Genetics helping breed the best farm working dogs
Soon farmers and working dog breeders will be able to have a dog that best suits their needs thanks to a team of researchers at Massey University.
Massey University’s School of Veterinary Science has entered the global top 20 in the latest QS World University Rankings.
The new results see the school up nine places from 28th in the 2020 results to 19th in 2021.
Professor Jon Huxley, head of the School of Veterinary Science, says a world top 20 ranking is good news for students, staff, the school and the university.
“It is a remarkable performance for a veterinary school in a small, geographically remote nation like New Zealand,” Huxley says.
He says that within the rankings, the school has a particularly high employer reputation.
“Our graduates are known around the world for their practical skills and approach. At the same time, we have an excellent academic reputation amongst our peers and we are strong in veterinary research.”
The school currently accepts 100 domestic students per year, plus an additional 25 international students each year.
Alongside its everyday academic functions, the school runs a veterinary teaching hospital offering services to the public in three areas; small animals, horses and farm animals.
The school has also established and operated the Wildbase Hospital which serves New Zealand’s wildlife and native species.
Huxley says he is incredibly proud of staff, particularly given the current challenges of trying to rebuild the School and cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our performance reflects their dedication to deliver an excellent learning environment for our students, and to project our research and veterinary expertise globally.”
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
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New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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