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Russian cows given virtual reality headsets to improve mood
Early tests are reported to have improved "the overall emotional mood of the herd”.
Experiment taking place on a farm in the Ramensky District

A farm in Russia is using virtual reality headsets to help reduce anxiety in its dairy cows.

According to BBC News, the VR headsets have been adapted for the "structural features of cow heads" and feature a "unique summer field simulation program".

It follows research by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF), which found a strong link between a cow’s emotions and how much milk it produces.

Early tests are reported to have improved "the overall emotional mood of the herd”.

A statement from the MAF reads: "Examples of dairy farms from different countries show that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality, of milk increases markedly.”

The experiment is reported to be taking place at RusMoloko farm in the Ramensky District of Moscow.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.