Bovine Palpation Competition
Join us Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th for an exciting two day competition!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into one of the most legendary events of the SAVMA Symposium
All registered teams will kick things off with the written examination round. From there, the top 10 teams will advance to the laboratory practicum, where precision and anatomy take center stage. Only the top 5 teams will earn a spot in the final round
Register for the 2026 Bovine Palpation Competition Below!
https://forms.gle/o8pR2J9ZscBdB9V59
The winners & awards will be announced at the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, March 15th.
Team Specifics
- Veterinary students years 1-3 are eligible to compete
- Each school may enter up to five students
— Four competitors plus one alternate - Five-person teams drop the lowest score to keep things fair
- Secondary teams may be allowed depending on registration numbers
The Competition in Detail
Think your school has what it takes to claim the title? Check out the full competition details below!
1) Written Competition
When: Friday from 8 am to 10 am
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Specifics:
- Fifty question exam over two hours
- Individual competition
— each individual member of the team participates in the written exam - The top 10 teams move on to the practicum
2) Lab Practicum
When: Friday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: NC State CVM (transportation provided)
Specifics:
- One hour long with different stations
- Each student will take practicum individually
- Top 5 teams move on to the palpation portion
3) Live Palpation
When: Saturday from 8 am to 10 am
Where: NC State CVM (transportation provided)
Specifics:
- Two students from each of the top 5 teams will compete
- Each student will palpate five cows in various stages of gestation
4) Closing Ceremony
When: Sunday from 8:30 am to 10 am
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Specifics:
- Winners of the 2026 Bovine Palpation Competition will be announced!
- Prizes awarded from UdderTech