Uni of Adelaide opens dairy teaching facility

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

The University of Adelaide today launched a unique dairy teaching facility for its veterinary and animal sciences students at Two Wells, north-west of its Roseworthy Campus.

The Dairy Practice Teaching Unit has been built in partnership with Wirrabank Holsteins at the Wilson family dryland commercial feedlot dairy farm, Bevan Park.

The new facility was opened today by University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor Warren Bebbington and dairy industry representative Mr James Stacey.

Professor Bebbington said: "The Australian dairy industry faces significant challenges and there is no doubt that its future profitability will rely on input from well qualified veterinarians and animal scientists.

"The Dairy Practice Teaching Unit we are opening today brings together the best of theoretical and practical education in modern dairy management and offers students a unique opportunity to learn from those at the forefront of the industry on an innovative working farm.

"Our graduates will have the knowledge and practical skills to contribute to the future health, welfare and productivity of the dairy industry."

Professor Bebbington said he was very pleased that the new Teaching Unit recently received a commendation from the Australian Veterinary Boards Council's Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee.

The Bevan Park unit incorporates a tutorial room, a holding yard, a foot-care area, an examination area, a linear race with three crushes and cattle weighing scales as well as wash-up facilities and storage rooms.

Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Professor Kym Abbott said: "The teaching of dairy cattle practice is an important component of the veterinary and animal science programs.

"This facility is an important learning resource and gives our animal and veterinary sciences students the opportunity to learn in small groups so they can master the skills essential for modern dairy practice.

"Having the unit integrated into a working dairy farm means students will be able to develop their knowledge and skills within the overall context of a commercial farming operation."

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