Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th October 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."