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This study was a preliminary investigation into the feasibility of developing a data tool to help drive efficiency in the sheep sector. Steps towards this have already been made in cattle with the development of the MyHerdStats tool (available through ScotEID) but, at the moment, there is no similar tool available for sheep. Several sources of information, potentially useful for evaluating the efficiency of sheep flocks, have been summarised and the feasibility of collecting the different types of data assessed. Sheep farms across Scotland are diverse, therefore the assessments were considered
The aim of this SEFARI fellowship with Food Standards Scotland was to determine the lifestyle factors which cause members of the older population to become ill with foodborne illness. Report prepared by: Dr Ellen W. Evans ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University
In Scotland, about 11% of households experienced low food security (reporting reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet) or very low food security (reporting multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake) in 2022-23. Thus, levels of food bank use are likely to be significant in Scotland. However, no official estimates exist of the scale and scope of food banking activities. This report summarises the distribution and activities of food support outlets in Scotland in 2023. Our research found that the distribution of food support outlets aligns broadly with
There are clearly a range of ways that animal health and welfare researchers and policy makers can draw from psychology to improve the ways in which they communicate and/or elicit positive behaviour change in their target audiences. For example, psychology can help to improve our understanding of the influences on human behaviour; provide further insight on how individuals read and understand messages and explain why different types of messages interact with our personalities and our values. This case study showcases our findings from two discourse analyses of pet and farm animal welfare
Transforming our diets to build a more sustainable food system is paramount to achieving net zero. Here, we provide a high-resolution perspective on United Kingdom (UK) seafood supplies and nutrient flows at species level. We mapped seafood production (capture and aquaculture), trade (imports and exports), purchases (within and out-of-home), and seafood consumption, between 2009 and 2020. UK dietary recommendations for finfish consumption were not achieved by domestic production nor national supplies. Mapping dietary nutrient flows revealed that the UK undergoes substantial losses of omega-3
Application of liming products to raise the soil pH in acidic soil conditions has been practised for thousands of years to maintain or improve yield, as crops respond with increased growth to an optimum soil pH. However, there is a cost for the application of liming products with the emission of carbon dioxide (CO 2). Previous research on the effects of soil pH has shown that an optimum soil pH allows the most efficient use of applied fertilisers, which helps prevent costly losses of fertiliser from the system through various forms of pollution (leached from the soil into water sources or lost
The Shetland Islands are some of the most remote Islands of the UK. Therefore, opportunities for hands-on STEM science and knowledge exchange of cutting-edge research can be challenging due to distance, weather and cost. Funding from SEFARI Gateway, provided an excellent opportunity to address this last issue by sending a team of SEFARI scientists from the Moredun Research and James Hutton Institutes to the Shetland Isles for an engaging week of animal health science at the Junior High Schools and local communities. This case study describes a packed itinerary of unique interactive workshops
Storytelling has been used for a very long time to teach and shape communities whilst also passing on cultural beliefs, values, and customs. Folklore, which includes stories with myths, lessons, and secrets, has often taught people to take better care of our environment and reminded them of their job to protect it. As the urgency to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental damage grows, these old stories might provide a powerful way to engage people and rekindle their interest in these critical issues. While not all folklore is suitable, many stories have some useful
Introduction and summary “The UK supply chain is not broken, but it is hanging by a thread”, said Ged Futter, a retail consultant with over 30 years’ experience, including 15 years as a buyer with Asda. “UK retail is the most brutal in the world because we offer the best quality at the lowest price; everywhere else tries to do one or the other, not both.” Retailers’ contribution was also acknowledged though; many food producers wouldn’t be able to sell their products without them, they just want to engage with them in the right way. Despite the many challenges faced by the supply chain, there
Ana is a human geographer interested in regional development, migration and policy. Her research focuses on rural, remote and sparsely populated areas and communities, with particular focus on mobility drivers and outcomes within these places and communities. She has a background in economics and business management. Prior to joining Rural Policy Centre at the SRUC she has received her PhD from Charles Darwin University (Australia) and collaborated with rural communities and stakeholders in South Australia, Northern Sweden and Croatia. Ana is currently working on three RESAS projects, looking