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Report celebrates genetic advances in sheep industry
Pair of sheep
The report features success stories from farmers who have found huge benefit from flock recording.

Genetic gain 'having a real impact' at farm level

A report championing genetic advances in the English sheep industry has been published by AHDB Beef & Lamb.  

The report looks at the ten years since AHDB Beef & Lamb launched the Better Returns Programme (BRP), which focuses on the use of superior genetics as one of its key areas.

AHDB say that the publication shows how genetic gain is having a real impact at farm level, by centering on the achievements of breeders in England and giving examples of best practice with regard to the breeding and marketing of rams.

The report features success stories from farmers who have found huge benefit from flock recording and the use of technology such as Computed Tomography (CT) scanning.  It also includes technical advice showing how breeders could make faster rates of genetic gain in their flocks.

Chris Lloyd, AHDB research and development and knowledge exchange director of livestock, said that ten years ago encouraging commercial farmers to embrace the benefits of performance recording was a challenge.

He added: “The progress made since then is clear, with performance-recorded flock producers reporting greater interest in recorded sheep and the most progressive customers looking for estimated breeding value (EBV) information to select breeding stock according to their farm situation.”

‘A Decade of Genetic Progress in the English Sheep Industry’ is available to download at: beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk. 

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.