Published: 21 Mar 2024 | Last Updated: 26 Mar 2024 11:09:54

Last month, RVC Year 5 BvetMed student Yuri Burton seized a unique educational opportunity by participating in a week-long dairy welfare rotation hosted by the University of Guelph in Canada. This fully funded program is designed to provide final-year veterinary students with hands-on experience in dairy cattle welfare.

The University of Guelph (Ontario Veterinary College) is among the select few institutions globally to offer a specialised rotation focusing on animal welfare to final-year veterinary students, accommodating 10-12 students per session.

The rotation, centred on the welfare of dairy cattle, offered participants a comprehensive understanding of herd management and preventative medicine. With a focus on bovine welfare, the program's teachings also encompassed high-level principles relevant to students pursuing various veterinary specialties.

Saputo, a leading company in the dairy industry operating in Canada, the UK, and other countries, sponsors the rotations. This sponsorship enables students from distant locations to attend by covering transportation and accommodation costs, eliminating financial barriers to their educational opportunities.

RVC student Yuri said:

“Attending the Dairy Welfare rotation at Ontario veterinary college was an amazing opportunity that not only allowed me to further my understanding on dairy welfare how we as vets can work with farmers to improve dairy cattle welfare but also provided opportunities to learn more about different production systems, some of which we do not operate in the UK. It was also a great opportunity to network with other students from around the world. During my time there I worked with veterinary students from the University of Guelph (Ontario Veterinary College), Université de Montréal, Tuskegee University and Bristol University. Derek, Lena and the whole team at OVC were amazing, they created a relaxed and supportive working environment that only added to the great experience”.

The dairy welfare rotation runs for one week, occurring twice per year in late November and early February.