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WORKING
TOGETHER
FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...
17
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
Usually by a well meaning distant relative or
a stranger you happen to get talking to on
the bus. On hearing my reply that I would
actually very much like to work with large
animals their brow knits in seeming concern,
with often a cursory glance up and down,
thrown in as if to survey my physical
capability for such a prospect. In the
consequent discussion of the matter, it often
boils down to one point in their mind;
strength. Now I’m not here to open that
particular can of worms but would instead
venture that knowledge, technique and
common sense are all equally if not more
important; illustrated perfectly by our
reproduction system module.
Lectures on every aspect of reproduction
from signs of oestrus to breeding for genetic
improvement were delivered and reinforced
with practicals galore such as the cattle rectal
exam simulator; your hand ‘feeling’ a virtual
cow tract and determining the stage of
pregnancy. Identification and correction
of abnormal birthing presentations and
ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis also proved
popular practicals. The module appropriately
timed to arm us with the knowledge and
technical skills to deal with the spring
flurry of births we would face while out
on placement.
I returned to Ireland to help with the lambing
to find I’d missed the majority of it, most of the
sheep having lambed obediently in a neat
three week window. My enthusiasm to try out
my new techniques and good intentions to
use it as a revision exercise were unfortunately
sidelined. Calving at home was also at a
lull, though I still happily shared my newly
learnt fact that a calving jack applies the
traction and pulling power of 5-6 men.
Strength, Strudel and Study...
STUDENT DIARY
Eva Kenny
, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Second year student at The University of Nottingham,
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
‘You want to work with the small animals then?’ The question
frequently asked of any female on a veterinary course.
Surely putting me back on the playing field
on that particular strength issue!
Between the calvings and lambings a group
of us found time for an exchange with vet
students from Vienna. They posed with Robin
Hood in Nottingham and were introduced to
the ‘Sunday Roast’. We returned to Austria
and marvelled at their Vet School in the city
and the range of animals they kept despite
being centrally located. I was amazed to
discover their animal hospital has an animal
ambulance which goes out and collects sick
cattle from farms, free of charge, to be
brought to be treated. Of course we also
found time to sample their cuisine; schnitzel,
apple strudel and delicious waffles. Sadly the
last notes of the Viennese Waltz have softly
faded to be replaced by the turning of pages
and scratching of pens which can only mean
one thing...study.