Important update

Add-on courses paused until 2027

Unfortunately, the farm that hosts our Artificial Insemination (AI), Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD), and Animal Husbandry courses has had a confirmed case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Despite recent vaccinations, we have made the decision to suspend these add-on courses until 2027 to protect the health of all animals involved.

The PreVet Programme continues as normal. We operate on separate farms that are not affected, and we have additional biosecurity protocols in place for all students and staff.

Introduction to Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD)

Run by an AI and Reproduction Specialist and certified inseminator, students will learn the theory and practical aspects of both manual and ultrasound pregnancy testing of cattle.

Course Length: 2 days

Student Maximum: 8 per course

pd course cattle pd9

Unit includes:

Theory – reproduction

  • Determining pregnancy in cattle
  • Importance of inter-calf period
  • Dry- & fresh cow management

Hormones involved in getting & keeping a cow pregnant

Practical 

  • Palpating reproductive organs 
  • Detection of early pregnancy
  • Ultrasound scanning for the foetus between 60 and 80 days
  • Feeling for late pregnancy to determine dry off

Animal Husbandry (specific to breeding health)

  • Dairy Classification and Body Condition Scores (PennState BCS module)
  • Calf Management
  • Genetic Classifications, including farm application
  • Phenotype traits and application for breeding and showing
  • Farm visits – differences in facilities and calf rearing management

The completion of this course requires the passing of a written exam.

Dustcoats and gumboots will be provided for all students to use for the duration of the course.

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