Variables Affecting Veterinary Students' Ability to Accurately Interpret Ovulation in Live Mare Palpation

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Reproduction
• Veterinary Education

Background:

• Hands-on practice is crucial in veterinary medicine but often lacking in European veterinary schools.
• Students practice monitoring embryo recipient reproductive cycles using transrectal palpation and ultrasound under supervision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate veterinary students' skills in assessing ovulation through transrectal palpation.
• To identify factors influencing students' accuracy in determining ovulation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 3,509 test palpation records from 43 students (Study 1).
• Prospective evaluation of 687 records from 52 mares examined by 9 female students (Study 2).
• Accuracy was assessed by a "Has she ovulated?" question, with scores based on correct/incorrect answers.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between the number of test palpations and correct answers (Study 1).
• Student gender, number of palpations, and season significantly affected accuracy (Study 1).
• Accuracy varied significantly among individual students (60-92%), but mare breed and ovulation occurrence did not (Study 2).

Conclusions:

• Increased practical experience (test palpations) enhances veterinary students' ability to accurately assess ovulation.
• Factors like student gender and season may influence skill acquisition in reproductive palpation.
• Standardized training and practice are essential to improve diagnostic accuracy in veterinary students.