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Fertility of dairy cows has been in decline since the 1970's and this has threatened sustainability of the dairy industry worldwide. Research led by Nottingham University (UoN) identified key drivers of fertility and provided genetic and nutritional tools for the industry, to help combat the decline. The genetic tool was the UK Fertility Index, which is used universally by breeders for national and international bull selection. The nutritional tool, which is widely applied by international feed companies, used the concept that nutritional manipulation of insulin enhances fertility. Evidence shows that use of these tools between 2008 and 2013 has reversed the decline, and fertility is being restored. This has brought commercial benefits for breeding companies, cattle food producers and farmers and had a positive impact upon animal welfare.
Impact: Economic / animal health and welfare / environment: Improved profitability and sustainability of the UK dairy industry.
Significance: The use of the Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) increased the profitability of the dairy sector by an estimated £634M in 2008-2013 and reduced the greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by an estimated 8.4%.
Beneficiaries: Dairy producers, breeding companies, general public/environment, dairy cattle welfare and health.
Attribution: Drs Wall, Mrode (SRUC), and Brotherstone (UoE), Profs. Coffey, Simm, Stott, Veerkamp, Oldham (SRUC), and Woolliams (UoE/Roslin)
Reach: UK dairy industry. Tools developed, such as the routine recording of body condition score, and using these data in national genetic evaluations, have been widely adopted internationally, including in major dairy genetics exporting countries such as the USA, Canada, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
Dietary fat plays an important role in the causation of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Using randomized controlled trials of dietary fat modification, King's College London researchers have provided information about the effects of specific fatty acids on CVD risk which the Food Standards Agency have used to inform its policy decisions and future research strategy. The research also contributed to the development of international guidelines on the intakes of specific types of fatty acids and helped the food industry reformulate fats to be low in trans fatty acids. This research has also had an impact on dietary advice given by health professionals, the media and patient groups.
University of Southampton research into the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids and the mechanisms by which they act has delivered benefits for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, improving clinical practice, lowering mortality rates and reducing healthcare costs. The findings of a novel mechanism of action by which omega-3 reduces cardiovascular events and mortality have contributed to UK government guidelines on nutrition, have been cited in European atherosclerosis guidelines, and have been patented and licensed in several countries, resulting in new research income. They have also received significant media exposure and formed the basis of a number of educational events for health professionals.
In the UK, one in seven dairy calves dies annually during rearing. Herd profitability is reduced further by calfhood disease and suboptimal growth rates, delaying age at first calving and reducing milk output. Professor Claire Wathes's longstanding scientific interests in dairy cattle reproduction and development have led to a broader farming industry appreciation of this issue, and to new approaches that address the economic loss and welfare issue it represents. Her results are now incorporated into professional and practical advice from DairyCo (industry levy board); Defra; farm veterinarians; commercial feed companies; opinion leaders in dairy farming; and the specialist farming media.
The University of Nottingham (UoN) has been at the forefront of research into intramammary infections during the non-lactating (dry) period in dairy herds. This research, disseminated through presentations to key stakeholders and veterinary textbooks, has changed clinical and farmer practices as evidenced by international disease/welfare reports, national control programmes and increased use of non-antibiotic teat sealants. The work has culminated in the launch of a novel software tool that uses the research findings to provide a farm-specific decision aid, which benefits the business activities of dairy farmers and improves animal health and welfare.
Impact: Animal Health and Welfare, Policy. Immediate impact on changing the dietary advice for pet rabbits including the withdrawal of muesli-type diets from the UK's largest pet food retailer chain (Pets at Home).
Significance: Rabbits are popular companion animals, with an estimated 1.7 millon pet rabbits in the UK. Feeding of muesli-type diets is detrimental to rabbit digestive and dental health.
Beneficiaries: Pet rabbits, rabbit owners, veterinary surgeons, rabbit rescue and welfare organisations.
Attribution: Prof. Meredith, Dr Shaw and Ms. Lord (University of Edinburgh, UoE).
Reach: International: Widespread national (UK) recognition of the adverse effects of muesli-type diets to pet rabbit health and welfare. In addition, Professor Meredith's research was adopted into the new European-wide Rabbit Nutritional Guidelines published by FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry)
Oats are recognised as a healthy grain reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and as a valuable grain for livestock feed. Research within BEAA has provided the genetic, physiological and agronomic knowledge that underpins the breeding of high yielding husked and naked oat varieties that meets the needs of end-users in the human food and livestock sectors. BEAA bred oat varieties account for approximately 65% of the UK market and have a significant impact on health and welfare, the economy and on production and support the expanding instant oat breakfast market sector that alone is worth £160million per annum.