BSAS 2024: The role of livestock in our ecosystems and economy

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Signpost Series Webinar: Sustainable diets - Balancing personal and planetary health

Signpost Series Webinar: Sustainable diets - Balancing personal and planetary health

8 December 2023

A series of weekly Environment Webinars aimed at the Irish Agri industry.

This webinar as part of The Signpost Series will focus on sustainable diets - balancing personal and planetary health.

The webinar will feature guest speaker Dr. Sinead McCarthy, Teagasc.

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Farming Innovation Programme - Research Starter Round 4 - Briefing event

Make sure to attend this event to discover more about this collaborative opportunity including:

• The scope and eligibility criteria directly from the funders
• The application process so you have the best chance of success
• Lessons learned from previous successful applicants

Make connections with others interested in the funding by joining the Farming Innovation Programme LinkedIn group.

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HE Lecturer in Equine and Rural Business

Higher Education Lecturer in Equine/ Rural Business (Fixed Term until December 2024)

ANNUAL SALARY £26,367- £30,537 Per Annum
Full Time (will consider part time flexible hours)

The University Centre Bishop Burton aspires to produce students that contribute to the people, professions and communities we serve. We pride ourselves on being student focussed; they are a name and not just a number. We strive to deliver an employment-focussed education programme.  

This is an exciting time to join the UCBB team as we seek talented and enthusiastic lecturer to join our established, dynamic and driven Higher Education team in specialisms of Business and Management to support the delivery of undergraduate programmes.

The University Centre Bishop Burton host excellent facilities to support the delivery of equine programmes, including use of international standard equestrian facilities and equipment, an equine therapy centre, and rider fitness and performance suite.

You will be responsible for designing, developing and delivering teaching and student-centred learning and assessment of students across modules assigned to your area of knowledge and experience. The position would suit an individual with interest and experience in equine and/or rural business and management, which may include various aspects of event management, business management and marketing. A research interest in related subjects is desirable, as is industry experience to bring to your teaching.

Applicants should be a graduate in a related subject, and hold a postgraduate degree within the desired specialisms and have the relevant industry experience as stated in the person specification. Hours of work will be 37 hours per week (for full tim) with a degree of flexibility expected for some evening and weekend work such as open events.

Benefits

• In addition to working in a beautiful rural environment, you will benefit from the following:

• Membership to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. This is a defined benefit scheme with generous employer contributions

• 35 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays

• Cycle to work scheme

• Free car parking

• A range of on-site catering facilities

• Optional health cash plan

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Discounted gym membership at the on-site gym

• Dedicated health and wellbeing programme

• Career development opportunities

• Strong College Values such as Striving for Excellence and ‘Can do’ Attitude

To apply please visit our website: Bishop Burton & Riseholme College Careers (changeworknow.co.uk).

Closing date: 10th December 2023   

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Business Development Executive

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Investigation of the Presence of Fungal Spore Contamination of Straw Bedding Used in Pig (Sus scrofa) Housing

Catherine Clappison, UCBB.

This study was shortlisted for the 2022 Thesis of the Year Award and completed as part of Catherine’s BSc(Hons) Bioveterinary Science, which she studied at University Centre Bishop Burton.

Take home message: Fungal contamination in straw bedding and air varies across different farms and is affected by numerous factors including age of pigs, stocking density and climate. Farmers should consider these factors when managing pig housing and bedding to reduce risk of respiratory disease. Further research could focus on how to reduce fungal contamination at harvest and during storage of straw.

Straw is a commonly used bedding material for pigs due to the increased enrichment provided in comparison to more intensive systems such as slatted flooring. However, straw requires more upkeep to maintain good hygiene and has been associated with increased dust levels; a risk factor for respiratory disease. A related risk factor is contamination of fungi which, with the mycotoxins they produce, can be harmful to livestock and humans.

The aim of this project was to assess fungal contamination across three ‘bed and breakfast’ pig farms by quantifying colony forming units (CFUs) on agar plates. Higher numbers of CFUs indicates increased fungal contamination. Within each farm, 2-3 pig sheds were sampled from and three sampling groups allowed for different areas to be tested on each farm:

• Outdoor control plates were placed away from pig sheds on each farm to identify any fungal growth in outdoor air

   

• Passive air was assessed by placing open plates inside the pig sheds at a height of 1.2m to avoid interference from the curious pigs and quantify the airborne contaminants in each shed

   

• Bedding was directly sampled from each pig shed and diluted in the lab to quantify contaminants within the straw bedding

   

The results highlighted significant differences in fungal CFUs between each farm for passive air and bedding measurements, as well as significant differences between the passive air and control air, and bedding and control air. This highlights variation in air quality between different farms despite all farms using wheat straw from a 2021 harvest. Associations were found between the airborne CFUs and stocking density, age of pigs, dew point (a weather metric accounting for humidity and pressure), and dust level. This suggests these factors could be the reason for farms having different air quality. Further investigation is needed to accurately determine the impact of each of these factors on air quality, but previous literature suggests growing/fattening pigs produce much higher CFUs than nursery or farrowing pigs (Kim & Ko, May 2019. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci.). There was no difference between sheds on the same farm, suggesting that housing was consistent at each location.

These findings suggest that a range of housing variables and microclimatic factors impact air quality at straw bedded pig farms. Farmers are encouraged to weigh the pros and cons on an individual basis as optimal management may be different for each herd and if using a straw bedding system, ensure quality of straw and appropriate stocking density is a priority to limit risk factors for respiratory disorders as much as possible.

Georgie Smith is a PhD candidate in the School of Biology, University of Leeds.

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Undergraduate Thesis Of The Year Award 2023 Winners Announced

British Society of Animal Science Announces Winners of the Undergraduate Thesis Of The Year Award 2023

The British Society of Animal Science is delighted to announce the winners of the prestigious Undergraduate Thesis Of The Year Award for 2023. The competition, which recognizes outstanding research in the field of animal science, saw a high level of submissions from universities across the UK.

Winner: Emily Hancock - University of Nottingham

• Thesis Title: Effect of oregano oil on milk yield, methane emissions, and feed efficiency of dairy cows. Emily Hancock of the University of Nottingham secured the top spot with her groundbreaking research on the impact of oregano oil on various aspects of dairy cow performance.

Second Place: Molly Watkins - University of Nottingham

• Thesis Title: Effect of milk yield on the carbon footprint of milk production from Holstein Friesian dairy cows. Molly Watkins, also from the University of Nottingham, clinched second place with her in-depth exploration of the environmental implications of milk production.

Third Place: Amy Willats - Writtle University College

• Thesis Title: The association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C789A in the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene (DBH) and aggressive behavior in Pitbull-type dogs. Amy Willats of Writtle University College secured the third position with her research on the genetic factors influencing aggressive behavior in Pitbull-type dogs.

