A group of newly qualified farm vets recently had the opportunity to hone their calving skills, thanks to an innovative training session featuring life-size calving simulators.

On 24 September, Jayne Orr and Andrew Maxwell from the University of Glasgow, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, brought the simulators to the CVS New Graduate Residential Week, organized by Anna Bruguera in Yorkshire. The realistic cow abdomen simulators, complete with a removable calf model, allowed the vets to practise various calving techniques including, correcting malpresentations, placing head and leg ropes, safe use of the calving jack, and using a Gyn stick to correct a uterine torsion (twisted uterus).

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Ten recent graduates participated in the training, which proved to be a valuable experience. The vets praised the lifelike nature of the simulators and appreciated the chance to practise different approaches to difficult calvings, discuss therapeutic options, and learn how to effectively communicate with farm staff.

The training session was a highlight of the residential week, providing the new graduates with essential skills and confidence as they embark on their veterinary careers.