[Effects of different training methods for palpation per rectum of internal genital organs on learning success and self-evaluation of students].

Large animal veterinary practice is more and more emphasizing herd-health-management. Processes to ensure and optimize economic viability of dairy farming are becoming more important in comparison to treatment of single ill animals. Amongst others, rectal palpation skills are crucial for proper fertility management, rapid and correct diagnosis of early pregnancies, and recognition of cycle or fertility problems. The aim of this study was first to objectively analyse the effectiveness of prevailing teaching methods for rectal palpation of the reproductive tract during the students' "agricultural internship." Simultaneously, the effectiveness of the use of two teaching simulators prior to the first hands-on experience with live animals was compared with proving just theoretical instruction. The results showed that students acted with more confidence when they were trained in groups of three to five. In particular, the subjective as well as the objective training success was greater for those students, who trained with a simulator (Haptic Cow®, Breed'n Betsy®) than for those who only had theoretical training. Furthermore simulator training resulted in a more realistic student assessment of performance, as well as in a better understanding of where reproductive structures were located (cervix, uterus) in live animals. No significant difference in effect of training was found between the different simulators used here. The results of this study suggest that it is in the interest, not only of students but also of the animals, that simulator training occurs before exercises are performed on living animals.