Bovine simulator for training of sterile milk sampling technique

Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Animal health
The Method is situated in
  • Education and training
Type of method
  • Other
Dummy models and simulators
This method makes use of
  • Animal derived cells / tissues / organs

Description

Method keywords
  • veterinary medicine
  • simulator
  • skillslab training
  • dairy cow
  • milk sampling
Scientific area keywords
  • Veterinary education
  • clinical training
Method description

In the skillslab, dummy models and simulators are used for teaching various clinical skills. The veterinarians in training need to learn how to obtain a sterile milk sample from a cow. Although training on living animals is important, a part of the training proces can be performed on a bovine commercial or home-made simulator in the skillslab.

Lab equipment
  • ° Home-made low fidelity model: udder model
  • ° Commercial high-fidelity models: https://koeierij.nl/
Method status
  • History of use
  • Internally validated

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages

The use of educational animal models in a skillslab offers a number of significant advantages:

  • → Reduced use of laboratory animals and reduced discomfort for patients, as procedures can be practised on dummy models and simulators before performing them on a live animal.
  • → Teaching of clinical skills in a quiet and safe environment, reducing anxiety and stress for the veterinary student.
  • → Complex practical skills can be split into a number of small steps when practising them in the skillslab.
Challenges

High cost of models, clinical training on live animals needed as well. Often leakage of the teat, but replacement is possible.

Future & Other applications

Training for lab animal examination.

References, associated documents and other information

Associated documents
20210316_131115.jpg

Contact person

Annelies Decloedt

Organisations

Ghent University (UGent)
Veterinary skillslab
Belgium