LIVESTOCK SCIENTISTS from Scotland’s Rural College are offering vets lessons on genomics, which in turn will give them the knowledge that farmers need to optimise their breeding decisions.

Available online or through a two-day residential, the ‘Vetnomics’ course is designed to give a comprehensive introduction to the fast-evolving field of genomics and the benefits it can bring to animal breeding.

Genomics is the use of information at one of the highest resolutions possible – the individual building blocks of the DNA itself.

Delivered in collaboration with Agrimetrics, the course will lay the biological foundations for genetics; guide the audience through the evolution of the technologies now available; and provide strong emphasis on the use of genomics in practice. This will cover its application in disease as well as across the main livestock species – dairy, beef, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry.

Vetnomics will also cover the best ways to interpret data and allow vets to offer a wider range of services to farmers. As well as practising vets, the course is also suitable for farmers, retailers, genomic services providers, as well as feed and breeding companies.

The first residential will be held on June 19 and 20 – just before the Royal Highland Show – at Norton House Hotel, Ingliston. A winter residential is planned for November 22 and 23.

Prof Mike Coffey from SRUC said: “The practical application of science is playing an increasingly important role in modern farming. Genomic technologies can help improve and safeguard animal health and welfare through better breeding and management. Through the interdisciplinary approach of Vetnomics, we hope to share important messages from animal genetics research, give confidence in emerging technologies and refresh and inform vets as to the underlying mechanisms of genetic progress for data interpretation and discussion with farmers.”

To find out more about Vetnomics or to sign up, go to www.sruc.ac.uk/vetnomics