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Professor Cathy Dwyer

Professor Cathy Dwyer

Cathy Dwyer

  0131 651 9337

  cathy.dwyer@sruc.ac.uk

Animal & Veterinary Sciences,

SRUC, Roslin Institute Building,

Easter Bush,

Midlothian EH25 9RG

Biography

Cathy's research has spanned basic science understanding of the neurobiological factors mediating differences in behaviour, to applied studies which seek to improve offspring survival on farm through improved management and genetic selection for key traits. Her current work in this area considers the benefits of experiencing maternal care for the offspring that extend beyond just nutrition and encompass security, protection and stress-buffering. Cathy also works in the area of animal welfare, particularly of extensively managed animals, and how welfare of animals in these challenging environments can be reliably monitored and assessed. In collaboration with scientists in Spain and Italy as part of the EU FP7 ‘AWIN’ project, and colleagues at SRUC, Cathy has been involved in the development of a validated protocol to assess the welfare of sheep. 

In this context, her research is currently focused on the impact on sheep welfare of different management practices in farming systems, and how this relates to other public goods, such as measures of biodiversity and sustainability.

Leading Ideas

  • Livestock Welfare

Area of Strategic Research Programme

Further information the Scottish Government's Strategic Research Programme is available

  • Theme 2: Productive and sustainable land management and Rural Economies
  • 2.2 - Livestock Production, Health, Welfare, and Disease Control
  • 2.2.2 Evaluation of livestock health