Veterinary Services

SAC has been involved in practical research and development into dairy cattle for many years with the primary focus on the major health and welfare issues for the dairy cow.

SAC undertakes research programmes on its three research farms. Projects are funded by the Scottish Government and other public bodies and run in conjuntion with universities and research institutions such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen Universities and the Hannah Research Institute. Projects include:

• Synchronisation of oestrus and dairy cattle fertility
• Effects of different aspects of diet and management, such as silage and housing, on lameness in dairy cattle
• Management of sub clinical mastitis
• Metabolic stress in dairy cows
• Cattle mattresses versus cubicle mats
• Stress and its effects on fertility and immune function

This involvement in R&D enables the Unit to co-ordinate dairy health and welfare advice, consultancy and technology transfer of these and other new findings in cattle health and welfare management for SAC vets, associated SAC specialists and practitioners. This approach ensures that the dairy industry benefits from the expertise of the unit.

In addition, the Unit is directly involved with the development and delivery of CPD courses in our specialist areas and more recently have been involved in training in Dairy Farm Welfare Assurance.