This spring, two student AASV members at NCSU-CVM participated in an International Pork Selective exchange program with the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse in France. The following is a summary of their experience.
Third year student Lisa Thompson and fourth year student Sara Dillon were hosted by Dr. Guy-Pierre Martineau for two weeks. During the visit, one student spent time with a company veterinarian in the area of Pau visiting swine farms and an abbatoir, while the other student accompanied the veterinary students on their swine clinical rotations.
The NCSU students learned about the unique aspects of French production such as utilization of hyperprolific sows, widespread use of liquid feeding systems, and European welfare initiatives. In addition, since the farms visited housed fewer sows than those in North Carolina and were predominantly managed and operated by family members, students were able to observe impressive animal husbandry practices. Lisa and Sara were both presented with opportunities to implement the French approach to solving herd health management challenges.
In their free time, Lisa and Sara attempted to learn the French language and customs. Special emphasis was placed on French heritage sites and practices, such as production of the rare French Porc Gascon (Noir de Bigorre), an established swine breed of Southern France. The experience broadened their knowledge of international trade, antimicrobial use, nutrition, disease diagnosis and French culture.