Veterinary
Mineral Bolusing in Sheep: Learning from Common Causes of Preventable Deaths
Mineral boluses are widely used to improve flock health, support productivity and address trace element deficiencies. However, each year SRUC investigates cases where sheep die following bolus administration, often due to preventable errors in product selection or administration technique.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 21/09/2026
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Hot Weather Warning: Prevent Sample Deterioration This Summer
With temperatures soaring across most of the UK in recent weeks, we have seen an increase in samples arriving at our laboratories in a putrid condition and unsuitable for testing. In many cases, exposure to elevated temperatures during storage and transit appears to be the main contributing factor.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 21/07/2026
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Ragwort Toxicity in Cattle: A Recent Case Highlights the Importance of Prevention
A recent postmortem investigation through the Dumfries PM room has highlighted the ongoing risk that ragwort poses to cattle, particularly when exposure goes unnoticed until clinical disease develops.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 21/07/2026
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Update on Selenium Testing: Shift from GSH‑Px to Whole Blood Selenium Assay
Due to an ongoing shortage of test kits, our usual method for assessing selenium status — glutathione peroxidase (GSH‑Px) — has not been available in recent weeks. Until supplies resume, we have temporarily replaced GSH‑Px with whole blood selenium analysis.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 17/02/2026
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Practical Pointers When Investigating Abortions in Cattle and Sheep
Abortion investigations in cattle and sheep can be frustrating, time-pressured, and often unrewarding if the wrong samples are collected — or none at all. When whole foetuses and placentas cannot be submitted, targeted sampling can still provide strong diagnostic value. Here is a practical guide to help maximise diagnostic yield while managing client expectations and lab workflow.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 30/01/2026
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Low Energy Silage in 2025: What It Means for Herd and Flock Performance
Results from over 1,000 new-season silage samples across Scotland are highlighting a significant nutritional challenge for the year ahead. Data compiled by SAC Consulting from 1,022 silage submissions in 2025 shows a widespread reduction in metabolisable energy (ME), with important implications for both cattle and sheep enterprises.…
- SRUC Veterinary Services
- 30/01/2026
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