A veterinary science student from Charles Sturt University (CSU) has gained valuable experience during her practical placement at a dairy teaching hospital in the United States.

 

Ms Katherine Snell is studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/ Bachelor of Veterinary Science through the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

 

As part of her studies Ms Snell spent a month at Michigan State University’s Training Centre for Dairy Professionals based on Green Meadow Farms in Elsie, Michigan.

 

This dairy teaching hospital and research facility is attached to a family owned farming enterprise which milks approximately 3 000 cows.

 

“The intensity of the production system means the cows are the thoroughbred equivalent of the dairy industry,” Ms Snell said. “As they are a lot more sensitive to changes in diet, environment and routine, the cows often required intensive veterinary care, which we were able to provide in the purpose-built special needs hospital on farm.”

 

From surgery to pregnancy diagnosis and assisting with difficult births, Ms Snell believes the hands-on experience in an intensive dairy operation has consolidated what she’s learnt at CSU.

 

“I was able to follow through on cases, to see a cow’s response to treatment and the effect on their return to production.  As the experience was undertaken on a family run enterprise, we had to consider a cost benefit approach to each and every one of our cases.

 

“Undertaking this placement overseas has allowed me to gain a global perspective into what is essentially a global market for our producers.

 

“I feel this has given me a huge advantage in my studies, which will make me a more employable and useful graduate,” she said.

 

Head of CSU’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Professor Nick Sangster said Ms Snell earned high praise for the skills and knowledge she demonstrated during her practical placement.

 

“Katherine is an excellent example of the high quality of student we have at Charles Sturt University. She not only demonstrated her diary cattle skills in Michigan but impressed university staff there with her exceptional personal qualities,” he said. “International placements like this provide great experiences for students and further raise the profile of our programs across the globe.”