Evaluation of traditional instruction versus a self-learning computer module in teaching veterinary students how to pass a nasogastric tube in the horse.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-learning computer module (SLCM) versus traditional instruction in teaching how to pass a nasogastric tube (NG) in the horse. DESIGN: A double-blind, monocentric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 52 third-year students in the DVM program were randomly assigned to two groups: traditional instruction (N = 25) or SLCM instruction (N = 27). PROCEDURE: Traditional instruction consisted of an instructor and live demonstration; SCLM students were given a CD-ROM each. Both sessions lasted one hour. The students were then united in one session to practice passing the NG tube. Their performance was videotaped and evaluated by two evaluators. Students were then given a multiple-choice knowledge quiz. One week later, a second demonstration of the same procedure by the two methods was administered, and students were allowed to choose either method of instruction. A Likert-scale questionnaire about their comfort, their confidence, and the appropriateness of the teaching method was given after the second demonstration. Data were analyzed by non-parametric tests. A focus-group study was conducted to determine students' perception of each teaching method. Nine participants in the experiment volunteered for these focus-group sessions. The sessions were audiotaped and transcribed. RESULTS: Students in the SLCM group performed significantly better on the test of knowledge than traditionally instructed students. The questionnaire found significant perceived benefits to computer-based instruction, including a preference for the computer-based module, better learning, and greater preparedness. In hands-on skill, time to pass the NG tube on the successful attempt was significantly shorter in the SLCM group than in the traditionally instructed group. The data from focus-group sessions suggest that while participants expressed satisfaction with both modes of instruction, the SLCM group reported somewhat higher levels of confidence in their skills prior to performing the procedure. Whereas the traditional group reported a strong preference for continued live demonstrations of the procedure, the SLCM group stated that the computer-assisted module alone provided them with effective instruction. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted learning is an acceptable and effective method of training students to pass an NG tube with potential welfare, proficiency, and knowledge advantages.

The effects of 3 gonadorelin products on luteinizing hormone release, ovulation, and follicular wave emergence in cattle.

The objective was to determine luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and follicular dynamics in cattle following administration of 3 gonadorelin formulations that are commercially available in Canada. In experiment 1, nonlactating Holstein cows (n = 4 per group) were randomly assigned to receive 100 micrograms gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate, intramuscularly (C; Cystorelin, or FE; Fertagyl). Blood samples (for LH analysis) were collected 0, 1, 2, and 4 hours after treatment. In experiment 2, nonlactating Holstein cows (n = 10 per group) were randomly allocated to receive 100 micrograms gonadorelin, intramuscularly as follows: 2 mL of C; 1 mL of FE; or 2 mL of Factrel (FA, gonadorelin hydrochloride). Gonadorelin treatment was done on days 6 or 7 after ovulation and blood samples for LH analysis were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after treatment. Ovaries were examined by ultrasonography, twice daily, to detect ovulation. A replicate was conducted using only C (n = 10) or FE (n = 10); blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours. In experiment 3, beef heifers (n = 10 per group) were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 GnRH gonadorelin treatments (as in the first phase of experiment 2) on days 6 or 7 after ovulation and blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 4 hours. In experiments 2 and 3, both mean and mean peak plasma LH concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in cattle treated with C. The proportion of dominant follicles that ovulated was higher (P < 0.02) in Holstein cows treated with C than in those treated with FE or FA (18/19, 11/19, and 4/7, respectively), but there was no significant difference among the products in beef heifers (6/10, 6/10, and 4/10, respectively). No significant differences were found in the interval from treatment to the emergence of the next follicular wave. In summary, C induced a greater LH release and this resulted in a higher ovulatory rate in Holstein cows but not in beef heifers.

The ischiorectal fossa: an alternative route for the administration of prostaglandin in cattle.

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the ischiorectal fossa (IRF) as a route for the administration of prostaglandin F2 alpha (dinoprost) in cattle. In Experiment 1, 21 nonlactating Holstein cows were given 100 micrograms of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), intramuscularly (i.m.), and, 7 d later, 25 mg of dinoprost into the IRF. Sixteen cows had serum progesterone concentrations > or = 1.0 ng/mL at the time of dinoprost treatment, and all of these had rapid and complete luteolysis; the other 5 cows were not considered to have a functional corpus luteum (CL) at the time of treatment. There were minimal adverse behavioral reactions to the IRF injections and no visible or palpable tissue reactions at the injection site. In Experiment 2, 74 Holstein heifers were given 25 mg of dinoprost by IRF injection. Luteolysis occurred in 84.3% of the heifers with a functional CL (as determined by the serum progesterone concentration at the time of treatment). Of the heifers bred by either natural service or artificial insemination, 61.8% became pregnant. In Experiment 3, 48 beef heifers received dinoprost 7 d after ovulation, as follows: 25 mg, i.m. (n = 9); 25 mg, IRF (n = 10); 10 mg, IRF (n = 10); 10 mg, subcutaneously (s.c.) (n = 10); or 10 mg, intravulvosubmucosally (IVSM) (n = 9). Fewer heifers (P < 0.05) were found to be in estrus or ovulating in the 10 mg IVSM group (0% and 11%, respectively) than in the 25 mg i.m. group (100% and 100%), the 25 mg IRF group (90% and 100%, respectively), or the 10 mg IRF group (80% and 80%). The rates of estrus (50%) and ovulation (50%) were intermediate in the 10 mg s.c. group. In summary, 25 mg of dinoprost injected into the IRF caused minimal behavioral or tissue response and induced luteolysis and fertile estrus. In addition, 10 mg of dinoprost injected into the IRF was as efficacious as 25 mg given either i.m. or into the IRF in inducing estrus and ovulation.