Impact of Flock Health Clubs

Noble, Nicola; Occhiuto, Francesca; Lovatt, Fiona; Johnson, Marion; Jones, Wendy; Kaler, Jasmeet

Abstract

Sheep farming is an important part of UK agriculture with significantly more breeding females than either the pig or cattle sectors. Whether grazing alongside arable rotations or utilising the marginal uplands, sheep farms arguably play a key role that is embedded within UK rural society. However, research led by University of Nottingham has identified various challenges and barriers that have affected relationships between UK sheep farmers and the veterinary profession. In response to these findings, Flock Health Clubs were developed as an initiative that aimed for improved and cost-effective sheep farmer–veterinary interaction. We report quantitative and qualitative data that assess the impact of Flock Health Clubs and indeed show tangible improvements in both farmer–veterinary surgeon relationships and measures of flock health and welfare.

Citation

Noble, N., Occhiuto, F., Lovatt, F., Johnson, M., Jones, W., & Kaler, J. (2020). Impact of Flock Health Clubs. Livestock, 25(6), 301-307. https://doi.org/10.12968/live.2020.25.6.301

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 29, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Nov 2, 2020
• Publication Date: Nov 2, 2020
• Deposit Date: Dec 23, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: May 3, 2021
• Journal: Livestock
• Print ISSN: 2053-0862
• Electronic ISSN: 2053-0870
• Publisher: Mark Allen Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 301-307
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/live.2020.25.6.301
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5172911
• Publisher URL: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/live.2020.25.6.301
• Additional Information: This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Livestock, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/live.2020.25.6.301.