Highly Commended: The following students received special recognition for their outstanding theses:

• Caitlin Dugga - Aberystwyth University Thesis Title: Mapping the R0 of Bovine Tuberculosis in cattle within England and Wales: is there potential for future eradication, under the currently implemented test and control strategies?
• Sarah Meeke - College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise Thesis Title: The Effect of Breed and Storage on Nutritional Composition of Dairy Colostrum.
• Iona Maree Scott - SRUC Thesis Title: An Investigation into the Perceived Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Development of Canine Separation Anxiety from the Veterinary Perspective.
• Darcey Bowser - Duchy College Thesis Title: An Investigation into modern equine management practices and their impact on the prevalence of equine agonistic behaviors.
• Karl Schmidtke - Duchy College Thesis Title: Kinematic action under applied rein tension of the loose ring single-jointed snaffle bit.
• Caitlin Marie Smithers - University of Chester Thesis Title: Assessing potential risk factors for microbiological contamination in raw meat-based diets for UK pet dogs: a reflection on owner storage practices and meat source.
• Winter Drake-Wilkes - Abingdon and Whitney College Thesis Title: The impact of puzzle feeders and water bowl raisers as feline enrichment to combat food abstinence.
• Laura Dayot - University of Limerick Thesis Title: Application of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to Measure the Composition of Mare’s Colostrum and Milk.
• Abby Westerside - Harper Adams University Thesis Title: The effect of enclosure design on the nocturnal behavior of red river hog (Potamochoeus porcus) and the potential impacts on welfare.

The British Society of Animal Science congratulates all the winners and highly commended participants for their exceptional contributions to the field of animal science. The caliber of research presented this year showcases the dedication and talent of the next generation of animal scientists.

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Women In Ag - Details Coming Soon

Details Coming Soon

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Undergraduate Thesis of The Year Winner Announced

Emily will have an opportunity to present her work at the British Society of Animal Science Annual Conference in Belfast 9-11th April. President Magowan says "this is a great opportunity for any animal scientist, especially for a young scientist who can share their work in a supportive environment. As career scientists, we all remember those early days of presenting our research and very much look forward to hearing about Emily's work and supporting her where we can".

Interview with Undergraduate Thesis of The Year Award (UTOTYA 2023) winner - Emily Hancock

How does it feel to be the winner of the BSAS Undergraduate Thesis of The Year Award?

To put it simply, unbelievable. I never, in a million years, thought that after the year I’ve had that my work would of been good enough to win something as big as this and it just goes to show that a bit of hard work and determination goes a long way ans really does pay off in the end.

I did a project that was a little bit out there for me, I don’t come from a dairy background and thought this would be a good change from my norm. I really enjoyed this project and became fascinated in what I was researching and this made me want to enter to share my work so hopefully other people would also be as interested as I was in something that could bring the dairy industry on leaps and bounds in terms of tackling climate change.

What affect do you feel winning the UTOTYA has had on your current and future career aspirations, and are there any other benefits from entering that you would like to tell us about?

Currently I have taken myself out of education. I have earned myself a Bachelors of Science Degree with Honours in Agricultural and Livestock Sciences and for me right at this moment in my life that is enough. I personally have had a very hectic year and I am currently just working within the agricultural industry and now applying what theory I have learnt which is a nice change and is reminding me why I aspired to work in this industry in the first place. This award has definetly made me reconsider re-entering education and possibly looking at a PhD in my future, most likely in a similar field as to my already completed thesis. I think it has once again peaked my interest in looking for organic and environmentally friendly ways in reducing the carbon footprint of the agricultural industry.

You won the UTOTYA for your dissertation titled: “Effect of oregano oil on milk yield, methane emissions and feed efficiency of dairy cows”. Can you tell us a bit more about the focus of your fascinating study and its findings?

When trying to find an original topic to compose a thesis on you may find yourself hitting a lot of brick walls and thinking that everything, everywhere has been covered. However, I was walking across campus one day and heard a group of my peers talking about a study they had looked at the vaguely looked at essential oils reducing methane emissions of cattle and from there on I began to research and ended up down a rabbit hole on Google scholar reading papers and articles about how these essential oils did in fact reduce methane emissions, some more then others, with most of these papers only brushing over the effect of oregano oil and that is where my fascination began. I started questioning why wasn’t oregano being looked at more in detail for its effects on dairy cows and decided this was the direction my thesis was going to go. And to briefly brush over my study I discovered that in different quantities, oregano oil had different effects. With it having a good antimicrobial quality to it, oregano oil works fantastically to inhibit fermentation in the rumen and therefore is an excellent methane mitigation strategy. Also with oregano oil being more palatable than other organic methane reducing options, it means there is no effect on dry matter intake and therefore has no effect on milk yield and feed efficiency.

Are you looking forward to presenting at the BSAS 2024 conference, and how are you planning to prepare?

Honestly, I’m incredibly nervous, more so in case people don’t find my research interesting. To prepare I am just going to go over all my research again and just ensure I am confident in what I am saying and what I have already learnt.

Do you feel like you would like to explore the world of animal science research further in the future, and if so which sector or topics would you like to carry out more extensive research into?

I am always open to research the animal science world further to find ways to work more effectively and efficiently. Personally, I think I would carry out more research into methane

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Teagasc National Dairy Conference 2023

The conference will feature a range of practical workshops where attendees can meet and interact with researchers, advisors and leading dairy farmers on a range of issues such as grazing and nitrogen strategies, future farm stocking rate decisions, nutrient management technologies, and the potential benefits of flexible milking schedules. The theme of this year’s conference is 'Adapting to a changing dairy farming environment'.

Click here to book your ticket! 

Cost

The cost of the conference is listed below.  

• Industry and Non Clients - €120
• Teagasc Client/ConnectEd Member - €60
• Students - €30

View the conference programme below

9:15am Registration

9:45am Opening Address 
Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

10.30 Session One – Key drivers of milk production costs in dairy systems

• Mr David Beca, Red Sky Agri, Australia
• Dr Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc

Chair Emma Louise Coffey, Teagasc

The rate of increase in the average unit cost of producing milk in Ireland has accelerated markedly in the last 2-3 years. While much of this is attributed to unit cost inflation on inputs such as feed, fertilizer and energy, analysis of farm financial data shows significant variation in the relative impact on farms of similar type Clearly then, there are numerous farm-level factors to be considered when assessing options for controlling costs and protecting margins.  

To explore this issue, the session will feature a presentation from David Beca, Red Sky Agri Consulting, Australia. David started his career in the beef and sheep industry, moving from farm work to farm ownership and into the dairy industry, where he became a director of a dairy cooperative.  Over time, he developed Red Sky, an agricultural business analysis and benchmarking software application that has wide use across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  David has specialised in identifying and reporting on the primary drivers of productivity and profitability in grazing systems.

