Page 23 - RVC Undergraduate Prospectus 25-26

HANDS-ON CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
BOLTONS

PARK FARM

Based at the Hawkshead Campus in SERVICES

Hertfordshire, Boltons Park Farm is our Boltons Park Farm is our farm animal practical teaching facility.
All Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Nursing and Animal
farm animal practical teaching facility. Biology, Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics students will visit the
farm at certain stages of the course. The farm is also a good
source of extra-mural placement opportunities. You will carry
The farm consists of 200 hectares of mainly grazing grass, out various activities here, such as:
along with 14 hectares of wildlife stewardship plots planted • Fortnightly herd and flock health visits
last year and 20 hectares of ancient mixed woodland along
with the younger woods that we have planted over the years. • Lambing practical sessions and night watch
• Lameness scoring
Boltons Park Farm is currently milking 100 Premium Cattle • Emergency vet visits
Health Scheme IBR and BVD accredited pedigree Holstein • Clinical examination and rectal examination classes
Friesian cows and rear 70 young stock. Students can get
involved in all aspects of the dairy. • Elective projects and presentations
• Housing, feeding and nutrition classes
Also on the farm are 400 sheep of mixed breeds that mostly graze • Routine testing
all year in the fields. Our Norfolk Bronze and Black turkey flock are • Animal handling practical sessions
reared in environmentally enhanced conditions. The breed is ideal
as it suits our rearing system, is slow growing, and produces a • California milk testing
beautiful product. Also, 40 laying hens are on the farm with eggs • Cattle foot trimming and sheep foot examination
sold to staff, students and local residents. • Animal welfare sessions
• Poultry handling and management farm appraisals
• Turkey production at Thanksgiving and Christmas
“My time at Boltons Park • Confidence days to build up confidence of any students
Farm has been nothing short of who need additional support in certain skills
amazing! I have learned so much
and the farm team is always available to • Immersive animal husbandry practicals
teach me and answer any questions I may
have. I’ve learned how to milk the cows, how
to handle cows and sheep, and also how to take
care of day-to-day farm duties.
My favorite part of my time so far has been working with the dairy
cows, as they are so gentle and calming to be around. I look
forward to many more days of being on the farm and learning all
there is to know about large animal medicine and care!!”

DASHA VEZELEVA
Graduate Accelerated Bachelor Veterinary Medicine

EXPERIENCE THE RVC 23