Early mornings were just part of the experience for University of Queensland Veterinary Science students who headed to New Zealand to gain practical skills working on a dairy farm.
Four Veterinary Science students Ellen Toohey, Ella Scott, Kirsty Meinhardt-Jensen and Charlotte Baynham worked at Oakwood Farms in Te Awamutu, which has approximately 750 cows.
Ms Toohey said the experience reinforced her decision to work as a large animal vet.
“I always wanted to do mixed practice when I graduated but now I know that I really enjoy working with cattle,” Ms Toohey said.
“During the placement we started every morning at 5am and helped with either the milking or collecting the new calves. During the day our jobs included feeding the calves, assisting with trouble calving and day to day maintenance on the farm,” she said.
“I got to assist to deliver many calves as well as feeding the calves and watching them play."
Ms Toohey found completing part of her practical placement in another country really beneficial.
“We got to learn about how the industry is run in a different country and compare this to what we learn from our courses," she said.
During the second and third year of the Veterinary Science degree, students complete eight weeks of pre clinical practical work.
The students also got some free time to go bungee jumping and white water rafting.
At the end of January, Ellen Toohey is heading back to New Zealand with Ella Scott and Stephanie Romyn to complete more of their practical placement.
The Veterinary Science program is delivered at the Gatton Campus, for more information on the program visit http://www.uq.edu.au/study.
Media: Erin Pearl, 07 5460 1229 or e.pearl@uq.edu.au