Teagasc are delighted to welcome David to the National Dairy Conference. To complement David’s international perspective, Joe Patton Teagasc will present some key trends in cost structure on Irish dairy farms, and highlight the value of dairy cost benchmarking as a business development practice.

11:15am Tea/ Coffee

11:30am Session Two - Getting to grips with labour challenges on dairy farms

• Dr Marion Beecher, Teagasc Research Officer - People in Dairy Project
• Brendan Joyce, dairy farmer, Kilkenny
• John Whelan, dairy farmer, Wexford

Chair Richard O’Brien, Regional Manager Teagasc Kilkenny Waterford

Seasonal workload combined with increased dairy herd sizes and a highly competitive labour market, have created social sustainability challenges for Irish dairy farms. Effective work organisation can improve productivity, which in turn can have a positive impact on members of the farm work-teams and farming families.

The objective of this conference session is to discuss farm task organisation and the structures of work schedules on Irish dairy farms, with a view to identifying areas for progress. Marion Beecher Moorepark will present the results of a recent labour study involving 55 dairy farms, which will address key questions around scheduling, rosters, use of non-core labour, and labour costs.

We look forward also to the real-world insights of John Whelan, dairy farmer from Co. Wexford, and Brendan Joyce, who is dairy farming in Co. Kilkenny. John will outline how he makes use of contractors for key tasks at peak times, manages weekend work for staff and lessons learned in a growing dairy business. Brendan will share his top tips for efficient work routines in spring, the labour benefits of a simple system, and the importance of capitalizing on-off peak time.

12:50pm Lunch

2pm
Interactive Workshops (attendees can choose 3)

1. Back to basics on grazing tactics for spring 2024
   Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10; Brendan Horan, Teagasc Moorepark, and Joe Murphy, Dairy Farmer, Kilkenny
2. Achieving 100 SCC in the first 100 days 
   Pablo Silva Bolona and Don Crowley, Teagasc
3. Nitrogen (N) for 2024 
   John Maher, Teagasc Grass10; Michael Egan, Teagasc Moorepark; and David Wall, Teagasc Johnstown Castle
4. Stocking rate decisions for future systems
   Michael O’Donovan, Donal Patton and Patrick Moylan, Teagasc
5. Milking 10 times a week –can it work for you?
   Emer Kennedy and Martina Gormley, Teagasc
6. Slurry storage and handling - how best to invest
   Pat Tuohy, Teagasc and William Burchill, UCC

Back to basics on grazing tactics for spring 2024

GRAZED PASTURE gives Irish dairy farmers a potential cash cost advantage, however this potential will only be realized if the right tactics are employed in spring and across the grazing season.

This workshop will feature Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10; Brendan Horan, Teagasc Moorepark and Joe Murphy, Dairy Farmer, Kilkenny

Topics will include:

• Spring grazing tips and tactics for dry and heavy soil types
• The do’s and don’ts of spring grass budgeting
• Managing the “grass hungry” transition from the first to the second rotation
• Driving performance - getting grass allowances right in early summer

Achieving 100 SCC in the first 100 days

Somatic cell count (SCC) is creeping upwards nationally. The first 100 days of lactation are important to ensure good levels of control of mastitis and SCC throughout lactation.

This workshop will feature Pablo Silva Bolana, Teagasc Mastitis Researcher and Don Crowley, Teagasc Milk Quality Specialist.

Topics will include:

• How to manage risk of mastitis in dry cows
• What are the main risks around calving?
• Why is heifer mastitis a problem for some herds?
• How to identify problem cows early
• How do I deal with problem cows once identified
• The value of records, culture and sensitivity

Nitrogen (N) for 2024

NITROGEN (N) FERTILIZER limits for grassland are under constant review within Ireland and The EU. In this context, Nitrogen planning on the farm will become far more critical to pasture production and utilisation in 2024 and beyond.

This workshop will feature John Maher, Teagasc Grass10; Michael Egan, Teagasc Moorepark; and David Wall, Teagasc Johnstown Castle.

Topics will include:

• Getting the timing of fertiliser N right for optimal grass growth responses
• Making better use of organic Nitrogen
• Does fertilizer N type make a difference to annual grass yields?
• Clover - a real opportunity to generate Nitrogen within the farm gate.

Stocking rate decisions for future systems

Stocking Rate is a key decision for dairy farms due to implications for grazing management, feed budgets, performance per cow and farm labour/infrastructure requirements. While stocking rate is linked to farm profit, it is through grass utilised that the effects occur. As a result, optimal stocking rate varies by farm.

This workshop will feature researchers Michael O’Donovan and Donal Patton, Teagasc Researchers; and Patrick Moylan Teagasc Kilkenny Dairy Advisor.

Topics will include:

• The costs and profit implications for changing farm stocking rate
• How to recognize the stocking rate ‘sweet-spot’ for my farm
• How should outside land blocks influence stocking rate decisions?
• My farm is optimally stocked - now what?

Milking 10 times a week – can it work for you?

MILKING TIME is one of the most labour demanding tasks on a dairy farm. Adopting a more flexible approach to the number of milkings per week may help reduce labour input and also improve work life balance. 

This workshop features Aidan Ahearn, Waterford dairy farmer; Emer Kennedy, Teagasc Moorepark Researcher; and Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist.

Topics will include:

• A farmer’s experience with 10-in-7 milking
• Update on research into flexible milking- solids yield, health and SCC effects
• How flexible approaches to milking time can help with labour challenges
• How do I know if flexible milking is an option for my farm?

Slurry storage and handling - how best to invest

SLURRY VALUE depends on its nutrient content, timing and method of application, and the relative cost of fertilizer. As new derogation regulations limit fertilizer rates, the nutrient content of our slurry becomes more valuable in its ability to grow grass.

This workshop will feature Pat Touhy, Teagasc Moorepark and William Burchill, University College Cork.

Topics will include:

• Return on investing in additional slurry capacity to grow additional grass
• New research into slurry volume on Irish dairy farms and comparisons against international studies
• Alternative slurry handling options and technologies
• Slurry additives – have they a role for Irish dairy farms?

