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Hartpury PhD student receives prestigious scholarship
Aisling's study will consider bacterial infections, environmental and husbandry factors.

Aisling Carroll will investigate the effects of probiotic use among dairy calves.

A Hartpury University PhD student has been awarded a scholarship to support research into dairy calves.

Aisling Carroll received an Edgar Pye Research Trust Scholarship to investigate the effects of probiotic use among dairy calves to promote overall health and wellbeing. 

Her study will consider bacterial infections, environmental and husbandry factors, as well as exploring the use of a probiotic supplement and its potential impact during key management events, such as weaning or a change in housing.

It is hoped the study can provide recommendations to calf rearing systems in the UK and Ireland regarding the supplementation of a probiotic.

Aisling, who also works as a Lecturer and Programme Manager for Hartpury University’s BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science with Therapy and BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science, said: “I am very grateful to the Edgar Pye Research Trust and the judging panel who will greatly support my study through this scholarship funding. Here at Hartpury University, we’re passionate about carrying out research that can truly make a difference in the real world.

“I’m hopeful that my study will provide much needed clarity about the effectiveness of probiotics and their potential in improving calf health."

The Edgar Pye Research Scholarship is open to anyone studying agriculture or a related subject, or who is already employed in the UK or Irish animal feed industry. 

The awards are given to an applicant who, in the opinion of the judging panel, has most capably identified an area of relevant research, prepared a programme thoroughly, provided a realistic budget and presented a clear proposal. 

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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
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."