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Researchers at the University's School of Textiles and Design have been set a particularly tricky challenge by scientists: how to develop a 'bovine bum bag' to ensure the hygienic collection of faeces from livestock.
We're aiming to produce something that's up to this tough job, while improving animal welfare.
Faecal collection is routinely carried out by research scientists to collect parasitic organisms as a first step in the development of new vaccines and medicines.
No commercial products are available for this, so currently scientists use harnesses and bags which were developed in-house at the Moredun Research Institute many decades ago, using materials that aren't really up to the job.
Now researchers at the University's School of Textiles and Design in the Scottish Borders will design, prototype and evaluate a new system for faeces collection. Speaking about the project, Dr Lisa Macintyre at the University's School of Textiles and Design said, “We're aiming to produce something that's up to this tough job, while improving animal welfare.”