Large Animal Teaching Unit celebrates 30 years of shaping veterinary education

On the outskirts of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Manawatū campus lies over 65 hectares that might seem like just another farm, but in reality, is a rite of passage for veterinary students, playing a vital role in shaping competent, industry-ready graduates.

“LATU may look like a farm, but it’s much more than that. It’s an integral part of Massey’s veterinary school, contributing to its ranking as number one in Australasia and Asia. The unit is a point of difference in our international accreditation, enabling graduates to work in many countries,” LATU Manager Mike Reilly says.

In the early 90s, LATU began with 40 hectares of grazing land and facilities to train veterinary students in all aspects of large animal handling and examination. Over the past three decades, it has expanded significantly, adding a neighbouring farm, a lecture room that can accommodate 100 students, a sheep and pig teaching facility, 12 horse stocks, an arena and 13 purpose-built cow stocks for teaching.

This growth has been driven by the need to provide hands-on training, preparing students while maintaining a focus on animal welfare. Strict ethical frameworks, with approval from the university’s animal ethics committee, ensure the animals’ health and welfare while providing valuable learning opportunities. In line with Massey’s commitment to reducing and refining animal use where possible, the on-campus Clinical Skills Lab has rapidly expanded, allowing students to practise on a range of low- and high-fidelity models before working with live animals.

Academic Lead of Veterinary Education Professor Jenny Weston says that animal welfare is deeply integrated into the curriculum at LATU.

“For many skills, there’s no substitute for live animal experience. However, before students engage with animals, they undergo extensive training in health and safety, animal welfare and behaviour. Accreditation requires students to demonstrate competence in animal handling before undertaking placements on farms, in kennels and catteries. This ensures student safety, upholds animal welfare and assures placement providers that students are well-prepared.”

LATU is home to a variety of animals, including horses, cows, sheep, pigs, alpacas, llamas and donkeys, with herds rotated to maintain their wellbeing and ensure they thrive. Students also have access to handle deer at a neighbouring Massey farm. Complementing LATU are the canine and feline units managed by the School of Agriculture and Environment, offering further opportunities for students to refine their companion animal handling skills.

For many students, LATU is their first chance to closely engage with their potential future patients.

Mr Reilly says every interaction with an animal enhances a student’s competence.

“LATU provides a world-class environment, where students can safely interact with a variety of large species, offering a balanced education in a well-designed, fit-for-purpose facility.”

Before LATU, facilitating student interactions with large animals was fraught with challenges, including exposure to the elements and limited opportunities for students to safely engage with animals during lessons.

Professor Weston, who graduated from Massey a year before LATU was established, knows this well.

“We’re fortunate to have such a prime location and exceptional facilities. We have direct access to a wide range of animals – dairy cattle, sheep, beef, lifestyle block animals and horses – all just a stone’s throw from campus. With the animals housed at LATU and the strict ethical and welfare standards that we uphold, we can carefully schedule animal use, allowing students to gain valuable experiences whilst ensuring that the welfare of individual animals is monitored.”

The purpose-built facility helps students build confidence and experience before they start undertaking practical work on farms and with vets.

“It’s vital for our economy, agriculture and animal welfare to have competent large animal veterinarians. I’ve visited several international veterinary schools, and many have a greater focus on companion animals. In contrast, Massey’s veterinary programme provides equal emphasis on both large and small animals. More than half of our graduates start their careers in rural practice, and LATU plays a key role in preparing them for that,” Professor Weston says.

In the 30 years since LATU opened, class sizes have more than doubled, with 175 in the class compared to 72 in the early days. Professor Weston says the facility has been shaped by the efforts of many, ensuring its design continues to meet the needs of students by providing state-of-the-art equipment and teaching practices to prepare future veterinarians.

“Those who campaigned for LATU showed great foresight. It’s paid dividends in how we teach and assess our students. The impact of their vision continues to resonate and is evident in our strong veterinary graduates who leave with the skills to excel. The next 30 years will see LATU continue to diversify and grow, ensuring it continues to serve students, animals and the veterinary industry.”