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Study to ‘underpin direction of sheep genetics’
"...in the post-Brexit era, we are in a very strong position to influence how best to increase efficiencies in sheep meat production."
Experts aim to maximise genetic, economic and environmental gain

A new study is set to drive the future direction of sheep genetics in the UK, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) has revealed.

The project team, led by SRUC, will be comprised of industry experts and researchers who will make breeding recommendations to maximise genetic, economic and environmental gain.

Dr Joanne Conington, livestock geneticist at SRUC, said: “This study will underpin the future direction of sheep genetics in the UK.

“It is timely because in the post-Brexit era, we are in a very strong position to influence how best to increase efficiencies in sheep meat production to better meet the needs of meat processors and consumers, while also keeping a close eye on welfare, environmental footprint and sheep meat quality.”

A review will report on the latest global developments in genetic and genomic approaches, and explore how these could enhance productivity and sustainability of the UK sheep flock.

This will inform the development of breeding goals to deliver gains in maternal upland, maternal lowland and terminal production systems. The goals will be further refined through stakeholder interviews and industry workshops.

Ultimately, the team will estimate the economic impact of implementing the breeding goals.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.