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Model farm goes on display in London
cows
Members of the public can become a 'virtual farmer' using a computer simulation to design a cow diet.
Simulation is the first of its kind in the world

A 'model farm' on display in London this week allows members of the public to design a cow's diet to reduce methane emissions.

As an average cow produces 1000 times more methane than a human, meat production plays an important role in greenhouse gas emissions.

Academics from the University of Bristol teamed up with Rothamsted Research's North Wyke Farm in Devon to show how the sustainable grazing of cows and sheep can contribute to food security in Britain.

The team merged technology with traditional farming techniques to develop the model farm, which is the first of its kind in the world.

It is on display until Sunday 5 July at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, where visitors can become a 'virtual farmer' using a computer simulation to design a cow diet.

'The Real Beef About Meat' exhibit has been put together with Rothamsted Research and the universities of Exeter and Reading.

Professor Michael Lee, head of site at North Wyke, commented: "Likely benefits of designing environmentally optimal livestock grazing systems may include the reduced need for fertiliser application, increased production and nutritional quality, low gas emissions and the support of biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services.

"There are, of course, possible trade-offs associated with designing livestock grazing systems which need consideration and discussion."

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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.