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Study to 'significantly improve' pig welfare
Pigs
Pig Herd lameness is a serious welfare and economic problem in the UK.
Researchers look for markers to help predict clinical lameness

A project which will look for markers identifying pigs at risk from a painful and degenerative joint disease is being led by Newcastle University.

The researchers say that being able to predict clinical lameness will help inform earlier pain alleviation. They add that it will also help in the selection for breeding of non-affected animals, which could gradually reduce the genetic pre-disposition to lameness.

Animals with degenerative joint conditions are likely to experience pain before they how any clinical signs or lameness.

In the UK, Pig Herd lameness is a serious welfare and economic problem which has been found to affect over 200,000 animals annually.

The project, funded by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), will draw together researchers from Newcastle University, the University of Nottingham and Scotland's Rural College.

They will aim to identify molecular markers in the blood and joint tissue of pigs affected by degenerative joint disease. They will then study the relationship between the disease, specific biomarkers, and use motion capture software to record any subtle behaviour patterns that could be used to identify early signs.

If proven, pain and lameness biomarker data have the potential to be included within breeding selection objectives, both in generic population improvement programmes and the on-going screening of animals sold to production herd.

Dr Huw Gollege from the UFAW said: "UFAW is delighted to be able to support this important project which has the potential to significantly improve the welfare and health of farmed pigs."

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.