Documents

In response to growing concerns about biodiversity loss in agriculture, SEFARI scientists are evaluating the environmental impacts of antiparasitic treatments used in UK livestock farming. These essential veterinary medicines, whilst critical for animal health and welfare, can adversely affect non-target species such as dung beetles, soil and aquatic fauna. Insects contribute to healthy farm ecosystems including nutrient cycling, soil health, pest suppression and serving as a food source for wildlife.

Team members of the SRP-funded Healthy Soils for a Green Recovery project are supporting a transition towards Regenerative Agriculture in Scotland. Working with leading experts, practitioners, and using data from SRP-funded projects such as Healthy Soils, team members led the writing of and contributed to an influential evidenced-based British Ecological Society report and a UK government POSTNote on Regenerative Agriculture. Primary impact was achieved through report outcomes being clearly reflected in the 2025 Scottish Government Code of Practice on Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture.

Cattle Tracing System (CTS) data analysis underpins a series of evidence papers to policymakers. Initial analysis informed a conceptual paper on opportunities for the introduction increased conditionality in the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme.  Bespoke analysis was then undertaken for the SSBSS Reform Stakeholder Group in helping it form advice on scheme design to officials and Ministers.

Integrated technologies are used to improve livestock productivity and welfare, making it easier for farmers to track individuals and individual responses. Two different systems are being developed: one using in abattoir real-time imaging technologies to assess carcass traits and quality, giving moderate-high accuracy and the second one based on a calf ear-tag sensor combined with environmental and automatic feeder data. Different models and algorithms are being built and tested to (1) remove subjectivity from the carcass grading process and (2) build a comprehensive system to predict calf disease.

The statistical design of a soil monitoring framework influences the questions that it may be able to answer and the magnitude of change that will need to have taken place before a trend is detectable. We are developing options for how best to use valuable legacy data to underpin a monitoring framework and methodologies for the integration of data collected through different sampling schemes and at different spatial scales. This will allow a range of policy questions to be addressed by providing a better overall understanding of soil condition and change and the associated uncertainties

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) have been identified as one solution to many water related environmental pressures but the widespread rollout of NbS is slow. Here, we highlight findings from several measure types (e.g., leaky barriers, river restoration, 3D buffers) to show how measures can be optimised to deliver benefits to the water environment. We will do this with case study examples and show how measure designs have been utilised by stakeholders. Central to this is the role of people and who benefits, and we will showcase the stakeholders and organisations who are involved and are benefiting from the research.

Some STEC are priority zoonotic pathogens that place a significant burden on Scottish health services, for example: the 2024 O145 outbreak and increasing human clinical non-O157 STEC cases. To augment existing knowledge about livestock reservoirs in Scotland, we’ve investigated STEC occurrence in Scottish sheep, farmed deer, and dairy cattle.

Sows giving birth and suckling their piglets are kept in farrowing crates which severely restrict their movements and behavioural freedom. Momentum for change to free or flexible (i.e. temporary) farrowing systems is growing, with voluntary or legal bans coming in across EU countries, and a major debate in the UK pig industry. SRUC has a 40-year history of applied research and knowledge exchange in this area, influencing farming stakeholders, regulators and policy makers.

The National Soil Archive and Scottish Soils Database (Underpinning National Capacity) include georeferenced samples and data from systematic National Soil Inventory surveys (NSIS 1978-87, NSIS2 2007-9). Within the current SRP, advanced statistical and machine learning approaches are being applied to complex multivariate NSIS2 datasets of chemical, physical and biological characteristics (e.g., infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, phospholipid profiles). This is being used to identify metrics of soil status; and improve understanding of the context-specificity of soil functions and their sensitivity to change.

As part of a multi-disciplinary biosecurity project, we have developed practical resources to help farmers prevent and manage disease transmission in livestock. Initially targeting Johne’s Disease, PRRS, and Roundworm, our work now promotes broader on-farm biosecurity practices. Outputs include discussion support tools, a sampling game, videos, animations, and AI-powered tools, designed for farmers, vets, advisors, and students. By making biosecurity engaging, accessible, and easy to embed in everyday practice, these resources encourage reflection and behaviour change.