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Leading scientists to deliver ‘crash course’ in animal breeding
The course is designed to bring attendees up to speed on the application of genomics.

Course to give vets and livestock professionals a refresher in genetics 

World-leading scientists at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will deliver a ‘crash course’ in animal breeding next month.

Delivered in tandem with Agrimetrics, Vetnomics is intended for practising vets, their clients, interested farmers, retailers, genomic services providers and breeding companies.

The course will give vets and livestock professionals a refresher in basic genetics - from the latest developments in genotyping and sequencing to the best assessment and management of animals based on their genetic merit.

Course organiser Dr Steph Smith said the programme is designed to bring attendees up to speed on the application of genomics by taking them away from their day jobs for as short a time as possible.

“Vetnomics provides a comprehensive but condensed introduction to genetics and genomics in animal breeding and their use in practice in just two days,” she said.

The course will include a practical demonstration by Neogen, a company that provides genomics services for agricultural, livestock and food customers in Europe.

SRUC livestock expert Professor Mike Coffey, who will be helping to deliver the course, said: “The practical application of science is playing an increasingly important role in modern farming. Genomic technologies can help improve and safeguard animal health and welfare through better breeding and management.

"Vets are the most trusted farm advisers so need to know what to advise on genomics. Through the interdisciplinary approach of Vetnomics, we hope to share important messages from animal genetics research, give confidence in emerging technologies and refresh and inform vets as to the underlying mechanisms of genetic progress for data interpretation and discussion with farmers."

Vetnomics is available online or through a two-day residential. It will be held at the Norton House Hotel, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on 22 and 23 November.

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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.