model calf on ground with students helping
The WCVM exhibit at the 2022 Agribition features regular calving demonstrations throughout the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 3. Photo: Myrna MacDonald.

‘Agnes’ and animal health highlights of WCVM exhibit at 2022 Agribition

This week, Canadian Western Agnes — “Agnes” for short — and her team from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will be back at the 2022 Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, Sask., following a two-year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agnes is a full-sized model Hereford cow and the highlight of the WCVM’s exhibit, which is part of the Family Ag Pavilion (Arena 1 in the Co-operators Centre) at Agribition. During the six-day show, WCVM team members will use Agnes and her model calf to give regular calving demonstrations for people of all ages.

Agnes’s calf, which weighs in at about 50 pounds, contains an internal skeleton and lifelike one-way joints, can be positioned in the uterus in ways that make calving both easy and difficult.

Agnes plays an integral role in the WCVM’s BJ Hughes Centre for Clinical Learning — the college’s simulation centre — where staff members use the model cow and her calf to help train veterinary students and other students on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus.

In addition to the calving demonstrations, the WCVM’s exhibit area includes educational displays and interactive games for all ages to enjoy. The WCVM is also part of the ThinkAG Career Expo from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 during Agribition. This annual program that’s geared for high school students from across the province is organized by Saskatchewan’s Agriculture in the Classroom organization.

Visit the Agribition website more information about the 2022 show's attractions and schedule. 

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