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Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title VT 2250: Large Animal Procedures

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 5
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) VT 1410, VT 1710, VT 1810, VT 1900
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course introduces the livestock and equine industry and the various species of large animal livestock. This includes livestock terminology, breeds, production systems, basic management practices, preventive medicine, lameness examinations and conditions, necropsy procedures and animal products and byproducts. Techniques covered will include restraint, behavior, and medical and surgical nursing procedures of large animals and equine.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Breed identification
  2. Restraint techniques
  3. Physical examination
  4. Administration of medication
  5. Sample collection
  6. Disease prevention

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify the breeds of food animals and equine.
  2. Demonstrate techniques for administering medications and collection of samples.
  3. Recognize the preventable diseases of food animals and equine.
  4. Identify common surgical procedures of food animal and equine species.
  5. Identify disease prevention measures for food animal and equine, such as vaccines.
  6. Identify various methods of anesthesia in large animals.
  7. Identify normal food animal and equine physical parameter values.
  8. Define the technician’s role in large animal nursing.
  9. Apply and/or understand large animal restraint devices including a halter, chute, and tail restraint.
  10. Halter, tie and lead horses.
  11. Perform venipuncture on horses and cattle.
  12. Perform all Essential Skills required by the American Veterinary Medical Association under large animals.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

The initial lab session explains and familiarizes the student with general safety hazards and safety equipment to the lab. During the pre- lab discussion, the hazardous characteristics of any materials used during a lab are discussed. In addition, if the lab involves any potentially infectious or zoonotic material, the students will be instructed on the proper use and disposal. The instructor will direct all students to where necessary protective equipment while working with any hazardous chemicals. A copy of Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used is available in the lab.