Milking time!

Since I will be going back to a dairy farm tomorrow to fit in some more work experience with cattle, I thought I'd post what I learnt from my experience there last time and have a re-cap myself!

First of all I helped to bring in the cows from the nearby field into a 14/28 milking system which as the name suggests milked 14 cows at a time on either side. Once into the milking parlour, an antiseptic solution was placed on the cow's udders to ensure they were clean and would not contaminate the milk being produced, the farmer taught me how to attach the machinery to the udders. After the machinery had milked the cows, it detached itself and sent out jets of water...which often ended up soaking me and it was my job to dip the teats of the cow in iodine to prevent the possibility of mastitis occurring. In terms of animal handling skills, I was also told how when dealing with cows it is better to stand to behind them than to the side as there is a reduced chance of you being kicked.

After milking, I was shown to two new-born calves who I got to feed with a solution of pre-made milk. Both of them were twins and the farmer discussed with me how this had a negative effect upon the mother and told me that twins were not favoured in cattle raising. As soon as they were old enough the farmer intended on sending them to market.

Next, I followed the farmer out to watch her inject a cow with antibiotics following a recent infection and helped to pen the cows up for the night. Finally I returned to the milking parlour and helped to wash down the surfaces and machinery in order to prevent the spread of disease and attracting flies which could lead to flystrike in the herd and is obviously unhygienic for producing milk in. By working on a dairy farm I witnessed the commercial side of keeping livestock and the hard work farmers have to put in in order to meet demand and survive as well as keeping a healthy, happy herd.

Last time I went milking was really fun as I enjoyed the hands on experience and getting stuck in, so I am looking forward to going back again tomorrow a lot and will keep you updated!

                                 
Image: http://www.collapseboard.com/everett-true/the-sacred-cows-of-indie-music-3-joy-division/attachment/us-dairy-cattle/

The basis of animal welfare - the five freedoms.

The five freedoms was initially suggested by Professor Roger Bramwell after the government asked him in 1965 to conduct an investigation into the welfare of intensively farmed animals. From this investigation Bramwell reported that animals should have certain rights if kept under human care- these are known as Bramwell's five freedoms and are aspirations for ideal animal welfare.

Bramwell's Five Freedoms

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst - this can be achieved by ensuring water is avaliable at all times and animals are provided with the correct nutrition regularly.

2. Freedom from discomfort - by allowing animals to rest, provding them with shelter

3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease -by providng a rapid diagnoses and treatment of a condition or disease as well as taking preventative precautions.

4. Freedom to express normal behaviour - provding suitably sized areas for livestock to graze, hygenic and safe facilities, company of the animals own kind

5. Freedom from fear and distress - ensure conditions and routines do not cause the animal any stress

From this report being published, the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Committee were formed to monitor how the livestock farmers would respond to these new guidelines. The RSPCA also have adopted the five freedoms as their basis for animal welfare rules.

The five freedoms are also now included under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and if you are a pet owner it is your responsibility by law to meet these whilst the animal is under your care. Failure to could cause fines of up to £20,000 a minimum sentence of 51 weeks in prison and a lifetime ban on keeping animals.

If all owners of animals followed these five simple rules a good standard of animal welfare could be achieved leading to a healthy, happy lifestyle for those animals in our care.

A small update in the run up to UCAS...

I thought I'd briefly post about what I've been up to over the summer in terms of preparing for the scarily close UCAS early deadline for veterinary applicants!

The last touches to my personal statement are being added thankfully after several re-writes, moments of writers block and fustration at the 4000 character limit whilst trying to explain the multitude of things learnt on work experience, include my extra-curricular activities such as D of E and being a Young Cub Scout leader and overcome the difficult task of putting into words the many reasons why I want to be a vet.

In terms of unis I have currently visited the RVC on their open day back in May and found the campus facilities were stunning whilst the staff I met seemed passionate about their specialisms encouraging me to want to apply there- even if it does mean the extra study needed for the BMAT. So far I have also booked onto the Nottingham and Bristol open days, both of which are in September so I have a feeling it's going to be a very busy month.

Now is the time I'm also having to organise the last few chances to get in some more dairy work experience before my application gets sent off, luckily I know a local farmer so hopefully the next few weekends will be spent milking! I've also been lucky in that this years timetable may even include the chance for me to cram in some more experience at a vets whilst not in lessons, it's just up to me to try and get this organised!

Futhermore I also have the study needed for my A levels to consider, this year I'm determined to work even harder than last year in order to achieve the grades needed for vet school. Here come the coloring felt tips and bright revision posters for my subjects!

My overall feeling is that this month is going to go incredibly quickly and will jam packed with all the crazy things a vet applicant seems to have to go through before their statement is even looked at!

                            

Image: http://www.plagiarismchecker.net/students-2/studying-hard/