SRUC Veterinary Services
@srucvets.bsky.social
As part of SRUC, we work with vets and industry to provide disease surveillance, diagnostic & laboratory services, livestock health schemes, health planning & Vet CPD. We combine a practical approach with scientific expertise for farm and companion animals
A new survey is now open to gather views from everyone working across the ruminant industry. Your feedback will help identify what data is available, where the challenges lie, and how we can support farmers and vets.
🔗 Take part here: bit.ly/Ruminant-Roa...
🔗 Take part here: bit.ly/Ruminant-Roa...
UK Ruminant Antibiotic Stewardship Roadmap
Online surveys is a powerful, easy to use tool for creating online surveys. Run by Jisc, online surveys is used by over 300 different organisations in the UK...
bit.ly
February 6, 2026 at 10:01 AM
A new survey is now open to gather views from everyone working across the ruminant industry. Your feedback will help identify what data is available, where the challenges lie, and how we can support farmers and vets.
🔗 Take part here: bit.ly/Ruminant-Roa...
🔗 Take part here: bit.ly/Ruminant-Roa...
New Silage Results Highlight Energy Shortfall for Winter 2025/26
Forage testing is essential
Rations may need extra supplementation
Metabolic profiling to prevent issues before they appear
Low-energy forage can impact colostrum, neonatal survival, growth rates, fertility, and metabolic disease risk
Forage testing is essential
Rations may need extra supplementation
Metabolic profiling to prevent issues before they appear
Low-energy forage can impact colostrum, neonatal survival, growth rates, fertility, and metabolic disease risk
February 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM
New Silage Results Highlight Energy Shortfall for Winter 2025/26
Forage testing is essential
Rations may need extra supplementation
Metabolic profiling to prevent issues before they appear
Low-energy forage can impact colostrum, neonatal survival, growth rates, fertility, and metabolic disease risk
Forage testing is essential
Rations may need extra supplementation
Metabolic profiling to prevent issues before they appear
Low-energy forage can impact colostrum, neonatal survival, growth rates, fertility, and metabolic disease risk
🌱 Suckler & Sheep Nutrition in Late Pregnancy and Lactation🌱
Spring often brings a wave of herd and flock health challenges — from poor body condition and slow calvings to weak lambs and neonatal disease.
📅 Monday 16th February
🕧 19:00
👉 Free to attend – register now via the link buff.ly/9vQaBR0
Spring often brings a wave of herd and flock health challenges — from poor body condition and slow calvings to weak lambs and neonatal disease.
📅 Monday 16th February
🕧 19:00
👉 Free to attend – register now via the link buff.ly/9vQaBR0
February 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM
🌱 Suckler & Sheep Nutrition in Late Pregnancy and Lactation🌱
Spring often brings a wave of herd and flock health challenges — from poor body condition and slow calvings to weak lambs and neonatal disease.
📅 Monday 16th February
🕧 19:00
👉 Free to attend – register now via the link buff.ly/9vQaBR0
Spring often brings a wave of herd and flock health challenges — from poor body condition and slow calvings to weak lambs and neonatal disease.
📅 Monday 16th February
🕧 19:00
👉 Free to attend – register now via the link buff.ly/9vQaBR0
🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF BIOBEST LABORATORIES 🚨
SRUC’s PCHS is working closely with Biobest to support members who wish to transfer and continue their herd health accreditation with as little disruption as possible.
Visit www.cattlhealth.co.uk
SRUC’s PCHS is working closely with Biobest to support members who wish to transfer and continue their herd health accreditation with as little disruption as possible.
Visit www.cattlhealth.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 10:27 AM
🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF BIOBEST LABORATORIES 🚨
SRUC’s PCHS is working closely with Biobest to support members who wish to transfer and continue their herd health accreditation with as little disruption as possible.
Visit www.cattlhealth.co.uk
SRUC’s PCHS is working closely with Biobest to support members who wish to transfer and continue their herd health accreditation with as little disruption as possible.
