American dairy welfare expert visits Scotland

The event, which focuses on youngstock, is part of a UK-wide tour and will be held at AHDB's strategic dairy farm in Scotland, hosted by William Baillie.

William will discuss his own approach to calf welfare, and during a farm tour Dr Reynolds will highlight areas of particularly good practice as well as suggesting potential improvements to William's system.

Dr Reynolds is a professor of large animal medicine and welfare at Western University of Veterinary Medicine, California. He is known globally in the dairy industry and academia for his work on farm animal welfare, calf management, mastitis control and sustainable agriculture.

AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager (Scotland) Chris Stockwell says: "Exceptional animal welfare standards are one of the trademarks of British agriculture and of increasing interest to consumers and milk buyers.

"This is an excellent opportunity to get practical advice from a leading expert on welfare, particularly around areas such as pain management and nutrition."

At the event - is being run in partnership with sponsors Vet Partners, Boehringer Ingelheim and Ceva - Dr Reynolds will cover grouping and housing options for calves, optimal nutritional strategies, effective pain management during routine procedures with youngstock, as well as successful transition of heifers into the milking herd.

The event will run from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Monday 17 June at Hillhead of Covington, Thankerton, Biggar, South Lanarkshire, ML12 6NE. Lunch will be provided.

Farmers who would like to attend the meeting should contact the AHDB KE Events Hub on 01904 771216 or ke.events@ahdb.org.uk, or, alternatively contact Chris Stockwell, chris.stockwell@ahdb.org.uk.

Dairy Pro Points are available for attending this event.