NARRATOR:
You will hear two veterinary science students discussing their farm work experience and modules from their course.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 26.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 26.
DIANA:
Tim, we need to prepare a brief account of the work experience we completed on a farm.
TIM:
Yes, I really liked my farm, although organizing the placement was difficult.
TIM:
It was a long way away and I can't drive.
TIM:
I had also hoped to stay for a month, but the farm could only take me for two weeks.
DIANA:
I was fortunate because the farmer allowed me to live on site, so transport wasn't an issue.
DIANA:
The hard part was identifying an appropriate farm and getting in touch with it.
TIM:
Most farms don't appear to have websites.
TIM:
I eventually contacted mine through one of my mother's friends, but making that first connection took some effort.
TIM:
My placement mainly involved livestock, particularly sheep, and I loved working with them.
TIM:
I spent most of one night assisting when a you was trying to give birth.
DIANA:
Were you doing that by yourself?
TIM:
No, the farmer stayed with me and explained each step.
TIM:
The delivery was complicated, but we succeeded.
TIM:
Seeing the lamb get upright and begin feeding almost immediately was incredibly satisfying.
TIM:
On another occasion, a lamb had a fractured leg.
TIM:
The vet came to set it and described the procedure to me, which was very helpful.
DIANA:
There were sheep at my farm as well.
DIANA:
As it was in a valley, they kept a lowland breed called suffix.
DIANA:
The farm had owned other breeds previously, but not while I was there.
TIM:
Were the suffix raised for meat?
DIANA:
Yes, that was their main purpose.
DIANA:
They're large, sturdy animals.
TIM:
My farm was in the hills and had another breed, cheviats.
DIANA:
I've heard their wool is in high demand.
TIM:
It's extremely durable, so it's often used for carpets.
TIM:
I was surprised by how many supplements are added to animal feed now.
TIM:
Even the chickens received extra vitamins and electrolytes.
DIANA:
I noticed that too, and those products can be expensive.
DIANA:
My farmer said some cost far more than they're worth.
DIANA:
He didn't add them routinely, only when the chickens showed a particular need.
TIM:
Mine took the same view.
TIM:
Some chicken breeds may require more than others, but he said the low priced and premium products are essentially alike.
DIANA:
Did you work with any other livestock?
DIANA:
Yes, dairy cattle.
DIANA:
I made an embarrassing error in the milking shed.
DIANA:
I had correctly noted which cows had received antibiotics, so I knew their milk needed a separate container.
DIANA:
However, I accidentally poured some of it into the main tank for human consumption.
DIANA:
That contaminated the entire batch, which then had to be discarded.
DIANA:
The farmer was understandably annoyed.
TIM:
I asked my farmer how dependent he was on a vet for animal health.
TIM:
I'd read claims that pressure to raise production was harming livestock, but he rejected that.
TIM:
He did say that farmers could carry out certain tasks currently handled by vets, including minor operations.
DIANA:
My farmer made the same point, although he still believed professional veterinary expertise was essential.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the discussion, you have some time to look at questions 27 to 30.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 27 to 30.
DIANA:
We also have to provide a few short comments on last term's modules.
DIANA:
Shall we do that now?
TIM:
Let's begin with medical terminology.
DIANA:
I was worried as soon as I saw it on the timetable, especially so early in the course, and I did find it hard.
TIM:
I had expected it to be difficult, too.
TIM:
But in fact, it was much easier than I'd imagined.
TIM:
What about diet and nutrition?
DIANA:
It was all right, I suppose.
TIM:
Do you remember learning how little pet food is checked for contamination compared with food intended for people?
TIM:
I found that genuinely alarming.
DIANA:
The module that interested me most was animal disease.
DIANA:
We studied domesticated species in different regions, including camels, water buffalo, and alpacas.
DIANA:
Many national economies rely on these animals, yet researchers understand surprisingly little about the illnesses that affect them.
TIM:
I was equally surprised.
TIM:
I assumed much more would be known about controlling or eliminating those diseases.
TIM:
I also loved the wildlife medication module, especially the work done with birds caught in oil spills.
TIM:
That was completely new to me.
DIANA:
I enjoyed it, too, and I may choose a related topic for my dissertation.
TIM:
Right, so that is the end of part three.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute.