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Production Entomologist - Beta Bugs Limited

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STEM For Britain 2024

 

 

 

 

 

STEM FOR BRITAIN 2024

Exhibition of Posters by early-career research scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

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Head of AFBI Farmed Estate

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BSAS 2024 Abstracts Extension

BSAS 2024

The BSAS Annual Conference is the flagship event for animal scientists across the UK and Ireland and beyond.It provides endless opportunities to network, collaborate, socialise, update knowledge and debate with peers. This year’s theme is the role of livestock in our ecosystems and economy and we encourage you all to submit your work to contribute to this important debate. You will see from the programme that there are a number of themed sessions such as ‘the role of vets and farmers in tacking parasitic disease,’ ‘precision technologies in livestock management, health and welfare,’ along with the interesting animal nutrition and production, impacts of climate change and advancements in animal science sessions, and many more. If you have research to present, either as supervisors, with students, or as part of your organisations activities, please look at the programme and submit an abstract. It is a great environment for postgrad students to develop their presentational skills and for established scientists and technologists to highlight their activities.    We welcome abstracts in the areas of: Adoption of science on farms and behaviour change Adaption strategies for cattle and sheep to climate change Advances in breeding and genetics Advances in mitigating the environmental impact of ruminant production Animal health and welfare Sustainable proteins: insects co-products and technologies Beef cattle Climate change and animal disease Companion and captive animals Dairy cattle Equine Grazing systems Nutrition Pigs Poultry Precision technologies in livestock management Responding to climate change and its potential effect on livestock Role of diverse pastures in future proofing livestock sustainability Role of vets and farmers in tackling parasitic disease Small Ruminants (sheep, goats and deer) The future diet of monogastrics with non-human edible ingredients Young stock Other    Be part of this conference and BSAS’s 80th Birthday celebrations!   Submit your paper   Submission deadline 14th November 2023   We look forward to welcoming you to Belfast 9-11th April 2024.

Fnd out more

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Livestock Science Quality Assurance Manager - Higher Scientific Officer

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Sponsors

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Training Videos Subscription Intro

Those without a BSAS membership can purchase a subscription to training materials separately.

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Ruminant Methane Mitigation Conference

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BSAS Blog GB Calf Week

The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) has been an important part of my whole professional life, from my first poster presentation in 1995 to having the immense privilege of being President last year. As the immediate Past President, I am chairing the organising committee for the 2024 conference which promises to be a great event. I hope to see you in Belfast 9-11 April 2024!

But on to the topic for today – GB Calf Week.

Dairy farmers have cows to produce milk, right? – yes but, to do so, each cow must produce a calf, ideally once a year, and those calves can also add value to the farm business. Clearly breeding quality replacements for the dairy herd is vital to its performance, but also those calves destined to be reared for beef can add useful income to the overall farm business.

I had the privilege of making a small contribution to the programme of GB calf week 2023 which ended on Wednesday last week (20th September). My AHDB colleague, Marco Winters, and I delivered a webinar on dairy-beef genetics and how that can help maximise the value of beef calves from the dairy herd. The programme for the week brought together farmers, vets, scientists and advisers, and is a great example of how animal scientists, working with others, can help address real challenges faced by the farming sector.

Science has delivered technology for sexing semen, which means the genetically superior cows in the herd are now routinely inseminated with female-sorted semen to maximise the genetic progress in the herd, with around three quarters of all dairy-breed inseminations now being with sexed semen. This means that far fewer dairy-breed male calves are produced, and the remainder of the dairy herd can be inseminated with beef semen to produce calves of higher value to the beef sector. Our webinar focused on the information and tools available to help in the selection of the best genetics to use to produce high-value calves for beef production.

For example, AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations (National beef evaluations | AHDB) provide estimated breeding values (EBVs) for five commercial carcase traits (plus three maternal EBVs) in beef cattle, using national data from processors, breed societies and the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). These carcase traits can be used to help select beef sires for use in the dairy herd to produce calves with greater potential for growth and carcase quality. Trends in the breeding values of beef sires used in the dairy herd show a much higher genetic merit for growth over the last 10 years, so that the days-to-slaughter EBV of calves born from dairy cows in 2021 was equal to that of calves born to suckler cows.

Of course, for calves to perform well, genetics is only part of the story. Every aspect of their management needs to be addressed, and other elements of the calf week programme described research on the health of dairy-bred calves, including managing bovine tuberculosis, rearing and nutrition.

Animal science has a part to play in improving every aspect of the production of beef from dairy-bred calves - their genetics, rearing, nutrition, and health, and our 2024 conference will address topics across these areas, while addressing our overall theme “The role of livestock in our ecosystems and economy.” Indeed, we plan a specific session on youngstock – so do submit your abstracts, and come along to join the conversation in Belfast in April 2024.

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Jobs Board

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Pig Farmers’ Conference - Cavan

The Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference will take place on October 17^th in the Hotel Kilmore, Cavan and on October 18^th in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co. Tipperary. The event will begin at 1pm on both days with a light lunch provided. We urge all those involved in the sector to attend the conference and have the opportunity to meet fellow producers while seeing the latest information that the Teagasc Pig Development Department have put together for this year’s event.

This year we are delighted to have three invited speakers join our Pig Development Department line up for the event. Francesc Illas, works for Grup Batallé, a fully integrated company that manages 30,000 sows from genetics to final product, where he is currently the technical director and head of production. Johannes Vugts is a Senior Pig Production Adviser with HKScan, a 130 year old Scandinavian food company that is currently the fifth largest food manufacturer in Europe. He is based in Finland but also works Sweden and Estonia. Des Rice, who began his career as veterinarian, is a business Coach and psychotherapist and providing coaching and mentoring services on strategic, human-behaviour and stress management issues to many businesses and to various community groups.

We look forward to seeing many of you there, so make sure you mark it in your diary. If you would like any further information please contact Amy Quinn (amy.quinn@teagagasc.ie, 087 3779015).

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Pandemic-induced changes in human behaviour and routines affect the well-being and stress levels of dogs.

Take home message: The COVID-19 pandemic induced significant routine changes which increased stress levels for many dogs. A better understanding of these effects can improve stress management and the well-being of canine companions in times of disruption.

During the pandemic, owners spent more time at home with their dogs due to lockdowns and social restrictions. Dogs have a long history of coevolution with humans, serving various roles from hunting to providing companionship. The pandemic altered daily routines, which had potential implications for the well-being of dogs. Previous studies have found changes in routines, environments, and emotional states can lead to stress and behaviour problems in dogs, sometimes resulting in owners surrendering their pets to animal shelters. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dog behaviour in response to changes in their owners' routines and emotional states, ultimately shedding light on the complex relationship between humans and their canine companions.

Data collection occurred between November 2021 and February 2022, employing a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with dog owners and an online survey with 140 participants. The survey utilized 28 standardized questions and Likert-scale responses to gather data on past and present dog behaviour, household information, and owner stress levels. The data were analysed thematically, focusing on stress levels, routine changes, and the interplay between dog and owner behaviours.

Key findings included:

1. Changes in Routines:

Owners spent more time with their dogs, seeking emotional relief from them. While this increased bonding may seem positive, it resulted in varied emotional responses in dogs, including heightened attachment and anxiety. Alterations in exercise and social interactions impacted dogs' physical health and behaviour. Dogs experiencing abrupt changes in their routines were more likely to exhibit higher stress levels and were at risk of developing separation-related behaviours (SRBs) post-pandemic.

2. Effect of Changing Alone Time:

Changes in the amount of time dogs spent alone at home during the pandemic significantly affected their stress levels. Dogs experiencing dramatic increases or decreases in alone time exhibited higher stress scores, putting them at risk of developing SRBs post-pandemic.

