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Sustainable Parasite Control: Aligning Livestock Health with Environmental Policy (ENRA 2025 poster)
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. Working in collaboration with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and industry groups (SCOPS
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. Analysis on payment rates linked CTS data with RPID data, and further analysis on mortality and seasonality was undertaken in response to industry concerns following Cabinet Secretary announcement of the
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
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