A Nottingham University lecturer has been named as this year’s, University Federation for Animal Welfare’s Young Scientist of the Year.
Dr Jasmeet Kaler, has been recognised for her contribution to animal welfare in the UK. She is at the forefront of developments in recognising lameness in sheep.
This problem affects around 3 million sheep each year in the UK with major economic and welfare consequences.
“It’s been a great honour to receive this award and I have been very lucky to have worked with some great scientists in the field.” Dr Kaler said.
“Treatment of lame sheep using recommended practice as identified by our research can lead to significant economic and welfare benefits on farms.”
Picture: Dr Kaler has improved treatement of lameness in sheep.
The results of her research were used by Farmer Animal Welfare Council and The Sheep Veterinary Society to issue the recommendations and set national targets. This should reduce lameness levels to 5% cent in the next 5 years and to 2% by 2021.
The research has also influenced teaching at vet schools and continuous professional development.
“I am delighted that Dr Kaler has been named the UFAW Young Scientist of the Year; this is a fitting recognition of her achievements.”
– Professor Gary England, Foundation Dean at the SVMS praises Dr Kaler’s achievements
This work is particularly important because it provides practical solutions to an important area of animal welfare and I am sure that the findings will have a very substantial impact.”
Jasmeet graduated as a vet in India in 2002 India before moving to Nottingham. She completed a Masters in Veterinary Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College in 2004 and a PhD from University of Warwick in 2008.