Visit www.cattlhealth.co.uk
A pleasure to host NFU Next Generation delegates at our Pentlands Science Park labs!
From our high‑throughput robotics to our microbiology surveillance work, the group got an inside look at how we handle 600k+ samples a year and support animal health nationwide.
From our high‑throughput robotics to our microbiology surveillance work, the group got an inside look at how we handle 600k+ samples a year and support animal health nationwide.
January 30, 2026 at 1:48 PM
A pleasure to host NFU Next Generation delegates at our Pentlands Science Park labs!
From our high‑throughput robotics to our microbiology surveillance work, the group got an inside look at how we handle 600k+ samples a year and support animal health nationwide.
From our high‑throughput robotics to our microbiology surveillance work, the group got an inside look at how we handle 600k+ samples a year and support animal health nationwide.
Hear from SRUC's Lorraine Johnston with expertise in honeybee health, pests, diseases & pollination.
Learn how pollinators support biodiversity & food production, and get practical tips to help them thrive.
27 Feb 2026 SRUC Barony Campus
🔗 buff.ly/HN1N40T
Learn how pollinators support biodiversity & food production, and get practical tips to help them thrive.
27 Feb 2026 SRUC Barony Campus
🔗 buff.ly/HN1N40T
January 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Hear from SRUC's Lorraine Johnston with expertise in honeybee health, pests, diseases & pollination.
Learn how pollinators support biodiversity & food production, and get practical tips to help them thrive.
27 Feb 2026 SRUC Barony Campus
🔗 buff.ly/HN1N40T
Learn how pollinators support biodiversity & food production, and get practical tips to help them thrive.
27 Feb 2026 SRUC Barony Campus
🔗 buff.ly/HN1N40T
With lambing underway for many, here are some tips:
🌾 Pre‑Lambing Nutrition
💉 Vaccinations
🍼 Colostrum is Key
🧤 Hygiene Matters
🌡️ Keep Them Warm
🚑 Monitor & Get Help Early
Being proactive with nutrition, hygiene, and health planning, you can reduce losses and set your flock up for a productive year.
🌾 Pre‑Lambing Nutrition
💉 Vaccinations
🍼 Colostrum is Key
🧤 Hygiene Matters
🌡️ Keep Them Warm
🚑 Monitor & Get Help Early
Being proactive with nutrition, hygiene, and health planning, you can reduce losses and set your flock up for a productive year.
January 26, 2026 at 10:42 AM
With lambing underway for many, here are some tips:
🌾 Pre‑Lambing Nutrition
💉 Vaccinations
🍼 Colostrum is Key
🧤 Hygiene Matters
🌡️ Keep Them Warm
🚑 Monitor & Get Help Early
Being proactive with nutrition, hygiene, and health planning, you can reduce losses and set your flock up for a productive year.
🌾 Pre‑Lambing Nutrition
💉 Vaccinations
🍼 Colostrum is Key
🧤 Hygiene Matters
🌡️ Keep Them Warm
🚑 Monitor & Get Help Early
Being proactive with nutrition, hygiene, and health planning, you can reduce losses and set your flock up for a productive year.
Reposted by SRUC Veterinary Services
Ewe’ve got this. Less than a week of January left. Keep plodding on! 💚
Pic credit: Matt Webb
Pic credit: Matt Webb
January 25, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Ewe’ve got this. Less than a week of January left. Keep plodding on! 💚
Pic credit: Matt Webb
Pic credit: Matt Webb
Reposted by SRUC Veterinary Services
Land, Legacy and Leadership is the theme for the 2026 Farm Advisory Service Women in Ag conference in Edinburgh on 11th Feb. We are booked already 🥳 - details at www.fas.scot/events/event/women-in-agriculture-conference-2026/
Women in Agriculture Conference 2026 | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service
This year’s theme is “Land, legacy and leadership” which we will explore through inspirational speakers, break out sessions and presentations. The full agenda will follow shortly, but if you can book…
www.fas.scot
January 26, 2026 at 8:54 AM
Land, Legacy and Leadership is the theme for the 2026 Farm Advisory Service Women in Ag conference in Edinburgh on 11th Feb. We are booked already 🥳 - details at www.fas.scot/events/event/women-in-agriculture-conference-2026/
Langstone Mill, near Ross-on-Wye, has been family-run for over 60 years. Now managed by two generations, the farm runs 70 acres of pasture and a pedigree Charollais flock established in 1983.
