Students show their skills at Royal Show

Friday, 29 August 2014

Record numbers of University of Adelaide students will be at the Royal Adelaide Show this year (5-14 September), showing their skills and knowledge in agriculture, animal sciences and veterinary sciences.

Fifty students are taking part in the led steer competition and about 20 final-year veterinary students are helping provide veterinary services for the range of animals at the showgrounds, under the supervision of University and private practice veterinarians.

Other students and staff will be hosting displays and running activities to highlight agriculture research and teaching and veterinary services.

"The University of Adelaide has a long-standing tradition of helping out at the Show and we're pleased to have such a big number of students and staff there this year," says Professor Bob Hill, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences.

"In fact the Royal Show was based on the University's North Terrace campus between 1895 and 1924 when it went to Wayville - so in the Show's 175th anniversary and the University's 140th anniversary, it's great to see the continuing strong connection.

"For our students the Show is a valuable learning exercise and a chance to put their skills into practice and make good industry contacts. As one of the country's leading universities in agriculture and animal sciences, we want to help raise awareness and interest of these industries in the general community, as well as showcase our research and education."

Lecturer Darren Koopman in the School of Agriculture Food and Wine has been working with a record 50 students since April in preparing eight steers for the ring. Along with Royal Show skills of showmanship, ring craft and animal judging, the students are learning about animal handling and behaviour, nutrition, production and market specifications. The led steer competition will be held on Thursday 11 September.

Production Animal Clinician Dr Mandi Carr, from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, will be co-ordinating a team of three University veterinary staff, several private practice veterinarians and 10 final-year veterinary students to ensure the many animals at the Show stay healthy round-the-clock. Another nine students will be working with University equine staff, providing veterinary cover for horses along with Morphettville Equine Clinic.

"The Show experience will help students to improve their clinical assessment skills and expose them to a wide range of animals and birds," says Dr Carr. "It's a valuable exercise in their transition to practising veterinarians at the end of this year."

In the Pet Centre, show-goers of all ages will be able to try some animal key-hole surgery, dig for bones or solve animal puzzles - as well as hear about the University's companion animal, production animal and equine veterinary services.

The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine will be highlighting careers in agriculture-related science in the Golden Grains Pavilion with hands-on activities and displays. People will also be able to hear about the new Applied Biology degree which offers a unique blend of biology theory and professional practice with industry placements and the opportunity for study overseas.

 

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