British Veterinary Association

STEVEN McCulloch's recent article raises important and timely questions about the role of the veterinary profession in addressing climate change, public health and animal welfare (VR, 17/24 January 2026, vol 198, p 95). Few farm vets would dispute the scale of the challenges outlined, nor the need for science-led change across global food systems. Where many in the profession may wish to add nuance is in how those changes are framed, implemented and communicated – particularly in a UK context. Farm vets work at the intersection of animal health, food production and environmental stewardship every day. We see firsthand that ‘animal agriculture’ is not a single, homogeneous activity. Different farming systems have markedly different impacts, and UK livestock production – across ruminant, monogastric and mixed systems – operates within a very different environmental, regulatory and welfare framework from many intensive global models that often dominate international datasets. UK farmers manage around 70 per cent of the country's land, much of which is permanent pasture, unsuitable for cropping, but well suited to ruminant livestock. These systems can support biodiversity, maintain soil carbon, protect landscapes and convert grass into high-quality, nutrient-dense food. Alongside these land-based systems, other UK livestock sectors, including poultry, play a key role in providing affordable, efficient sources of high-quality protein within tightly regulated production frameworks. From a planetary health perspective, the issue is therefore not simply one of ‘less versus more’ meat, but of what kind of meat, produced how and where. Balanced diets that include appropriate amounts of meat and dairy are well supported by nutritional science, particularly when those foods are produced to high welfare and environmental standards. UK-reared meat has relatively low food miles for UK consumers. It is produced under some of the world's most stringent animal welfare and antimicrobial use regulations and is subject to continuous veterinary oversight. Across sectors, this includes ongoing efforts to improve environmental performance, such as reducing reliance on imported feed ingredients, improving feed efficiency, and lowering the carbon footprint of production systems. Replacing this food with imported alternatives – whether animal or plant based – risks exporting environmental impact rather than reducing it. Farm vets also recognise the progress already made. Antimicrobial use in UK livestock has fallen dramatically over the past decade, driven by close collaboration between farmers and vets, improved husbandry and better disease prevention. Welfare outcomes in many sectors have improved for the same reasons. These gains are rarely the result of blunt targets alone, but of sustained, sector-specific change supported by veterinary expertise. At a time of significant economic pressure on UK agriculture, it is also vital to consider resilience and food security. Supporting domestic production reduces reliance on imports from countries with lower welfare or environmental standards, helps maintain rural economies and preserves the skills and infrastructure needed to adapt farming systems for the future. This applies across all livestock sectors, including those with more intensive housing and supply chains that face distinct sustainability challenges. Championing UK farmers is not about protecting the status quo, but about enabling them to continue improving while remaining economically viable. The veterinary profession is well placed to lead a constructive, evidence-based conversation about sustainable diets – one that acknowledges the need for moderation, reduction of waste and improvement in production systems, while also recognising the value of responsibly produced animal-source foods. Many vets already advocate ‘less and better’ not as a defence of profit, but as a pragmatic route to higher welfare, lower environmental impact and better public trust. “Rather than framing the debate as a binary choice between meat reduction and professional integrity, there is an opportunity to emphasise shared objectives

BackgroundObesity affects more than one-quarter of adults in the United Kingdom and is a leading cause of preventable disease and health care costs. Digital behavior change programs can provide scalable weight management support, but maintaining engagement is challenging, and engagement is strongly associated with weight loss success. Tailoring interventions to cognitive-behavioral phenotypes, distinct patterns of thinking and behavior, offers one strategy to improve adherence. Although such approaches show promise in controlled settings, evidence from real-world digital programs is limited.ObjectiveThis study evaluated whether phenotype-tailored weekly advice improved engagement and weight loss in a national digital weight management program. Secondary aims were to assess correlations between advice use and outcomes, explore moderation by socioeconomic status, and capture participants’ perceptions of the advice.MethodsWe conducted a quasi-experimental study among UK adults enrolled in a free 12-week program commissioned by the National Health Service. Eligible participants were aged 18-80 years with a BMI greater than 25 kg/m². The phenotype group (n=148; mean age 48 years; 127/148, 86% female; mean BMI 39 kg/m²) completed a 17-item questionnaire, were classified into one of 4 phenotypes, and received weekly tailored advice for 7 weeks. Comparators included a historical cohort enrolled 1 year earlier without phenotype advice (n=241; mean age 44 years; 171/241, 71% female) and nonresponders who did not complete the questionnaire (n=394; mean age 44 years; 299/394, 76% female). Primary outcomes were program engagement (any in-app activity such as meal logging, activity tracking, content reading, or coach messaging) and self-reported weight.ResultsThe phenotype group recorded a mean of 257 (SD 232) engagements over 7 weeks, significantly higher than both the historical cohort (mean 159, SD 187; P<.001) and nonresponders (mean 135, SD 198; P<.001), representing 62%-90% greater activity. All engagement types were significantly elevated (P<.001 for all). Mean weight loss was −2.23 kg (SD 7.97) in the phenotype group, compared with −1.60 kg (SD 5.39; P=.29) in the historical cohort and −0.69 kg (SD 13.23; P=.23) in nonresponders. The number of phenotype-specific advice documents opened correlated with engagement (r=0.48; P<.001) but not with weight loss (P=.42). Socioeconomic status did not moderate outcomes. Posttrial interviews (n=16) provided mixed feedback: many participants described the advice as clear, relevant, and motivating, whereas others considered it too general or poorly matched.ConclusionsPhenotype-tailored weekly advice was associated with substantially higher engagement in a real-world digital program, although short-term weight differences were not statistically significant. While limited by a nonrandomized design, short follow-up, and reliance on self-reported weight, this study suggests phenotype-based tailoring may be a scalable strategy to strengthen adherence in digital weight loss interventions. Larger randomized trials with longer follow-up are warranted to determine whether increased engagement translates into clinically meaningful weight loss.

