Beth Winspear
Project Title Healthy Start: Early life interventions to improve the health, welfare and performance of dairy-beef calves during the transition from source farm to rearing farm.
Biography: Beth grew up on a smallholding in rural Cornwall, where her motivation to work in large animal health and welfare first developed. This interest has shaped her academic and professional career, leading her to specialise in evidence-based approaches to improving the health of farmed animals.
Beth is currently undertaking a PhD researching the health, welfare and performance of dairy-beef calves. Her research focuses on the management of dairy-beef calves when they arrive at beef-rearing units, particularly the timing of vaccinations and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation following transport. Her work aims to identify practical approaches that farmers can take to improve the health and resilience of their calves. Overall, this research contributes to building a more robust and welfare-focused livestock industry.
Before starting her PhD, Beth worked as a Scientific and Policy Officer, developing standards for use by a farm assurance scheme covering all major UK farm animal species. Beth also holds a first-class Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree and a distinction-awarded Master of Science in Animal Behaviour. Her previous research investigated behavioural and physiological indicators of stress in equines.
Teagasc email: beth.winspear@teagasc.ie
University email: bwinspear26@rvc.ac.uk
Teagasc Research Programme: Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme
Research Location: Teagasc Grange
University: Royal Veterinary College
Teagasc Supervisor: Dr Jamie O’Driscoll
University Supervisor: Dr Sophie Mahendran
Funder: Barham Benevolent Foundation