3. Attention-Seeking Behaviour:

Alterations in exercise routines were linked to changes in dogs' attention-seeking behaviour. Dogs that experienced significant shifts in exercise levels, whether an increase or decrease, displayed higher attention-seeking behaviour. Reduced exercise was particularly associated with higher stress and attention-seeking scores.

4. Owner-Seeking Comfort:

During stressful periods, most dog owners sought comfort in their pets, reflecting a strong emotional bond. There was a clear positive correlation between human stress levels and dog stress levels, indicating that dogs are sensitive to their owners' emotional states. Similarly, a positive correlation between human stress and dog comfort suggests owners often turn to their dogs for emotional support.

5. Sex and Neuter Status:

While previous studies suggested that sex and neuter status might influence stress levels in dogs, this study did not find significant differences based on these factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected dogs through changes in their owners' routines, emotional states, and living environments. This study highlights the need for better owner education on recognizing and mitigating stress in dogs during disruptions. Based on these results, recommendations include raising awareness among dog owners about maintaining stable routines and environments, particularly providing guidelines for effective pet care during crises. Future studies should consider larger sample sizes and a specific focus on sex and neuter status to yield more comprehensive results. Controlled studies which delve deeper into specific stressors such as the impact of energy expenditure on sleep patterns and other behaviours are also suggested. Ultimately, these efforts can benefit both dogs and their owners during challenging times.

This study was carried out by Mathilde Aass in fulfilment of her BSc in Equine and Veterinary Bioscience at the University of Aberystwyth. Mathilde is now in her second year at Bristol University undertaking an accelerated veterinary medicine degree, having spent the past two years working as a veterinary clinic assistant in Norway between semesters. Mathilde would like to be a small animal vet to pursue her interests in how owners' routines and behaviours impact companion animals' well-being, particularly focusing on stress and hormonal changes, and exploring ways to reduce stress and discomfort in veterinary clinic environments for dogs and cats. Well done, Mathilde!

Lucy Ross, PhD graduate, University of Nottingham

Lucy Ross has been a BSAS Early Careers Council member for five years. She has now graduated from the University of Nottingham with a PhD in improving the heifer-rearing efficiency of fully-housed dairy systems in the UK.

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Science That Delivers on Farm - UFU, AFBI & AgriSearch webinar series

Join our new series jointly delivered but the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), Agri-Foods and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and Agrisearch.

Each session will be held online via Zoom starting at 8pm, lasting for 1 hour

Session dates and topics

• 26 September: Increasing Production Efficiency
• 3 October: Resilient Grassland Management
• 10 October: Dairy Nutrition
• 17 October: Nutrient Management in Grassland
• 24 October: Farm Case Studies of Carbon Benchmarking

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Ceva Animal Health launches its 2024 ‘Call for Projects’ to help enhance the human-animal bond

Ceva Animal Health (Ceva) has launched its 2024 ‘Call for Projects’ search to discover and support new, innovative solutions for the wellbeing and care of companion animals to enhance the human-animal bond.

Through the ‘Call for Projects’ programme, the company seeks to harness the expertise and creativity of individuals, startups, and organisations to address key issues in animal health and develop groundbreaking solutions that will benefit companion animals worldwide.

The worldwide initiative welcomes projects that span a wide range of areas with the objective of co-developing innovations to advance pet wellbeing and support the human-animal bond. These include, but are not limited, to:

• Digital Health Solutions: leveraging technology and data to enhance the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of companion animals.

• Preventive Care: novel approaches to preventive care, such as nutrition, vaccination, and behaviour management.

• Wellness and Enrichment: innovative products or services that promote physical and mental wellbeing in companion animals.

• Diagnostic Tools: advanced diagnostic tools, including rapid and non-invasive methods for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of animal health.

Participants are encouraged to submit their project proposal detailing their innovative solutions, target audience, and potential impact on Agorize. Projects must be submitted in one (or more) of the categories available on the platform: Devices, Digital or Technology.

A panel of judges, comprising leading experts from Ceva, will carefully evaluate the submissions based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, scalability, and potential for impact.

Selected projects will receive valuable support from Ceva, including mentorship, access to industry networks, and resources to accelerate the development and commercialisation of their innovative solutions. Additionally, the selected projects will gain recognition and visibility within the animal health community, paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships.

"We are excited to launch the 2024 'Call for Projects’," says Marc Prikazsky, Chairman and CEO at Ceva. "Companion animals play an essential role in our lives, and we are convinced that by fostering innovation we can improve their wellbeing and ensure they receive the care they deserve. With the increasing humanisation of pets, our furry companions have become members of the family. ‘Pet parents’ are increasingly looking for new solutions to provide them with the best possible care. That’s why we encourage individuals and organisations from diverse backgrounds to participate and help us discover game-changing solutions for companion animal health."

Ceva is the #5 global animal health company, present in 110 countries worldwide. The company has a deep commitment and recognised expertise in improving the lives of companion animals. It knows the important role pets play in our lives and is dedicated to continuing to advance the human-animal bond, a central piece of the company’s One Health approach.

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Membership Profile: Debbie Nash, Senior Lecturer in Animal and Equine Science, Aberystwyth University

Membership Profile: Debbie Nash, Senior Lecturer in Animal and Equine Science, Aberystwyth University

How did you first become aware of BSAS, and what motivated you to join as a member?

Many years ago when I moved to Aberystwyth University, many of my colleagues were members and encouraged me to join.

What specific benefits have you experienced as a member of BSAS?

As well as the many membership benefits listed online, I became very active on the Programme Committee, helping to organise the annual conference, especially organising the equine sessions. Over a period of years I moved up to being secretary, deputy and finally chair of that committee, which certainly raised my professional profile. In fact it was well received by my University and helped support a successful promotion application.

Another benefit of the BSAS conference is that it is very post-graduate friendly and is a great platform for PhD students to present for the first time. I would always encourage an inexperienced student to present there as it’s guaranteed to be a welcoming forum for a first scientific conference.

How has being a member of BSAS helped you in your career or professional development?

Being a member of BSAS has also introduced me to the BSAS-RSB accreditation scheme, which enables me to be recognised as a Registered Animal Scientist. Part of the requirement to remain on the register is to maintain an active CPD record, and indeed, many of the committee level activities and conference attendance at BSAS qualified as CPD points to ensure I stay on the register each year.

Have you actively participated in any BSAS committees or working groups? If yes, how has this involvement influenced your understanding of the animal science field?

Yes, see above. Attending the annual conferences is also very helpful to expand my learning from other fields, as well as advance my knowledge of latest developments. Some of these developments can be used to updated my lecture notes for teaching under and post graduate students.

In what ways has BSAS facilitated networking opportunities with other professionals in your field of interest?

