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Development and Use of Two Low-Cost Models for Training Veterinary Students in Equine Reproductive Skills
Sarah E Eaton1, Joseph Scarber1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, 1580 E Hanley Blvd, Oro Valley, AZ 85739, USA.
Journal of Veterinary Medical Education
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Veterinary schools can now use low-cost, non-animal models to teach equine reproductive skills. These models improve student learning and reduce the need for live animal use in training.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Education
- Animal Reproduction
Background:
- Increasing veterinary student numbers and ethical concerns necessitate non-animal teaching methods.
- Existing commercial models for large animal reproduction are often expensive and limited in scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present two low-cost, low- to moderate-fidelity models of the caudal equine reproductive tract.
- To enable teaching and evaluation of equine endometrial sampling and infusion skills.
Main Methods:
- Development of two novel, inexpensive models for equine reproductive tract procedures.
- Implementation of models in veterinary student teaching and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Main Results:
- Models successfully used for teaching and evaluating equine endometrial sampling and infusion.
- Low cost and ease of production enhance student accessibility for self-review.
- Models standardize OSCE evaluation and reduce reliance on live animals.
Conclusions:
- These low-cost models offer significant instructional value for equine reproductive skills.
- Widespread adoption can improve student access, standardize assessments, and decrease live animal use in veterinary education.