🔗 Read the full article on our Health Schemes Members' Blog buff.ly/AzaP1Nn
#SRUC #PSGHS #MaediVisna
🔗 Read the full article on our Health Schemes Members' Blog buff.ly/AzaP1Nn
#SRUC #PSGHS #MaediVisna
January 22, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Langstone Mill, near Ross-on-Wye, has been family-run for over 60 years. Now managed by two generations, the farm runs 70 acres of pasture and a pedigree Charollais flock established in 1983.
🔗 Read the full article on our Health Schemes Members' Blog buff.ly/AzaP1Nn
#SRUC #PSGHS #MaediVisna
🔗 Read the full article on our Health Schemes Members' Blog buff.ly/AzaP1Nn
#SRUC #PSGHS #MaediVisna
🐑 Lambing is close. Is ewe nutrition on track?
Vets: tune into On The Hoof as Alison Braddock speaks to ruminant nutritionist Lorna Shaw on pre-lambing feeding, ration checks and common pitfalls.
🔗 Follow the link player.captivate.fm/episode/d503... or find us on Spotify - The SRUC Podcast
Vets: tune into On The Hoof as Alison Braddock speaks to ruminant nutritionist Lorna Shaw on pre-lambing feeding, ration checks and common pitfalls.
🔗 Follow the link player.captivate.fm/episode/d503... or find us on Spotify - The SRUC Podcast
January 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM
🐑 Lambing is close. Is ewe nutrition on track?
Vets: tune into On The Hoof as Alison Braddock speaks to ruminant nutritionist Lorna Shaw on pre-lambing feeding, ration checks and common pitfalls.
🔗 Follow the link player.captivate.fm/episode/d503... or find us on Spotify - The SRUC Podcast
Vets: tune into On The Hoof as Alison Braddock speaks to ruminant nutritionist Lorna Shaw on pre-lambing feeding, ration checks and common pitfalls.
🔗 Follow the link player.captivate.fm/episode/d503... or find us on Spotify - The SRUC Podcast
Free In-Person CPD with SRUC Vet Services On The Hoof
📆 Tuesday 20th of January 2026
🕒 7PM tea + coffee for a 7:30PM start
📍Holiday Inn, Bankend Road, DUMFRIES, DG1 4UQ
🐏Improving Productivity Through Better Worm Control
👨 Speaker - Matt Colston (Elanco)
🚨RSVP by emailing OnTheHoof@sruc.ac.uk
📆 Tuesday 20th of January 2026
🕒 7PM tea + coffee for a 7:30PM start
📍Holiday Inn, Bankend Road, DUMFRIES, DG1 4UQ
🐏Improving Productivity Through Better Worm Control
👨 Speaker - Matt Colston (Elanco)
🚨RSVP by emailing OnTheHoof@sruc.ac.uk
January 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Free In-Person CPD with SRUC Vet Services On The Hoof
📆 Tuesday 20th of January 2026
🕒 7PM tea + coffee for a 7:30PM start
📍Holiday Inn, Bankend Road, DUMFRIES, DG1 4UQ
🐏Improving Productivity Through Better Worm Control
👨 Speaker - Matt Colston (Elanco)
🚨RSVP by emailing OnTheHoof@sruc.ac.uk
📆 Tuesday 20th of January 2026
🕒 7PM tea + coffee for a 7:30PM start
📍Holiday Inn, Bankend Road, DUMFRIES, DG1 4UQ
🐏Improving Productivity Through Better Worm Control
👨 Speaker - Matt Colston (Elanco)
🚨RSVP by emailing OnTheHoof@sruc.ac.uk
Any abortion, stillborn calf or cow that fails to calve after being confirmed pregnant must be investigated to remain compliant with CHeCS rules and your scheme status.