Societal Impact StatementThe United Kingdom produces less than 20% of its fruit and ~50% of its vegetables, leaving it highly import dependent and vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Our study maps 2085 ha of existing greenhouses, with over 70% being more than 40 years old, and identifies where modern infrastructure could expand production. Achieving 50% self‐sufficiency in greenhouse‐grown food by 2050 would require a fourfold increase and £14.1 billion investment, with a 3–7‐year return via import savings. Expansion would secure year‐round supply, reduce waste and create a resilient, climate‐ready food system. The evidence is clear: Strategic investment in greenhouses is essential for UK food security.Summary Greenhouses offer stable, year‐round fruit and vegetable production using minimal land. However, the United Kingdom currently produces less than 20% of its fruit and only ~50% of its vegetables, leaving it highly import dependent. This study maps the current distribution of greenhouses in the United Kingdom and estimates the spatial and economic requirements for reducing reliance on imports through the expansion of modern infrastructure. Spatial suitability modelling and economic analysis were combined to assess land availability, capital investment needs and return potential for scaling domestic greenhouse production. Of the 2085 ha of greenhouse space in Britain, over 70% is more than 40 years old. Achieving 100% self‐sufficiency in greenhouse‐grown fruit and vegetables would require 18,766 ha of modern infrastructure, a ninefold increase, costing around £26.6 billion. Meeting 50% self‐sufficiency would require a fourfold increase and £14.1 billion, with an estimated 3–7‐year return on investment via import savings. The south and east of England are most suitable for expansion, though production is viable UK‐wide with energy innovations and business co‐location. To improve food system resilience, greenhouses must be recognised as essential infrastructure. Achieving 50% self‐sufficiency in greenhouse‐grown food by 2050 is both attainable and strategically important. Without coordinated investment, the United Kingdom risks continued import dependence, food waste, and a fragile supply chain.

General recommendations for low-sugar diets are often provided for equines experiencing various diseases, with limited understanding of the dietary components that contribute the most sugar. Legal requirements complicate sugar declarations on feed and supplements, resulting in confusion and making comparisons between products difficult. Analytical methods used to determine sugar levels are key, especially when comparing products. This article clarifies the legal requirements for labelling and describes the most appropriate analytical methods to use for different feedstuffs. Examples of sugar levels in commonly-used ingredients are given, including forage. Particular attention is drawn to conserved forage and the impact that different conservation techniques have on sugar levels. This is of importance when reviewing studies exploring the impact of so-called haylages for those requiring low-sugar diets.

What is research integrity and why does it matter to veterinary practitioners?THE number of scientific articles published each year has increased exponentially over the past decade, with the global output in 2023 estimated to be approximately 3.5 million articles. 1 Part of this growth may come from inclusivity initiatives to make publishing accessible to more researchers 2-4 and efforts to combat systemic biases in scientific publishing, such as positive result bias. 5Where growth in article output comes from such initiatives, it is welcome and should be accommodated.However, as the volume of research output continues to grow, maintaining high standards of integrity becomes increasingly challenging.Research integrity is built upon four pillars 6 : honesty -conveying information truthfully and honouring commitments; accuracy -reporting findings precisely and taking care to avoid errors and bias; efficiency -using resources wisely and avoiding waste; and objectivity -letting the data speak for themselves and avoiding overinterpretation.

Abstract A focussed abdominal ultrasonographic imaging technique was evaluated in five rabbits. Five sick rabbits presented to a veterinary exotics centre were imaged using a rapid, focussed ultrasonographic technique via four acoustic windows, as part of the clinical investigation. During imaging, the rabbits were either fully conscious, or sedated with midazolam if they showed signs of stress. Appendicitis, megacolon, splenic pathology and an intestinal wall abscess were identified using this technique, the diagnosis being confirmed on laparotomy, histopathology or computed tomography. A liver lobe torsion was suspected in one case, with supporting evidence from subsequent monitoring and response to medical management. This rapid ultrasonographic technique identified abnormal abdominal organs providing valuable diagnostic information, without the need for profound sedation or causing undue stress to the patient, demonstrating the potential value of focussed imaging in this species.

Sound scientific evidence, whenever available Excellent clinical reasoning Informed risk management.