As a 3^rd year Veterinary Student at the University of Liverpool. The AVRTW diamond jubilee award allowed me to undertake a 6-week research project over the summer as part of my EMS. The funding was invaluable to carry out this project as it put money towards storage and preservation of the specimens used for dissection.

There has been little research into the neonatal development of the cria compared to other domestic species such as foals and ruminants. The lack of information in this area is notable as the UK alpaca population is growing and becoming a much more common species for GP vets to see. This project aimed to provide a resource of images and information on alpaca anatomy and focusing in particular on foetal anatomy with a comparison to existing species via dissection and information in the literature.  

The foetal circulatory system was similar to other species described. Shunts such as the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus remain patent until a few days after birth. Whereas the GI system differed from other species - in particular ruminants who have the most similar fermentative GI system. The cria already had a large fermentative chamber (C1 and C2) that was well developed in contrast to the lamb whose fermentation chamber (the rumen) was much smaller than its glandular stomach (the abomasum).

This research project also provided a base for future 3rd years to continue alpaca anatomy projects as part of their research project or as extended summer EMS.

Furthermore, the Diamond Jubilee award allowed me to attend and present at the AVRTW annual conference in Keele. This was an invaluable as this was the first conference I have attended. The friendly atmosphere made this a very enjoyable experience and widened my knowledge of research as a career and current research happening in the Veterinary area.  If I ever take part in another research project I would definitely like to return to the AVRTW conference in the future.