Yes, BSAS supported an initiative I had which was an annual meeting ‘Colloquium for Equine Reproduction’. I started the colloquium by myself but it was financial difficult to run (as well as time consuming) so BSAS offered to incorporate it as a satellite meeting in the annual conference. The colloquium ran for 2 years, and stopped as other more global equine reproduction meetings started to become more popular (and I could no longer lead the organising as I started a family and had to reduce my commitments). Nonetheless, the support was super and it also helped me expand my networks and reputation as a scientist.

Have you had the opportunity to present your research or work at any

BSAS conferences or events? If yes, how was your experience?

Yes, and this is one of the Societies’ strengths…a friendly and

welcoming platform to present work to UK-wide professionals.

 To sign up to become a BSAS member visit  my.bsas.org.uk

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Member Profile: Issy Lewis share her experience of student and early career membership

Early Career Member Profile - Issy Lewis

How did you first become aware of BSAS, and what motivated you to join as an Early Career member?

During my undergraduate I became aware of the BSAS and joined on a student membership. Once I finished my PhD and entering the early stages of my career I was motivated to network with like minded scientists at various stages of their career.

What specific benefits have you experienced as an Early Career member of BSAS?

Having the opportunity to be a member of the early careers committee has allowed the opportunity to participate in BSAS activities such as fresher’s week and the annual conference.

Do you feel that your voice and opinions are heard within BSAS as an Early Career member?

In the early stages of my time as a member of the early careers committee I have ben able to voice my opinion on the society’s future plans and suggest solutions to current problems. All ideas are considered which encourages me as a member to actively participate.

Can you share a memorable or rewarding experience you've had as an Early Career member of BSAS?

By joining the BSAS as an early career member I was able to reconnect with a previous colleague and discuss how our careers have developed and learning we were on a very similar career trajectory in academia.

What advice would you give to other Early Career professionals who are considering joining BSAS?

Utilize all the benefits that are available for instance access to journals, networking opportunities and workshops to name a few.

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Belfast

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Conference 2024

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Speakers

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BSAS 2024 - Information

Please find conference information and guidelines

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Healthy and sustainable diets: The role of animal-derived foods

Synopsis

Animal-derived foods (milk and dairy, meat, fish and eggs) offer primary sources of essential nutrients some of which are not readily available in plant-based foods. These foods play an important role across every stage of life, including childhood, adolescence, pregnancy and lactation, and older age. However, consumer concerns around their carbon footprint to produce animal-derived foods, animal welfare in intensive livestock production systems, and dietary patterns (such as vegetarianism and veganism) are primary drivers for the reduction of consumption in animal products; and increasingly their replacement with plant-based alternatives, particularly in developed countries. Affordability and availability challenges also favour a low intake of animal-derived foods in many developing countries.

This event will address issues around the role of, and the balance between, animal-derived foods and plant-based alternatives in human diets and provide evidence on how we can develop and promote healthy, sustainable, and accessible diets for different consumer demographics and dietary patterns.

Attendees

The event is intended to broker links between science, agriculture, food, nutrition and health industries, with a target audience of academics, students and early-career researchers across all these fields; stakeholders across the food chain including farmers, agricultural consultants and managers, food manufacturers and product developers, nutrition and health consultants and professionals, marketing and retailers; policy-makers; and consumers, as well as the public who are seeking evidence-based information around health and sustainable diets.

Exhibition and sponsorship

For further information and prices, please email conferences@soci.org.

Call for Posters

Contributions are invited from early-stage researchers and PhD students working on the nutritional composition and the role of animal-derived foods (milk, dairy, meat, eggs, fish) and plant-based alternatives in human nutrition and health, as well as the environmental footprint and socio-economic implications of consuming animal-derived foods and plant-based alternatives. In addition, studies that investigate pathways to develop and promote healthy, sustainable and accessible diets for different consumer demographics and dietary patterns are highly encouraged and within the remit of this conference.

The objective for the competition is to identify posters which best explain the outcomes of the research, and also in the context of the potential application of the results by the industry and consumers. There will be voucher prizes of £100 for 1^st place and £50 for 2^nd place. An abstract of maximum 250 words (250 words does not include author names, affiliations, references or figure captions) indicating title, authors, institution included with the Poster, should be sent to conferences@soci.org by Monday 30 October 2023 with the subject line “Healthy and Sustainable diets event - poster submission” You can download an abstract template here.

The 1^st place winner will be additionally awarded with the opportunity to publish their poster in JSFA as well as JSFA Reports.

Programme

Tuesday 5 December 2023

10:00

Registration and refreshments

10:30

Welcome and introduction; What is a healthy and sustainable diet? Alice Stanton, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Devenish Nutrition

Session 1: Human nutrition and health

10:45  Dietary transition from animal to plant-derived foods: are there risks to health? Prof Ian Givens, University of Reading

11:00  The contribution of red meat to nutrition and health in adults Kate Arthur, AHDB

11:15  The role of animal-sourced foods on child nutrition in developing countries Prof Adegbola Adesogan, University of Florida

11:30  The role of fish in a balanced and healthy diet Dr Matthew Sprague, University of Stirling

11:45  Panel discussion

12:05  Refreshment break

Session 2: Environmental and socio-economic sustainability

12:30  Merging the environmental and nutritional sciences: viewing agri-food environmental footprints through novel lenses Dr Graham McAuliffe, Rothamsted Research

12:45  Sustainability in livestock production systems: what are the options? Prof Michael Lee, Harper Adams University

13:00  Is cultured meat a threat or opportunity for UK farmers? David Rose, Royal Agricultural University

13:15  Panel discussion

13:35  Lunch, posters and exhibition

Session 3: Implementation, challenges and solutions

14:30  How can we achieve a healthy and sustainable diet? Ursula Arens, Nutrition writer and consultant

14:45  Supply-chain perspectives on healthy and sustainable diets Emer Lowery, Waitrose

15:00  Panel discussion

15:20  Networking reception

16:30  Close of conference

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Joint AAAP & AAAS Animal Production Congress 2024 8th - 12th July   Melbourne

This year’s theme is ‘Embracing Disruption as an opportunity for animal science’ and will be held on 8th - 12th July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Joint AAAS & AAAP Joint Animal Production is now open for paper submissions.

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Georgina Smith

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BSAS Dairy Nutrition Conference

Thank you to our sponsors

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact maggie.mitchell@bsas.org.uk.

Registration Rates

The production and consumption of milk from dairy cattle is of foundational importance in all societies, providing essential nutrients, many of which are lacking in diets globally. The pressures on today’s milk production systems are financial, environmental and societal. Feed is the main input cost per litre of milk and dairy cow nutrition is pivotal in sustainable dairy operations.

The effect of improved feed efficiency and longevity on reducing the environmental impact of livestock systems is well-documented. To that end, increasing feed efficiency whilst concurrently reducing disease incidence has to be a priority in modern dairy systems.

