Objectives In order to effectively improve the practice skills of professionals majored in animal medicine and train applied professionals with innovation. Methods In terms of the actuality of practice teaching in animal medicine, subject contests were used as the vector and the integration of contest and education as the focus to closely integrate subject contests with practice teaching in animal medicine major by restructuring the content of practice teaching and improving methods of practice teaching guided by the setting of skills contests related to animal medicine. Results A model of practice teaching with promoting learning and teaching through contests, and integrating contests with education" was established, empowering the training of professionals with high-quality. Conclusions The established model of practice teaching can effectively increase the learning enthusiasm of students and has a positive significance for improving the quality of practice teaching in animal medicine major.