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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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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.