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Outputs (6)

Behavioural Engagement of Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle with Different Mounting Techniques for Salt Licks as Environmental Enrichment (2025)
Journal Article
McLaughlin, D., & Blackie, N. (2025). Behavioural Engagement of Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle with Different Mounting Techniques for Salt Licks as Environmental Enrichment. Animals, 15(5), 701. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050701

With increasing numbers of dairy farms adopting zero-grazing systems, there is a growing need for indoor environmental enrichment methods. Enrichment is necessary to meet industry requirements and fulfil behavioural motivations, such as oral manipula... Read More about Behavioural Engagement of Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle with Different Mounting Techniques for Salt Licks as Environmental Enrichment.

The effect of needle reuse on piglet skin puncture force (2022)
Journal Article
Gibson, T., Blackie, N., & Owen, K. (2022). The effect of needle reuse on piglet skin puncture force. Veterinary Sciences, https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9020090

The study investigated whether repeat-use of needles used to inject piglets with iron, influences the force required to puncture into piglet cadaver skin. Pig units were surveyed on needle reuse and injection practices, these findings informed subseq... Read More about The effect of needle reuse on piglet skin puncture force.

The Impacts of Waterproof Insulated Jackets on Lamb Performance on a UK Lowland Farm (2021)
Journal Article
Collins, E. B., & Blackie, N. (2021). The Impacts of Waterproof Insulated Jackets on Lamb Performance on a UK Lowland Farm. Animals, 11(1), 217. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010217

The majority of lamb losses occur within the first two weeks of life, with cold stress being a major cause of lamb morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the effect of insulating lamb jackets on newborn lambs. One hundred and four newborn l... Read More about The Impacts of Waterproof Insulated Jackets on Lamb Performance on a UK Lowland Farm.

Influence of Lameness on the Lying Behaviour of Zero-Grazed Lactating Jersey Dairy Cattle Housed in Straw Yards (2019)
Journal Article
Blackie, N., & Maclaurin, L. (2019). Influence of Lameness on the Lying Behaviour of Zero-Grazed Lactating Jersey Dairy Cattle Housed in Straw Yards. Animals, 9(10), 829. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9100829

Thirty-five lactating Jersey cows were recruited to the study. They were grouped according to locomotion score (LS), where low scores indicate normal gait. LS-1 (n = 12), LS-2 (n = 12) and LS-3 (n = 11) were used. Locomotion scores were balanced for... Read More about Influence of Lameness on the Lying Behaviour of Zero-Grazed Lactating Jersey Dairy Cattle Housed in Straw Yards.

The Use of Garlic Oil for Olfactory Enrichment Increases the Use of Ropes in Weaned Pigs (2019)
Journal Article
Blackie, N., & De Sousa, M. (2019). The Use of Garlic Oil for Olfactory Enrichment Increases the Use of Ropes in Weaned Pigs. Animals, 9(4), 148. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9040148

Pig producers are required to provide environmental enrichment to provide pigs the opportunity to perform investigative and manipulative behaviours (EU directive 2001/93/EC). Preventing enrichment from losing its novelty and decreasing the rate at wh... Read More about The Use of Garlic Oil for Olfactory Enrichment Increases the Use of Ropes in Weaned Pigs.