Join us for the conference that will showcase the latest recommended practice in feeding the dairy cow. Here, science will underpin applied nutrition throughout the production cycle, from calf to heifer to cow. Global experts, including Dr Dave Davies, Professor David Kenny and Professor Liam Sinclair, will share their science and evidence-based knowledge to help advance your dairy cow nutrition knowledge.

Attendance at this conference qualifies for 30 CPD points.

Key topics:

• Feed Analysis & Evaluation
• Livestock Feed Innovations
• Practical Feeding

10th January 2024

1300 Registration and Refreshments 

Opening – Elizabeth Magowan, BSAS President and AFBI

Feed Analysis and Evaluation (related to practical experience on farm)

Chair – David Wilde, Massey Feeds, UK

1400 Methods and interpretation of forage analysis, Dr Dave Davies, Silage Solutions Ltd., UK

1445 Processing methods to optimise feed nutritive value, Prof John Newbold, SRUC

1530 Coffee break

Forage/Pasture based systems – The Challenges

Chair – Prof Michael Lee, Harper Adams University, UK

1600 Practical grazing management for ruminants – the plant’s perspective, Charlie Morgan, GrassMaster Ltd

1630 Practical grazing for ruminants – a nutritionist’s perspective, Prof David Kenny, Teagasc, Ireland

1700 101 of silage making, Dr Dave Davies, Silage Solutions Ltd., UK

1900 Drinks reception

1930 Dinner

11th January 2024

0900 Registration and Refreshments

Global Livestock Feed

Chair – Prof David Kenny, Teagasc, Ireland

0930 International raw materials, James McCulloch, Agricultural Industries Confederation, UK

Practical feeding

Youngstock

Chair – Dr Steven Morrison, AFBI

1000 Feeding the calf, Dr Ginny Sherwin, University of Nottingham

1045 Feeding the heifer, Dr Alex Bach, Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies

The cow

Chair – Dr Helen Warren, Alltech, Ireland

1130 Feeding the dry cow, Prof Alastair Macrae, University of Edinburgh

1215 Feeding the milking cow, Prof Liam Sinclair, Harper Adams University

1300 Buffet lunch and depart

Download event booklet

Sponsorship  Opportunities - please contact maggie.mitchell@bsas.org.uk to find out about sponsorship opportunitites.

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TEAGASC PHD WALSH SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY - RU-MINIG: RUmen microbiome MINING for bacterial cultures to reduce methane

“RU-MINIG: RUmen microbiome MINING for bacterial cultures to reduce methane”

Background: The agri-food sector is one of Ireland and New Zealand’s largest indigenous industries and a key player in the national economy. However, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural, primarily enteric methane, accounts for 38 and 49% of Irish and New Zealand total GHG emissions.

Enteric methane originates as a by-product of rumen microbial fermentation. Previous research from Ireland and New Zealand has highlighted the contribution of individual species of lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB), to inter animal divergence in methane output.

This Walsh Scholarship is part of an international collaboration between researchers in Ireland and New Zealand, called ‘RU-MINIG, funded by the Ireland – New Zealand Joint Research Mechanism (2023-2027). The goal of the project is to evaluate the anti-methanogenic effects of individual strains of LAB and their suitability as potential silage inoculants for beef cattle. Promising LAB will also be administered to calves in early life, to investigate their potential to alter the course of microbial establishment within the rumen, and have a lasting impact on the subsequent enteric emissions of an animal in later life.

The successful candidate will join a team with a track record of success in this research topic, and have access to research infrastructure. There will be opportunities throughout the programme for professional development training, conference attendance and international travel to expand your research interest.

Requirements: Applicants should have a primary degree (First or upper Second Class Honours) or a M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Microbiology, Animal or Agricultural Science, Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Biology etc.). The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for both laboratory and field work. A full EU driving licence is also required. Proficiency in the English language is required.

Please see the following link with regard to English Language requirements https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/co...

Award: This 3 year PhD Scholarship is part of a large international project called ‘RU-MINIG’, funded by the Ireland – New Zealand Joint Research Mechanism (2023-2027). The scholar will be registered at University College Cork (UCC), but primarily based at the Teagasc Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Grange Co. Meath, Ireland, with complementary laboratory and course work conducted at UCC.

The scholar will be under the joint supervision of Prof. Sinéad Waters and Dr. Paul Smith (Teagasc) and Prof. Paul Ross (UCC). The scholarship funding is €24,500 per annum and includes University fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum and is tenable for 3 years.

Further Information/Applications: For further information please email: sinead.waters@teagasc.ie or paul.smith@teagasc.ie

Application Procedure: Submit an electronic copy of a Curriculum Vitae, which should include a short personal statement and the names and contact details of two referees, by email to: sinead.waters@teagasc.ie .

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Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor/ Professor in Behavioural Genetics/ Epigenetics

The role

Bristol Veterinary School (BVS) is seeking to recruit a dynamic researcher with skills in behavioural genetics/epigenetics and an interest in animal welfare science to develop, build and lead research into the underlying genetic influences on animal behaviour and welfare.

Through a better understanding of how gene-environment interactions influence animal behaviour, health and welfare, we will be able to identify genetic risk factors for behaviour and welfare problems, and the heritability of characteristics including emotional traits in companion and farm species that influence coping abilities. This will allow us to make predictions about the development of resilient or vulnerable phenotypes, alter early rearing conditions accordingly, screen for specific genotypes, and select against abnormal and undesirable behaviour in animal breeding programmes. Together, these developments have huge potential for improving the welfare of animals living alongside people.

To achieve these goals, the successful applicant will be expected to develop a funded research programme in a relevant area which may include, but is not limited to: population-level GWAS (genome-wide association studies) to detect genetic variants associated with behaviour or welfare-relevant traits; lab-based studies of the genetics/genomics of welfare-relevant traits and animal personality differences; development of non-invasive genetic indicators of, and screening for, at-risk or resilient phenotypes; identification of genetic and epigenetic risk factors for behaviour disorders in companion animals; welfare implications of genetic selection for production characteristics in farmed animals and genetic modification of laboratory animals; implications of breeding practices for welfare in companion animals.

Applicants with interests, skills and experience in these and other relevant areas are welcome, but they must have a clear vision of how their work will advance animal welfare and/or animal welfare science and/or generate methods for improving animal welfare and resilience or minimising welfare harms.

The post is advertised from Lecturer to Professor level.

The post is based at Bristol Veterinary School on the University of Bristol’s Langford campus, within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

What will you be doing?

You will develop your research in a collaborative environment encompassing the Bristol Animal Welfare and Behaviour Research Community and BVS researchers in other areas including animal infection, immunity and disease, AMR, clinical research, sustainable agriculture and livestock production, agricultural economics, and animal nutrition, and a cross-cutting data science community, all sitting within two over-arching research themes of Population Health and Global Food Security. Many collaborative opportunities in the wider University are also available. You will be expected to build a research group through external funding from UKRI and related funders, supervise postgraduate research students, and contribute to teaching in relevant subject areas on one or more of our Veterinary Science BVSc (incl. Accelerated Graduate Entry Programme), Veterinary Nursing and Companion Animal Behaviour BSc, and Global Wildlife Health & Conservation MSc programmes.

