Development and Use of Two Low-Cost Models for Training Veterinary Students in Equine Reproductive Skills

Veterinary schools are tasked with teaching an increasing number of clinical skills to a constantly increasing number of veterinary students. In addition, they are faced with the ethical and logistical challenges of using live animals for teaching. This perfect storm has prompted a shift toward using non-animal teaching models for training and evaluation of student learning. Veterinary school-developed teaching models are becoming more common as educators look for nontraditional methods of teaching important clinical skills. The current commercial large animal reproduction models include bovine and equine dystocia simulators, bovine and equine theriogenology models, and a ewe artificial insemination model. These models are expensive, which may limit accessibility to students. This article presents two low-cost, low- and moderate-fidelity models of the caudal equine reproductive tract that can be used to teach and evaluate student skills in equine endometrial sampling or infusion, both skills commonly performed in clinical practice. The models have been used successfully in student teaching and for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). The low cost and ease of production allow students to have easy access to the models for self-review. The models described demonstrate instructional value by improving access by students, standardizing OSCE evaluation tools, and reducing live animal usage. These models can be implemented at other veterinary teaching institutions to increase student knowledge and clinical skills.