Abstract
Background: Ram Breeding soundness examinations are commonly undertaken by veterinarians to provide essential information to sheep farmers, helping to maximise reproductive performance of their flocks. These examinations are used to identify rams that are unsound and therefore unsuitable for breeding, both prior to sale (or purchase) and pre-breeding. It is essential that new graduate veterinarians can identify common abnormalities that result in rams being classified as unsound, yet it can be difficult for all students to palpate the full range of abnormalities in live rams during their training.
Summary of Work: We developed models for teaching ram scrotal assessment and palpation as part of our Production Animal Clinical Studies course. To do this, we first developed our ‘normal’ (‘sound’) testicles. These were created in open-source 3D modelling software using photographic reference material. We then 3D printed 2-part molds which were used to cast the testicles using ecoflex 00-30 silicone. Following this, we edited the normal testicles within the 3D software to display common abnormalities (epididymitis of the head, epididymitis of the tail, segmental aplasia, micro-orchid) allowing us to 3D print ‘abnormal’ molds and subsequently cast ‘unsound’ scrotal contents. To create testicles that were anatomically normal, but were too soft, we used the normal mold but cast them creating a center of ecoflex gel silicone.
The testicles were inserted into siliconized, lubricated stockings and then placed into scrotal sacs sewn from polar fleece. We suspended the models from a table during the practical classes. The students gave excellent informal feedback on the appropriateness and usefulness of models, as did veterinarians with expertise in sheep health. Formal validation of the models is in progress.
Take Home Message: Ram testicles can be edited, and 3D printed, to create models used for teaching ram breeding soundness examinations.
Summary of Work: We developed models for teaching ram scrotal assessment and palpation as part of our Production Animal Clinical Studies course. To do this, we first developed our ‘normal’ (‘sound’) testicles. These were created in open-source 3D modelling software using photographic reference material. We then 3D printed 2-part molds which were used to cast the testicles using ecoflex 00-30 silicone. Following this, we edited the normal testicles within the 3D software to display common abnormalities (epididymitis of the head, epididymitis of the tail, segmental aplasia, micro-orchid) allowing us to 3D print ‘abnormal’ molds and subsequently cast ‘unsound’ scrotal contents. To create testicles that were anatomically normal, but were too soft, we used the normal mold but cast them creating a center of ecoflex gel silicone.
The testicles were inserted into siliconized, lubricated stockings and then placed into scrotal sacs sewn from polar fleece. We suspended the models from a table during the practical classes. The students gave excellent informal feedback on the appropriateness and usefulness of models, as did veterinarians with expertise in sheep health. Formal validation of the models is in progress.
Take Home Message: Ram testicles can be edited, and 3D printed, to create models used for teaching ram breeding soundness examinations.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - Jul 2023 |
| Event | International symposium of the Veterinary Schools Council 2023 (VetEd 2023) - The University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, United Kingdom Duration: 5 Jul 2023 → 7 Jul 2023 https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/news-events/new-events/veted-2023 https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/veted2023-conference-book.pdf |
Conference
| Conference | International symposium of the Veterinary Schools Council 2023 (VetEd 2023) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | VetEd 2023 |
| Place | United Kingdom |
| City | Edinburgh |
| Period | 5/07/23 → 7/07/23 |
| Internet address |