These events aren’t just unfortunate – they are official “reproductive failures” and must be acted on under all disease programmes
These events aren’t just unfortunate – they are official “reproductive failures” and must be acted on under all disease programmes
January 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Any abortion, stillborn calf or cow that fails to calve after being confirmed pregnant must be investigated to remain compliant with CHeCS rules and your scheme status.
These events aren’t just unfortunate – they are official “reproductive failures” and must be acted on under all disease programmes
These events aren’t just unfortunate – they are official “reproductive failures” and must be acted on under all disease programmes
Reposted by SRUC Veterinary Services
A free webinar focusing on two key seasonal sheep health challenges.
14 Jan | 19:00
Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis – differentials, testing, and trends from SRUC submissions
Abortion Investigation – common diagnoses, practical tips, sampling for the best chance of a result
buff.ly/E8fd3PO
14 Jan | 19:00
Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis – differentials, testing, and trends from SRUC submissions
Abortion Investigation – common diagnoses, practical tips, sampling for the best chance of a result
buff.ly/E8fd3PO
December 31, 2025 at 10:15 AM
A free webinar focusing on two key seasonal sheep health challenges.
14 Jan | 19:00
Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis – differentials, testing, and trends from SRUC submissions
Abortion Investigation – common diagnoses, practical tips, sampling for the best chance of a result
buff.ly/E8fd3PO
14 Jan | 19:00
Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis – differentials, testing, and trends from SRUC submissions
Abortion Investigation – common diagnoses, practical tips, sampling for the best chance of a result
buff.ly/E8fd3PO
Abortion – Investigate losses immediately with your vet.
Check silage quality – Avoid mould and know your analysis.
Keep water flowing – defrost troughs regularly.
Protect newborns –Jackets, deep straw, and heat lamps. Lower critical temp is 10 - 15°C!
Plan ahead – With your vet to manage risks
Check silage quality – Avoid mould and know your analysis.
Keep water flowing – defrost troughs regularly.
Protect newborns –Jackets, deep straw, and heat lamps. Lower critical temp is 10 - 15°C!
Plan ahead – With your vet to manage risks
January 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Abortion – Investigate losses immediately with your vet.
Check silage quality – Avoid mould and know your analysis.
Keep water flowing – defrost troughs regularly.
Protect newborns –Jackets, deep straw, and heat lamps. Lower critical temp is 10 - 15°C!
Plan ahead – With your vet to manage risks
Check silage quality – Avoid mould and know your analysis.
Keep water flowing – defrost troughs regularly.
Protect newborns –Jackets, deep straw, and heat lamps. Lower critical temp is 10 - 15°C!
Plan ahead – With your vet to manage risks
PART 1:
Maedi Visna is a highly infectious viral disease that can quietly undermine flock health and productivity.
SRUC’s Premium Sheep & Goat Health Schemes (PSGHS) provide trusted accreditation and monitoring to help UK farmers manage the risk and trade with confidence.
#MaediVisna #FlockHealth
Maedi Visna is a highly infectious viral disease that can quietly undermine flock health and productivity.
SRUC’s Premium Sheep & Goat Health Schemes (PSGHS) provide trusted accreditation and monitoring to help UK farmers manage the risk and trade with confidence.
#MaediVisna #FlockHealth
January 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM
PART 1:
Maedi Visna is a highly infectious viral disease that can quietly undermine flock health and productivity.
SRUC’s Premium Sheep & Goat Health Schemes (PSGHS) provide trusted accreditation and monitoring to help UK farmers manage the risk and trade with confidence.
