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The International Symposium of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) was attended by over 200 scientists from 18 countries.  It included a series of talks on subjects ranging from lab mice to dogs, exotic bird species and, of course, farm animals.

The UFAW conferences attract scientists, policy makers and representatives from animal welfare interest groups such as the RSPCA, so it was an ideal opportunity to showcase SAC’s world-class science. The conference, entitled ‘Darwinian selection, selective breeding and animal welfare’ was particularly relevant to SAC’s Sustainable Livestock Systems group because of the multi-disciplinary R&D that integrates farm livestock breeding and welfare.

Two papers from Simon Turner and Jo Conington on pig aggression and breeding easier-managed sheep respectively were well-received and Rick D’Eath’s paper on breeding for behavioural change in farm animals gave much food for thought.

The group also overcame a potential hitch with Jenny MacFarlane’s paper on genetic properties of birthing difficulties. She was unable to attend due to recently giving birth to a baby girl, thankfully without difficulties, so her paper was professionally delivered by PhD student, Stephanie Matheson.

Jenny Gibbons and Marie Haskell’s poster on dairy cow welfare, Jenny Howie’s on poultry feeding behaviour and a second paper on pig aggression (from several members of the Animal Welfare team) completed the delivery of a cohesive and proficient presence by SAC, all of whom enjoyed a well-earned aperitif on the way home.