Page 23 - RVC Undergraduate Prospectus 25-26
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HANDS-ON CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
        BOLTONS


        PARK FARM




        Based at the Hawkshead Campus in                      SERVICES

        Hertfordshire, Boltons Park Farm is our               Boltons Park Farm is our farm animal practical teaching facility.
                                                              All Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Nursing and Animal
        farm animal practical teaching facility.              Biology, Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics students will visit the
                                                              farm at certain stages of the course. The farm is also a good
                                                              source of extra-mural placement opportunities. You will carry
        The farm consists of 200 hectares of mainly grazing grass,   out various activities here, such as:
        along with 14 hectares of wildlife stewardship plots planted   • Fortnightly herd and flock health visits
        last year and 20 hectares of ancient mixed woodland along
        with the younger woods that we have planted over the years.   • Lambing practical sessions and night watch
                                                              • Lameness scoring
        Boltons Park Farm is currently milking 100 Premium Cattle   • Emergency vet visits
        Health Scheme IBR and BVD accredited pedigree Holstein   • Clinical examination and rectal examination classes
        Friesian cows and rear 70 young stock. Students can get
        involved in all aspects of the dairy.                 • Elective projects and presentations
                                                              • Housing, feeding and nutrition classes
        Also on the farm are 400 sheep of mixed breeds that mostly graze  • Routine testing
        all year in the fields. Our Norfolk Bronze and Black turkey flock are   • Animal handling practical sessions
        reared in environmentally enhanced conditions. The breed is ideal
        as it suits our rearing system, is slow growing, and produces a   • California milk testing
        beautiful product. Also, 40 laying hens are on the farm with eggs   • Cattle foot trimming and sheep foot examination
        sold to staff, students and local residents.          • Animal welfare sessions
                                                              • Poultry handling and management farm appraisals
                                                              • Turkey production at Thanksgiving and Christmas
                       “My time at Boltons Park               • Confidence days to build up confidence of any students
                        Farm has been nothing short of          who need additional support in certain skills
                        amazing! I have learned so much
                        and the farm team is always available to   • Immersive animal husbandry practicals
                       teach me and answer any questions I may
                      have. I’ve learned how to milk the cows, how
                   to handle cows and sheep, and also how to take
        care of day-to-day farm duties.
        My favorite part of my time so far has been working with the dairy
        cows, as they are so gentle and calming to be around. I look
        forward to many more days of being on the farm and learning all
        there is to know about large animal medicine and care!!”

        DASHA VEZELEVA
        Graduate Accelerated Bachelor Veterinary Medicine

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