#MaediVisna #FlockHealth
Maedi Visna is a highly infectious viral disease that can quietly undermine flock health and productivity.
SRUC’s Premium Sheep & Goat Health Schemes (PSGHS) provide trusted accreditation and monitoring to help UK farmers manage the risk and trade with confidence.
#MaediVisna #FlockHealth
Trace elements in sheep vary hugely by soil & location — even between neighbouring farms. Always speak to your vet and consider blood testing before supplementing.
January 6, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Trace elements in sheep vary hugely by soil & location — even between neighbouring farms. Always speak to your vet and consider blood testing before supplementing.
A free webinar focusing on two key seasonal sheep health challenges.
14 Jan | 19:00
Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis – differentials, testing, and trends from SRUC submissions
Abortion Investigation – common diagnoses, practical tips, sampling for the best chance of a result
buff.ly/E8fd3PO
14 Jan | 19:00
Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis – differentials, testing, and trends from SRUC submissions
Abortion Investigation – common diagnoses, practical tips, sampling for the best chance of a result
buff.ly/E8fd3PO
December 31, 2025 at 10:15 AM
A free webinar focusing on two key seasonal sheep health challenges.
14 Jan | 19:00
Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis – differentials, testing, and trends from SRUC submissions
Abortion Investigation – common diagnoses, practical tips, sampling for the best chance of a result
buff.ly/E8fd3PO
14 Jan | 19:00
Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis – differentials, testing, and trends from SRUC submissions
Abortion Investigation – common diagnoses, practical tips, sampling for the best chance of a result
buff.ly/E8fd3PO
The team at SRUC Veterinary Services would like to wish all of our valued customers a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
December 25, 2025 at 10:15 AM
The team at SRUC Veterinary Services would like to wish all of our valued customers a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Reduces pressure on tight forage supplies
DM availability can be variable due to standing stubble
Monitor stocking rate & grazing duration carefully
DM needs (guide):
Dry sucklers: 9–12kg
Lactating cattle: 12–16kg (+ calves)
Sheep post-weaning: ~1kg
DM availability can be variable due to standing stubble
Monitor stocking rate & grazing duration carefully
DM needs (guide):
Dry sucklers: 9–12kg
Lactating cattle: 12–16kg (+ calves)
Sheep post-weaning: ~1kg
December 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Reduces pressure on tight forage supplies
DM availability can be variable due to standing stubble
Monitor stocking rate & grazing duration carefully
DM needs (guide):
Dry sucklers: 9–12kg
Lactating cattle: 12–16kg (+ calves)
Sheep post-weaning: ~1kg
DM availability can be variable due to standing stubble
Monitor stocking rate & grazing duration carefully
DM needs (guide):
Dry sucklers: 9–12kg
Lactating cattle: 12–16kg (+ calves)
Sheep post-weaning: ~1kg
High-sugar silage can boost performance — but poor management can lead to subacute acidosis (SARA).
Watch for poor weight gain, milk drops & lameness.
Prevent it by:
✔️ Gradual diet changes
✔️ Adequate fibre
✔️ Consistent feeding
Healthy rumen = productive cattle.
Watch for poor weight gain, milk drops & lameness.
Prevent it by:
✔️ Gradual diet changes
✔️ Adequate fibre
✔️ Consistent feeding
Healthy rumen = productive cattle.
December 22, 2025 at 10:15 AM
High-sugar silage can boost performance — but poor management can lead to subacute acidosis (SARA).
Watch for poor weight gain, milk drops & lameness.
Prevent it by:
✔️ Gradual diet changes
✔️ Adequate fibre
✔️ Consistent feeding
Healthy rumen = productive cattle.
Watch for poor weight gain, milk drops & lameness.
Prevent it by:
✔️ Gradual diet changes
✔️ Adequate fibre
✔️ Consistent feeding
Healthy rumen = productive cattle.
Testing may be disrupted over the festive period but will return to normal from the 5th of January.
