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Russian cows given virtual reality headsets to improve mood
Early tests are reported to have improved "the overall emotional mood of the herd”.
Experiment taking place on a farm in the Ramensky District

A farm in Russia is using virtual reality headsets to help reduce anxiety in its dairy cows.

According to BBC News, the VR headsets have been adapted for the "structural features of cow heads" and feature a "unique summer field simulation program".

It follows research by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF), which found a strong link between a cow’s emotions and how much milk it produces.

Early tests are reported to have improved "the overall emotional mood of the herd”.

A statement from the MAF reads: "Examples of dairy farms from different countries show that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality, of milk increases markedly.”

The experiment is reported to be taking place at RusMoloko farm in the Ramensky District of Moscow.

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RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development." 

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News Shorts
Defra to host bluetongue webinar for vets

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will be hosting a webinar for veterinary professional on bluetongue on Thursday, 25 April 2024.

Topics covered will include the transmission cycle, pathology and pathogenesis, clinical signs (including signs seen in recent BTV-3 cases in the Netherlands), and control and prevention.

The session, which will take place from 6pm to 7.30pm, is part of Defra's 'Plan, Prevent and Protect' webinar series, which are hosted by policy officials, epidemiologists and veterinary professionals from Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The bluetongue session will also feature insights from experts from The Pirbright Institute.

Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions. Places on the webinar can be booked online.