experience has included international visits and studies (Israel, Belgium, Holland, England, Canada and United States of America - Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin), practical on farm teaching of veterinary students, part time consultation work, etc.
Dirk’s particular area of interests includes applied nutrition from a health perspective and fertility performance in dairy and beef herds.
He was promoter and/or co-promoter for several completed postgraduate MMedVet(Bov) and MSc dissertations in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria. He is author and co-author of numerous scientific and semi-scientific (Livestock Health and Production group of the SAVA) articles and popular publications for magazines such as the Dairy Mail. Has presented several talks and continuous education courses to farmers, private veterinarians and scientific addresses at congresses. He regularly referees scientific articles submitted to the Journal of the South African Veterinary Association for consideration of publication.
He was a panel member for 6 years (2001-2007) as a judge for the Free State Dairy man and Milk Producer s' Organisation (northern region) for the dairy farmer of the year.
Has written and delivered courses in herd health for the Centre for Producer Development of the MPO.
He is married to Antoinette and has four sons and three grandsons. Enjoys cycling, hiking, gardening, rugby, and camping.