You should apply if

Applicants should have a PhD in animal welfare or a related subject and a strong track record of publication and grant funding success, commensurate with experience and the level at which they apply.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended

Work pattern: Full time 1.0 FTE (though we are happy to discuss flexible working including part-time and/or job-share applications).

Grade: K - M

Salary: £47,047 - 82,596 p.a (pro rata)

School/Unit: Bristol Veterinary School

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 17/09/2023

For any informal enquiries please contact Professor Michael Mendl- mike.mendl@bristol.ac.uk or Dr Suzanne Held- suzanne.held@bristol.ac.uk

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Post Doctoral Scientists in Sustainable Livestock Production

Job type: Various
Location: Hillsborough
Salary: £32,880 - £34,011
Quantity of Posts Available: 3

A permanent full-time position for an enthusiastic post-doc scientist is currently available in AFBI’s Animal Welfare Unit. The work will involve multiple farm animal species (e.g. cattle, pigs, poultry) as well as the assessment of a variety of aspects of welfare (e.g. behaviour, health, physiology). The job not only includes designing, carrying out, and reporting on experiments, but also participating in wider activities enabling research, e.g., funding acquisition, creating and maintaining scientific networks, and supporting students in their own research.

For further information and to submit your application, click APPLY NOW

Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 11th August 2023.

Applications are particularly welcomed from Roman Catholics and Females as these groups are currently under-represented within AFBI.

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Conference 2021

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Conference 2022

Training videos from the 2022 BSAS conference

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Webinars

View some of our featured webinars

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Training

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Corporate Membership

Corporate Membership of BSAS adds value to your organisation, saves money and offers a wide range of benefits.

Shaping the future of animal science

Help us shape the future of animal science, ensuring it is relevant to the needs of your sector by driving future research projects and BSAS activities. Corporate membership offers opportunities for academic and industry engagement and to and drive industry-led initiatives and sessions at the BSAS annual conference and events.

Global partnerships

Free individual membership of the European Federation for Animal Science (EAAP) for named individuals as part of your corporate membership package.

animal family of Journals

We are proud to have the esteemed animal - the international journal of animal biosciences as our society's journal. Standing the test of time, animal publishes robust, scientific and ethically led articles for researchers, industry, stakeholders and policy makers across the globe.

It offers our members unparalleled benefits and sets itself apart as the premier platform for disseminating robust cutting-edge research and advancements in the field. BSAS Member are entitled to 15% APC discount.

BSAS Annual Conference, Events and Webinars

A fixed date in the animal science calendar, the annual conference provides endless opportunites to network, collaborate, socialise and learn with peers.

BSAS members receive generous discounts to attend each year. Members can also join the organising committee and shape the agenda.

Job Board

Advertise your vacancies free of charge on the BSAS Job Board to find your new staff. The BSAS job board is dedicated to finding and filling roles in animal and related science. Jobs are also promoted via the societies newsletter and social media channels.

Animal Scientist and Technologist Register

BSAS Accreditation provides a mark of assurance for individual member's work and achievements when dealing with clients, colleagues, employers, collaborators, funders, government and other societies. BSAS members enjoy free access to apply to the register.

Corporate Membership Fees

The BSAS corporate membership fees are invoiced annually on the 1st April to the organisation.
The discount rate applies to all members in the group. Fees are discounted by 10% for 4-5 members and by 15% for 6 and above individual members within a corporate membership.

Discounted fees only apply to those paying full membership (rates for postgraduate students are already discounted).

For further information please contact membership@bsas.org.uk.

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British Cattle Breeders Club

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British Grassland Society

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British Society for Immunology

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The Nutrition Society

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GALVmed

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BSAS News

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BSAS Delivers a Tenth Successful R and Statistics Workshop

BSAS Delivers a Tenth Successful R and Statistics Workshop under the Guidance of Davina Hill and Assisted by Katie Dubarry and Michael Arthur

The British Society of Agricultural Sciences (BSAS) held another triumphant R and Statistics Workshop this month, giving its members a comprehensive training event for the tenth year.

Led by Lecturer in Welfare Physiology and R expert, Dr Davina Hill from the University of Glasgow, and ably assisted by PhD students, Katie Dubarry (University of Edinburgh) and Michael Arthur (Teagasc), the workshop provided participants with valuable skills and increased confidence in statistical analysis through a series of lectures and guided interactive break-out sessions.

As a leading organization dedicated to promoting understanding and excellence in animal sciences, BSAS has consistently emphasised the importance of advancing statistical proficiency to enhance data-driven decision-making within the animal science community. The popular annual workshop sold out once again this year, a testament to BSAS' commitment to providing relevant support to its members, with attendees participating from diverse backgrounds, including researchers, students, and industry professionals.

Throughout the two-day workshop, Davina Hill, Katie Dubarry and Michael Arthur demonstrated their expertise in utilizing R, a powerful programming language for statistical computing and graphics. The workshop's comprehensive curriculum covered a wide array of topics, including:

• Introduction to R and RStudio
• Data manipulation and visualisation
• Statistical analysis and hypothesis testing
• Statistical modelling
• Experimental design

Participants were highly engaged during the interactive sessions, gaining hands-on experience and practical insights into the applications of R in their respective domains. The virtual format of the event provided flexibility, enabling attendees to participate and collaborate with peers and tutors in a relaxed format.

Davina Hill, who was invited to design a statistics workshop for BSAS in 2013 by then CEO Mike Steele, expressed her enthusiasm for the positive responses received from the participants over the years. She said, "It's been a wonderful experience to watch the course grow and evolve from its first delivery at the University of Leeds in summer 2013 through to today’s virtual workshop, which enables people from a range of backgrounds to take part from anywhere in the world. Sharing the power of R with hundreds of participants, comprising postgraduates, academics and industrial scientists, over the last decade and witnessing their progress and enthusiasm has been truly inspiring."

Michael Arthur who provided valuable assistance throughout the workshop, added, "It's gratifying to see how the participants embraced the intricacies of R and its potential applications. The enthusiasm and willingness to learn showcased by the attendees have made this event a memorable success."

Maggie Mitchell, CEO of BSAS commented “The 10th BSAS R and Statistics Workshop not only imparts essential skills but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among participants, which will undoubtedly continue to thrive beyond the training”.

BSAS extends its gratitude to Davina Hill, Katie Dubarry and Michael Arthur for their exceptional guidance and expertise, ensuring the workshop's resounding success. The Society also extends its appreciation to all participants whose active engagement contributed to the event's positive and dynamic atmosphere.

For more information about the BSAS and future workshops and events, please visit www.bsas.org.uk/events.

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Gareth Arnott

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