Abstracts: The effect of hessian and straw as nesting materials on sow behaviour and piglet survival and growth to weaning

Sows are strongly driven to build a nest prior to farrowing, and the performance of this behaviour is linked to the environment in which the animal is housed. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of two nest-building materials, hessian and straw, on peri-parturient sow behaviour, plasma cortisol concentration and piglet survival […]

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Picture Nick Fewings, Unsplash

How to keep your locum vets coming back for more

It’s no news to anyone in the veterinary industry that locum cover has been harder and harder to come by in recent times. Prior to the COVID pandemic, many practice owners lamented the difficulties around finding experienced, reliable locum veterinarians who were able to hit the ground running and manage a busy caseload in a […]

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Abstracts: Exploring horse owners’ understanding of obese body condition and weight management in UK leisure horses

Background: Equine obesity is considered one of the most serious welfare concerns in UK leisure horses, yet little is known about how horse owners conceptualise their horse’s weight as part of its health, or how they plan and carry out weight management.

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Vet Ethics: compassion and community

Farm rescue sanctuaries are founded on the idea that farmed animals deserve a good life and compassionate treatment. These sanctuaries rescue a range of animals, including pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, donkeys, and goats. Farmed animal sanctuaries usually hold that animals in industrial agriculture are routinely treated badly. Animals in farmed animal sanctuaries may be rehabilitated […]

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