Waupaca High School students now have a portable ultrasound machine in several agri-science classes.
The agri-science department purchased a DP6900 Ultrasound Console. Farmers State Bank donated $2,000 to make the purchase possible.
The ultrasound equipment will allow about 120 agri-science students each year to detect pregnancy, embryo viability, and abdomen abnormalities in pigs, sheep, dogs and cats with 100 percent accuracy.
Jen Erb, who heads the agri-science department at WHS, said the equipment will give students experience with real-world scenarios in animal care and veterinary techniques. The tool will also provide hands-on learning about anatomy and physiology.
Teachers plan to use the ultrasound machine on at least 50 animals this year to increase the health and productivity of animals and reduce the risk of injury.