Supporting the new generation of animal health and welfare specialists
Brenntag and Writtle University College (WUC) in Essex, UK are delighted to be working together to support pig health. The research project looking into the impact sanitised water can have on animal health, using Brenntag's proprietary chlorine dioxide technology Clorious2, specifically designed to facilitate the dosage, was commenced in September 2020 as part of WUC's working pig unit. Now in stage 2, it offers an important learning opportunity for the students.
We were delighted to speak with Victoria Hurst-Frost and Isabel Mascari of WUC who work on the project as part of their dissertation topic.
Isabel Mascari
I am currently in my final year of study at Writtle University College. My main reason for joining Writtle was because of its practical, hands-on learning as well as the different modules in the curriculum. Once I graduate I plan on carrying on my studies further to become a vet, and then hopefully specialise in farm veterinary.
I wanted to undertake the project as I have a passion for improving animal health and welfare. Clean and safe drinking water is one of the key ingredients for animal health, development and wellbeing. In this Brenntag/WUC project we are developing strong test regimes and protocols to validate the effect of Brenntag's unique water sanitation system on pig health and welfare.
Noel Fitzpatrick (Super Vet) is someone I look up to as he is always thinking of new and inventive ways to help animals in need. A question I would ask an industry expert is: What are new and improving laws and regulations which will affect the care and welfare of pigs?
Victoria Hurst-Frost
I am currently in the third year of my BSc Animal Management course at Writtle University College. I chose to join WUC because of its wide range of practical experiences included in the course and the beautiful campus. My career plans, once I graduate, are to hopefully go into conservation and welfare of animals.
I decided to undertake the Brenntag project because the welfare of pigs on our unit, and on the working farms overall, is very important and this project will expand my skillset and knowledge. Due to the pandemic, there have been a few step backs but overall, it is going well with a few good results already. I believe our Brenntag/WUC findings will offer a step change in the sector as a whole and I am excited to be part of the project team. We are already assessing the scope to extend the research to further trials and are delighted to have Brenntag's support in this regard.
In the animal industry, there are several people who inspire me. The main one being David Attenborough, who inspires many people to protect the planet and educates them to change their ways to protect all species of animal. Any person who works towards improving animal welfare inspires me too. A question I'd like to ask to an industry expert is: What's your favourite aspect of your career?
Brenntag Animal Nutrition are commited to supporting the industry and improving Animal Health & Nutrition. Find out more about our Animal Nutrition Total Concept here;
For more information on animal nutrition and Brenntag Total Concept please contact our team on: animalnutrition@brenntag.co.uk