Representing SEFARI at UK Parliament

Leaving the European Union could have major repercussions on a wide range of environmental and land use concerns within Scotland, and across the whole of the UK. Whilst some of these issues may seem complex, it is increasingly recognised that SEFARI contains a wealth of expertise which can contribute to such discussions. Of course our place is not to delve into the politics, but to use our research and expertise to provide an evidence-led platform for discussion.

Fastbreeders – accelerating genetic improvement for farm and food resilience

FastBreeders is a collaboration between four progressive farmers located in South West Scotland. Highly educated and with years of experience and professional development, the group share the same vision for resilient dairy systems that have minimal environmental impact. Their joint operations can exploit economies of scale, benefit from increased selection intensity in breeding animals and build resilience because genetic material can move freely across the four farms.

Measurement of Antimicrobial Usage: What Can We Learn Across Livestock Sectors?

Microbes (e.g., bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi) can become resistant to clinical or veterinary drugs (antimicrobials) that are used to treat disease. This has major consequences for how microbial diseases are managed and, therefore, how antimicrobial compounds should be used. Measuring antimicrobial usage (AMU) is a way to monitor the amount of medicines/chemicals that enter the food-chain, and the environment and this could help to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Dr Joanne Conington

Head of the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture and Engineering Sciences, Central Faculty. Research Interests:

Genetic and environmental influences on sheep and goat production, performance, health and survival
Development and implementation of broader breeding goals and indices for sustainable hill sheep production
Genetics of maternal traits in sheep and goats
Quantitative and molecular genetic solutions for disease control in small ruminants

Joanne Conington

SRUC, Roslin Institute Building,

Easter Bush, Midlothian

EH25 9RG

Professor Tom McNeilly

Tom is the Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute and Chief Executive of the Moredun Foundation

He joined Moredun in 2006 following the completion of his PhD at R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh. He is a qualified veterinary surgeon, and prior to his PhD spent four years in mixed practice.

His major interests are in mucosal immunology of ruminants, specifically host-pathogen interactions at mucosal surfaces, and how these may inform future disease control strategies.

Tom McNeilly

Moredun
Pentland Science Park
Bush Loan
Penicuik
Midlothian
EH26 0PZ