Due to public holidays, there will be no post on the 25th - 26th of December and the 1st - 2nd of January.
*Submit PM's as early as possible on the 24th + 31st to allow processing for further testing.
Due to public holidays, there will be no post on the 25th - 26th of December and the 1st - 2nd of January.
*Submit PM's as early as possible on the 24th + 31st to allow processing for further testing.
December 19, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Testing may be disrupted over the festive period but will return to normal from the 5th of January.
Due to public holidays, there will be no post on the 25th - 26th of December and the 1st - 2nd of January.
*Submit PM's as early as possible on the 24th + 31st to allow processing for further testing.
Due to public holidays, there will be no post on the 25th - 26th of December and the 1st - 2nd of January.
*Submit PM's as early as possible on the 24th + 31st to allow processing for further testing.
🐑 SRUC supports the next generation of upland sheep farmers 🐏
Last week, SRUC’s Auchtertyre Farm in Crianlarich co-hosted an interactive NSA Next Generation pre-lambing workshop, bringing together young and progressive sheep farmers to explore the realities of managing upland flocks in Scotland.
Last week, SRUC’s Auchtertyre Farm in Crianlarich co-hosted an interactive NSA Next Generation pre-lambing workshop, bringing together young and progressive sheep farmers to explore the realities of managing upland flocks in Scotland.
December 19, 2025 at 9:31 AM
🐑 SRUC supports the next generation of upland sheep farmers 🐏
Last week, SRUC’s Auchtertyre Farm in Crianlarich co-hosted an interactive NSA Next Generation pre-lambing workshop, bringing together young and progressive sheep farmers to explore the realities of managing upland flocks in Scotland.
Last week, SRUC’s Auchtertyre Farm in Crianlarich co-hosted an interactive NSA Next Generation pre-lambing workshop, bringing together young and progressive sheep farmers to explore the realities of managing upland flocks in Scotland.
Looking to refresh and future-proof your parasitology knowledge?
This practical CPD course covers the key parasites affecting cattle and sheep, including PGE, lungworm, coccidiosis, liver fluke and sheep scab.
Enhance your on-farm impact — buff.ly/NaA4OnS
This practical CPD course covers the key parasites affecting cattle and sheep, including PGE, lungworm, coccidiosis, liver fluke and sheep scab.
Enhance your on-farm impact — buff.ly/NaA4OnS
December 17, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Looking to refresh and future-proof your parasitology knowledge?
This practical CPD course covers the key parasites affecting cattle and sheep, including PGE, lungworm, coccidiosis, liver fluke and sheep scab.
Enhance your on-farm impact — buff.ly/NaA4OnS
This practical CPD course covers the key parasites affecting cattle and sheep, including PGE, lungworm, coccidiosis, liver fluke and sheep scab.
Enhance your on-farm impact — buff.ly/NaA4OnS
From day 50 to scanning, ewes have low nutritional demands and can be fed at maintenance level, which is around 2% of bodyweight in dry matter/day
Example: 70 kg ewe = 1.4 kg DMI/day
To meet this, provide forage with:
✔️ 9–10 MJ ME
✔️ Minimum 9 g/kg crude protein
Winter forage usually does the job!
Example: 70 kg ewe = 1.4 kg DMI/day
To meet this, provide forage with:
✔️ 9–10 MJ ME
✔️ Minimum 9 g/kg crude protein
Winter forage usually does the job!
December 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
From day 50 to scanning, ewes have low nutritional demands and can be fed at maintenance level, which is around 2% of bodyweight in dry matter/day
Example: 70 kg ewe = 1.4 kg DMI/day
To meet this, provide forage with:
✔️ 9–10 MJ ME
✔️ Minimum 9 g/kg crude protein
Winter forage usually does the job!
Example: 70 kg ewe = 1.4 kg DMI/day
To meet this, provide forage with:
✔️ 9–10 MJ ME
✔️ Minimum 9 g/kg crude protein
Winter forage usually does the job!