Friday 18 July 2014

Interactive Animal Welfare at Royal Highland Show


The Royal Highland Show ran from the 19th-22nd June at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston. As always there was a strong presence from University of Edinburgh and SRUC scientists as well as displays from many companies, organisations, and of course, farmers from all over Scotland.

The SRUC pavilion included demonstrations of new technologies which can be used to improve precision farming, both tackling animal welfare issues and the need for sustainable intensification with the future. As well as the interactive exhibits there was also 'Trolley  the Sheep' who demonstrated virtual fencing enclosures to kids and adults alike. Entertaining as these exhibits are, they demonstrate the welfare applications of new technologies. Virtual fencing can be used to keep animals away from dangerous areas without disrupting the home ranges of native wildlife.

The Highland Show is an excellent opportunity for the farming community to meet with researchers and to prompt engagement with the public. It's also an opportunity for Scotland to show off the best it has to offer in terms of agriculture, from the many tractor displays, the animal judging, to the outdoor living and countryside arena, showing off everything from birds of prey displays to ancient medieval woodworking techniques.

Particular highlights on Saturday included the Heavy Horse Turnouts, as the beautiful summer weather meant the horses and carts were gleaming in the sunshine.


As always it was a very enjoyable day.
 





Read more here about SRUC at the Royal Highland Show:

 
 

No comments:

Post a Comment