Development and Validation of a Bovine Castration Model S Anderson, L Miller, P Gibbons, J Williamson, J Roberson, J Raines, J Dascanio College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752 Introduction Competency in bovine castration is expected of entry-level veterinarians Simulation-based practice before performing a skill on a live animal can improve the student’s level of proficiency, facilitate skills assessment, and protect animal welfare by reducing surgical complications. Results Model Development Evaluation of the Model Results(con) Comparison of Student Learning Outcomes P = 0.005 P = 0.01 Hypotheses A model could be developed that would be acceptable to experienced clinicians Model-trained students would achieve higher performance scores when castrating their first live bull calf P = 0.12 Methods Model development by LMU CVM food animal faculty Veterinarian & student evaluation of model Student opinion after using model and performing live surgery Comparison of student learning outcomes Third year veterinary students randomized to perform live surgery on bull calves before or after using model Performance scores on live surgery from videos by blinded investigator Rubric Surgical time Number of times instructor physically assisted student during surgery Conclusions The surgical bovine castration model was considered useful by veterinarians and veterinary students to learn how to castrate a live bull calf. Students’ performance scores after model training were higher than students’ scores after traditional training, suggesting that model training was beneficial. These data provide evidence for validation of the model.. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank William Collingsworth for his assistance in developing the model and LMU-CVM for funding