Hartpury University Prospectus

47

48

Deadly bacteria found in dog bowls. We’ve discovered E. coli, salmonella and MRSA in dog water bowls, which could put animal and human health at risk. In the first project of its kind, a lecturer and graduate showed that deadly bacteria is less likely to thrive in a stainless steel bowl than a plastic one. Here are a few examples of how our students and staff are making a difference to the lives of animals through research. Audiobooks could improve cows’ welfare. Our research into the effect of audiobooks and music on dairy cows’ behaviour found that cows fed for longer and were more sociable when experiencing country and classical music and audiobooks, and rested more when not exposed to them. Our findings may be used to enhance animal welfare. Dog trained to save endangered hedgehogs. Our lecturer and resident hedgehog expert has been training Henry, the special detection springer spaniel, to sniff out nesting hedgehogs in land development projects so they can be moved to safety. Too much exercise is bad for puppies. We’ve been investigating the health implications of over feeding and over exercising puppies. Our staff and students found that obesity, stunted growth, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis are all potential conditions they could develop as a result of too much activity.

Our students and lecturers are making a big difference to the lives of animals across the globe. Through their undergraduate dissertations, students explore their own research interests or team up with our staff to work on live briefs. Working closelywith industry, they’re producing research that helps to solve the real issues within our specialist sector. We also carry out ground-breaking new studies that contribute to best practice standards for animal welfare. Impact-driven Research

With over 70 species on campus, the research possibilities are endless. Our students interact with small and large domestic and exotic species, and have access to the Canine Hydrotherapy Centre, Equine Therapy Centre and livestock on our working farm.